University of Manchester

BSc in International Disaster Management & Humanitarian Response

As demand grows around a strategic global response to the ever-changing and increasing risks, shocks and conflicts arising from natural and anthropogenic hazards, it is increasingly important that we build an understanding of the root causes of vulnerability to disasters and conflicts as a pathway to addressing such contemporary international problems.

BSc International Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response is a multidisciplinary course designed to enhance collaboration amongst natural and social sciences, medicine and the arts.

This course seeks to bridge the divide between development, disaster risk management, and peace and conflict studies.

As a student you will explore these contemporary issues and challenges through a theoretical lens - both globally and locally in the UK.

Through the course you can expect to build research expertise, knowledge and theoretical management skills in disaster preparedness, response and recovery in order to reduce negative impacts on health, social, economic and environmental spheres.

You will also focus learning on the causes and consequences of conflict as well as conflict resolution and peacebuilding - again from an international and local perspective.

You will find this multidisciplinary course unique as you will be taught by an interdisciplinary team of lecturers, including anthropologists, geographers, political scientists, historians and development scholars.

As such, your learning will be truly interdisciplinary and allow you to understand disaster management, humanitarianism and peace building from a multi-disciplinary perspective and an integrated approach to the field.

You will also have the opportunity to take optional course units in disciplines such as Geography, Politics, Theology, Languages and Anthropology.

This will provide you with wide options to choose from whilst having a grounding in peace and conflict studies, humanitarianism and disaster management.

Alternatively, you can study for a joint honours degree combining Arabic, Chinese, French or Spanish.

Please note this course covers distressing and upsetting topics such as genocide, sexual violence and the impact of conflict on women and children.

Aims

• Provide a critical insight into destabilising events and develop an understanding and appreciation of disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of key issues which inform the debates on disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response.
• Develop practical expertise in risk and vulnerability analyses, disaster preparedness and response and the integration of development and humanitarian action.
• Foster an informed attitude on ethical issues related to humanitarianism, including international actions taken by governments, and inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations in response to disasters of both natural and human origins.
• Develop strategic research methodologies and techniques, including data gathering, collation, analysis and dissemination of results in disaster risk management and humanitarian action contexts.

Special features

Insight from the field

As an International Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response student, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake field study – either here in the UK or overseas.

You’ll learn how your knowledge of disaster management and humanitarian response might be applied in the context of real-life hazards and vulnerabilities.

Work placements

Work placements with humanitarian organisations will allow you to gain valuable professional experience.

Research dissertation

Your third-year dissertation allows you to make the focus of your final year at University truly your own and relevant to your personal interests and prospective career.

Teaching and learning

Teaching takes place in a variety of formats, including lectures, seminars, small group tutorials and virtual web-based seminars.

We will encourage you to undertake independent research at every level of the course.

Seminars provide opportunities to develop research and presentation skills including researching sources, planning, public speaking and the use of audio-visual media.

You will explore lecture themes in more detail via individual and group readings and presentations.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment varies from course unit to course unit, but we aim to offer a good balance of formal examinations, essays and project work.

The culmination of your studies will be a dissertation, allowing you to focus on a specific area of interest and to apply the knowledge you've gained throughout your university study.

By tailoring your research topic to meet your career objectives and personal interests, you can make your final semester here truly your own.

Course units for year 1

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

• Histories of Humanitarianism
• Key Concepts in International Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response
• Introduction to Disaster Management
• Key Skills in International Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response
• Introduction to Conflict Analysis
• Governing Aid
• Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Global Development

Course units for year 2

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

• Everyday Peace Building and Security
• Disasters and Development
• Rethinking Crisis
• Emergency Humanitarian Assistance
• Understanding hazard risk
• Professional Experience Project
• Introduction to Global Health
• Sustainable Global Development
• Political Economy of Globalisation
• Urban Development in the Global South
• The State and the Political Economy of Development
• Climate Change and Biodiversity in a Developing World
• From Cholera to COVID-19: A Global History of Epidemics
• Crisis of Nature: Issues in Environmental History
• Understanding Mental Health
• From Cholera to COVID-19: A Global History of Epidemics
• Crisis of Nature: Issues in Environmental History

Course units for year 3

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

• Extended Research Paper
• Introduction to Global Health
• War, Migration and Health
• Diseases in Developing Countries
• Ethical Decision-Making Under Pressure
• Decolonising Disaster Studies
• Illicit Economies, Conflict, and Development
• Practical Approaches to Researching Disasters and Conflict
• Research Paper
• Geographical Information Systems and Disasters: A Critical Introduction
• Systemic Approaches to Disaster Management
• Living Interventions
• Climate Change and Society

We have pioneering partnerships with national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs). These shape the real-world focus of our teaching and offer strong links to key career destinations.

Your transferable and academic skills will appeal to employers including international organisations such as the United Nations and humanitarian NGOs such as The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

You'll also be well-equipped to enter a career in business and commerce, law, journalism, tourism management and teaching.

Additionally, there's the opportunity to continue your studies through our master's courses.

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability.

We are looking for applicants who have the predicted A-level grades (or other qualifications) for the relevant degree programme and whose personal statement demonstrates an enthusiasm for the subject.

All such suitable applicants will be invited for an interview.