Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management MSc, by distance learning

Program Overview

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Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management MSc, by distance learning

Course Description

Global warming, climate change, environmental disasters, and terror threats present significant and growing threats to societies. Disasters, crises and risks cause social, economic, financial, natural and physical disruption that often most severely affect the poor and vulnerable. The ‘messiness’ that risks, crisis and disasters create requires complex solutions to mitigate impact. Being able to manage and mitigate these threats is now seen by the United Nations as a globally valuable skill, enshrined in their three frameworks - the Sustainable Development Goals ), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction ) and the Paris Protocol ).

Identifying interconnections between these frameworks and putting them into practice to achieve sustainable outcomes in complex situations can be challenging for practitioners and responders. This highly inter-disciplinary degree aims to develop your confidence, as a frontline practitioner/responder, to improve practice, alleviate poverty, reduce systemic risk, and in so doing, assert leadership in this field.

Within your programme you'll undertake various methods of assessment individually such as reflective essays and reports and also work with peers to undertake compulsory group work such as article reviews and an emergency response plan.

In addition to learning the risk, crisis and disaster management theories that underpin the UN’s Frameworks, the course will provide you with the skills and confidence to plan and execute research and engage in global debates with confidence. To achieve this, you will be supported in developing skills in evaluating information critically, communicating ideas clearly, undertaking advanced conceptual analysis, using information sources effectively, reporting and interpreting research critically, and developing new approaches to problem-solving.

We have over 30 years experience of offering distance learning education that gives you the flexibility to fit your study around existing commitments and enhance your career prospects without having to leave employment, as well as the opportunity to build your global network.

With our programme you have the choice of completing your studies in two or two and a half years. In the standard two and half year model you will study all of the modules sequentially before moving onto your dissertation. In our accelerated two-year model you will study module one before studying modules two and three simultaneously, before going on to study to your fourth module and then your dissertation.

Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree in a relevant field (2:2 or above, from a recognised HE institution) or its equivalent or at least three years of work experience in a related field plus completion of a practice assignment.
• IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
• International Qualifications: Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Fees and Funding

• UK Students: £13,250
• International Students: £13,250
• A Sanctuary Scholarship is available on this course for refugees/asylum seekers and their dependants.
• A 20% alumni discount is available.

Accreditation

• This course is accredited by The Institute of Risk Management (IRM).
• Once you graduate you will be entitled to exemption from all six modules of the International Diploma in Risk Management.
• You can apply for GradIRM membership after you graduate, and if you have three or more years of relevant experience you can upgrade to Certified Membership.

Careers and Employability

• Our distance learning courses are designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to understand recent developments in risk and emergency management, at a local, national and global level.
• The programme attracts students who have careers in fields similar to risk, crisis, disaster management and development and look to this masters to enhance and develop skills to progress their professional and career development.
• A postgraduate distance learning qualification from the University of Leicester is career changing. It can be the springboard to promotion with your current employer, the platform to move into a new area or to simply become more effective in your current role.

Course Structure

• Core modules:
  • Theories of Risk, Crisis and Disasters
  • Disaster Risk Reduction and International Development
  • Managing Risk, Crisis and Disasters
  • Emergency Planning Management
  • Research Methods and Project (Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management)

Teaching and Learning

• You will be able to study by flexible learning through the use of video lectures, Collaborate software for seminars, discussion forums on Blackboard, Teams for meetings and email.
• You will have online access to materials to support each module, and you will also work with your fellow students.
• You will receive support throughout the course from a group of dedicated support staff available through our virtual learning environment, Blackboard, and via email.
• You will be provided with a timetable and key study targets to enable effective time management.
• Tutors will always be available to you to discuss any aspects of your study either by phone or email.

Assessment

• All modules have more than one assessment component, allowing feedback on the first to be used to develop and enhance learning for subsequent assessment.
• You will be assessed through a variety of methods including online multiple-choice tests, essays, briefs, incident reports, emergency response plans plus your proposal and dissertation.
• Some assessments will be individual and some will be group work.

Key Dates

• Start date: 6 October 2025
• Application deadline for October 2025 start: 15 September 2025
• Start date: 13 April 2026
• Application deadline for April 2026 start: 23 March 2026

Program Outline

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Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management MSc, by distance learning | University of Leicester

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Degree Overview:

This MSc program focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage and mitigate risks, crises, and disasters. It draws upon theories from risk, crisis, development, and management fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of these complex issues. The program aims to develop students' confidence as frontline practitioners and responders, enabling them to improve practice, alleviate poverty, reduce systemic risk, and assert leadership in this field.

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Objectives:

• Develop a deep understanding of risk, crisis, and disaster management theories.
• Gain practical skills in planning and executing research.
• Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Develop new approaches to problem-solving.
• Build a global network of peers and professionals.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

• The program can be completed in either two or two and a half years.
• The standard two and a half-year model involves studying all modules sequentially before undertaking the dissertation.
• The accelerated two-year model involves studying module one, then modules two and three simultaneously, followed by module four and the dissertation.

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Modules:

• Theories of Risk, Crisis and Disasters: This module explores the theoretical foundations of risk, crisis, and disaster management, examining key concepts, frameworks, and approaches.
• Managing Risk, Crisis and Disasters: This module delves into practical aspects of risk, crisis, and disaster management, covering topics such as planning, response, recovery, and mitigation.
• Emergency Planning Management: This module examines the principles and practices of emergency planning, including risk assessment, scenario development, and response coordination.
• Research Methods and Project (Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management): This module equips students with the skills and knowledge to conduct independent research in the field of risk, crisis, and disaster management.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Online multiple-choice tests
• Essays
• Briefs
• Incident reports
• Emergency response plans
• Dissertation proposal
• Dissertation

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Assessment Criteria:

• Critical thinking and analysis
• Research skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Flexible learning through video lectures, Collaborate software for seminars, discussion forums on Blackboard, Teams for meetings, and email.
• Online access to materials supporting each module.
• Group work with fellow students.
• Support from dedicated staff through the virtual learning environment (Blackboard) and email.
• Timetable and key study targets for effective time management.
• Tutor support via phone or email.
• Academic writing and language skills introduction for students without prior academic background.
• Leicester Masterclass held on campus, offering lectures, activities, and workshops.

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Faculty:

• Lecturing staff with diverse research interests, including international development, securitization of risk, flight-deck human factors, and nuclear safety.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program is designed to promote independent learning, allowing students to manage their work life and studies effectively.
• The University is a signatory of the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative, fostering leadership in sustainable risk, crisis, disaster, and development management.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Risk management
• Crisis management
• Disaster management
• Emergency planning
• International development
• Policy analysis
• Research
• Consulting

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Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for careers in various sectors, including government, non-profit organizations, private companies, and international organizations.
• The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to progress their professional development and advance their careers.

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Outcomes:

• Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage and mitigate risks, crises, and disasters.
• Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the field of risk, crisis, and disaster management.
• Graduates are eligible for graduate membership of the Institute of Risk Management (IRM).

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Other:

• The program is designed to be flexible and accessible to students with diverse backgrounds and commitments.
• The program emphasizes the importance of ethical and responsible management practices.
• The program provides students with the opportunity to engage in global debates and contribute to the field of risk, crisis, and disaster management.

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UK Fees:

• £12,950

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International Fees:

• £12,950