Program Overview

MSc International Humanitarian Affairs (online)

The MSc International Humanitarian Affairs (online) is a unique course that explores the changing nature of humanitarianism. This course is taught entirely online and is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to respond to humanitarian crises.

Overview

The course is delivered in three main stages over two years: Taught Component (Year 1), Taught Component (Year 2), and MSc (Year 2 with the completion of the dissertation). The course leader is Dr. Jo Rose, and other staff from the Department of Health Sciences and associates from collaborative organizations also contribute to the teaching.

Course Content

The course enables students to:

• develop their understanding and response to humanitarian needs in complex operational contexts
• examine and analyze contemporary issues, challenges, and dilemmas using social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental perspectives
• gain advanced academic and policy skills and learn how to use theory to maintain good practice
• experience teaching led by a dedicated team of academic staff, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of humanitarian affairs

Modules

The course includes the following modules:

• Examining Humanitarianism
• Protection and Assistance in International Humanitarian Law
• Humanitarian Response: Food and Nutrition, Shelter, Health, and WASH
• Research Methods in Humanitarian Affairs
• Education in Emergencies
• Evaluating Humanitarian Programmes
• Communities in Humanitarian Affairs
• Disasters in Complex Political Emergencies
• The Climate Crisis

Dissertation

To successfully complete the course, students must complete a dissertation based on an original research project. The dissertation allows students to design, implement, and finalize their own research project with a final research report.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes for this course include:

• critically evaluating humanitarian crises and responses to them
• appraising the design and delivery of humanitarian projects
• using strategic and innovative thinking to deal with the challenges of humanitarian crises
• coordinating, cooperating, and communicating effectively with different cultures and organizations
• carrying out accurate, ethical, evidenced-based academic, policy, and practice research into humanitarian affairs
• operating as ethical professionals, based on knowledge of contemporary protection and legal frameworks of humanitarianism

Fees and Funding

Annual Tuition Fees for 2026/27

The annual tuition fee for the course is £7,020 for part-time, distance learning (2 years).

Additional Costs

There are no anticipated additional costs to study this course. The tuition fees cover the learning and reading materials, access to the University of York library, and various humanitarian databases.

Teaching and Assessment

The course is primarily taught through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The teaching format includes interactive discussion groups and seminars led by practitioners, academic staff, and course partners.

Assessment and Feedback

Students will be assessed throughout the course in theory, policy, and practice elements. A variety of assessment methods, including critical essays, analytical reports, posters, and proposals, will be used.

Careers and Skills

The course enables students to build upon their practical knowledge gained from professional experience with cutting-edge theory and an insight into humanitarian policy-making. Successful completion of the course leads to a globally recognized qualification.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have gone on to leading roles in governmental and non-governmental organizations, the United Nations, and charities, working in areas affected by disasters and conflicts around the world.

Transferable Skills

The course provides students with transferable skills, including:

• collaboration with affected populations as equal partners
• analytical and critical skills to engage at policy and practice levels
• creativity and imagination to respond to complex and challenging emergencies
• the ability to facilitate positive change and response improvement
• the ability to undertake reflective independent learning
• the ability to research, source, and examine information thoroughly

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for the course is a 2:2 or equivalent in a relevant subject. The University is willing to consider applications from those who do not have the appropriate qualifications but have suitable humanitarian and development experience.

English Language

If English is not the student's first language, they may need to provide evidence of their English language ability. The University accepts various English language qualifications, including IELTS, Cambridge CEFR, and TOEFL.