Erasmus University Rotterdam - Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Master in Societies in Crisis: Humanitarian Action and Policy Responses
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Master degree
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 May 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 21,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for non-EEA | for EEA: 1 June
** institutional fee: non-EEA students | Dutch / EEA students Institutional Fee: €14.800 | Dutch / EEA students Statutory fee: €2.695
Is this the programme you're looking for?
In a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty - climate change, natural hazards, war, displacement - finding creative, sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever. Societies facing crises need professionals who can understand complex challenges and design innovative responses that truly make a difference. Do you want to be one of them?
This master’s programme explores the critical questions:
- What happens before, during, and after a humanitarian crisis?
- How do communities adapt and respond?
- How is international aid coordinated—and how effective is it?
- Most importantly, how can we rebuild in a way that’s smarter, fairer, and more resilient?
Whether it's earthquakes, floods, armed conflict, or the fallout of global displacement, this programme equips you with the tools to analyse, respond to, and shape recovery efforts prioritising sustainability and justice. If you're driven to make a tangible impact where needed most, this programme is for you.
What does this study entail?
The interlinked threats of climate change, war, conflict, and natural hazards such as floods and earthquakes mean that humanitarian crises are becoming more and more prominent across the world. How can public policy and management react and respond to ensure the safety of people’s lives and livelihoods? This master's programme will endow you with an interdisciplinary theoretical understanding and the practical skills you'll need to work effectively in the world of humanitarian action, whether at a (local or regional) government, UN agency, NGO, or in the private sector.
We will help you understand societies in crisis from a systems perspective: seeing each earthquake, conflict, or mass displacement as a complex and interconnected phenomenon where responses by various actors can either mitigate or aggravate the societal impacts of the crisis. By the end of this programme, you will be able to analyse the various components of crises and design targeted, effective strategies that can help respond, build back better, and prevent the worst outcomes of future crises.
This specialisation is part of the MSc in International Public Management & Public Policy. It is led by the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences and the International Institute of Social Studies. This means that you will be taught by a world-class team of scholars from the realms of political science, humanitarian studies, public administration, development studies, and international relations.
Is this the right programme for you?
This master’s programme:
- Takes a systems approach to analysing humanitarian crisis, with a multilevel focus that looks at the whole of society.
- Deals with public management and policy of societies in crisis at a governmental, local, international, and non-governmental level.
- Is led by academics with practical experience, who can guide you towards a career in crisis management, humanitarian action, or governance of crisis.
- Takes a critical approach to societal questions and the background to societal or humanitarian crises.
- Links with multiple organisations in The Hague and Rotterdam, focusing on peace, justice, disasters, and humanitarian action.
The Programme
The MSc programme consists of both theoretical and skill-based components, arranged across four blocks.
Block 1 will introduce you to the main political currents, actors, and discourses related to societies that experience a crisis, as well as how humanitarian actors manage crises (with a special focus on IDPs and refugees). You will also be introduced to the political economy of crisis, and the internationally used nexus between humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding work.
Block 2 will delve into some specific themes and currents, including the mechanics of a disaster, the influences of climate change, and risk reduction and creation. You’ll also jump into the most relevant discussions around International Humanitarian Law, Accountability, and Advocacy. You’ll also learn to take a systems approach to a humanitarian crisis.
Block 3 will focus on professional development, with problem-solving and skill-building simulations. You’ll also have the chance to broaden your knowledge with an elective module from the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, and/or the International Institute of Social Studies. You will begin preparing for your final research project (thesis) with research design and methods training.
During Block 4, you will devise and carry out a research project as the final ‘crown jewel’ piece in your journey! You’ll be supervised by one of the course instructors, and you will be able to focus on a subject that is personal, contextual, and relevant to your own life and (future) career.
Public Administration at Erasmus University was ranked #1 in the Shanghai Ranking of world universities in 2025
Graduates of this specialisation are equipped to pursue impactful careers in the humanitarian, development, and public policy sectors. With a growing demand for professionals who can navigate crises and shape effective and sustainable responses, you can go off to work for international organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union, or the Red Cross; global and local NGOs; national governments; crisis management agencies; and think tanks. Others might build careers in consultancy, research, or the private sector, especially in roles that intersect with disaster risk reduction, conflict resolution, or sustainable development. Whether coordinating emergency relief, advising on post-crisis reconstruction, or shaping humanitarian policy, this programme prepares you to make meaningful contributions where they matter most.