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 an advanced understanding of the theory, policy, and practice of humanitarian affairs.

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

The annual tuition fees for 2026/27 are £7,020 for part-time, distance learning (2 years). The fees for future years are subject to confirmation.

Teaching and Assessment

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

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.

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for this 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.