Introducing Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute — The University of Manchester

Dr Amanda McCorkindale, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies, explains what the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI) is and what courses are on offer

What is humanitarianism, conflict response and disaster management?

Disaster management is a broad subject area linked closest to crisis management and the study of (natural) hazards. It focuses on the interaction of an event (natural and human) and the human response to it. We look at all stages of a potential event through the disaster management cycle which encapsulates the event, the response, recovery and subsequent planning and mitigation. This then crosses into earth science as we seek to understand the hazard but also cover many human topics including psychology, anthropology and human geography. The subject largely focuses on process to manage or respond a variety of stakeholders and is underpinned by effective communication. It has become prominent through the study of climate change and sustainability and is founded from major hazard events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Humanitarianism and conflict response is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on crises arising from both conflict zones and natural disasters, examining these from both historical and contemporary perspectives. It draws upon a range of academic disciplines and research expertise, including health, social sciences, and the humanities. The field helps develop analytical skills for critically evaluating the concept of humanitarianism, as well as the methods through which responses to conflict are organised, justified, and implemented.

This field of study encompasses a range of issues including the causes of conflict, the stakes of humanitarian action in situations of violence, peacebuilding efforts and war to peace transitions, and processes of post-conflict reconstruction. It addresses the roles and perspectives of states, multilateral and bilateral agencies, international and domestic NGOs (non-governmental organisations), and other civil institutions.  

Tell us a little about the Masters courses on offer.

We offer a number of Masters courses at the HCRI. On campus, we have two main programmes - one focusing on Humanitarianism and Conflict Response (HCR), and another on International Disaster Management (IDM).

The former looks at how humanitarian crises are responded to, past and present, with a focus on those that are man-made - conflict, famines, forced displacement and some consideration of vector-borne crises. The HCR Masters covers an array of topics, including:

• the connection between violent conflict and everyday life - such as interactions with both state and non-state actors, and the moral processes individuals use to cope with the pain and suffering caused by traumatic experiences
• the ethical challenges surrounding delivering humanitarian aid in conflict zones
• economic factors influencing conflict, such as the effects of trade policies on peacebuilding and the impact of different political and economic systems on the likelihood of peace or conflict and how the international community's economic policies aim to foster peace and development.

The IDM Masters looks more closely at the responses and mitigation for crises caused by natural hazards.

We then offer a number of distance learning courses. The MSc in Global Health is aimed at those wishing to study the worldwide improvement of health, reduction of disparities and protection against global threats. Then we have an MSc which combines both HCR and IDM. This gives students a thorough basis through which to understand crises and responses and is particularly relevant for those who cover both conflicts and disasters in their work.

Finally, we have an MSC in Humanitarian Practice, which is specifically aimed at those already working in the field of humanitarian and disaster response and invites students to critically reflect on the work they do.

Where can the course lead?

This will depend on the course you choose. Some of our students who chose the humanitarian path are now working for NGOs, both locally, in Manchester, in the UK and abroad. These include International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Human Appeal, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) and the British Heart Foundation (BHF). Some have moved on to government roles within the UK Civil Service, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), or in various government institutions in their home countries.

Graduates have also moved into logistics, PR (for NGOs) and advocacy. Some have continued to pursue further research, whether in academia or for think tanks. Others have returned to their jobs in the field. This week, one of my GIS (Geographic Information System) students got a job working for an engineering company. Many companies/authorities need to show they are more sustainable and resilient, so this is perfect.

What types of students would suit these courses?

We are looking for students who care. Those looking to pursue a career in the UK or abroad working in or around the humanitarian industry or those wishing to expand their knowledge of the way in which global power relations function. We want students who are prepared to challenge the status quo and stand up for a more equitable world.

If you are more humanitarian then the courses would suit historians, anthropologists, human geographers, sociologists and political scientists. The disaster management side of things would suit geographers, geologists, natural science, business management and economists (risk).

What are the main challenges currently facing the sector?

It is a puzzle piece which fits multiple puzzles - the subject is broad and does not clearly fit in - as it crosses into many others, e.g. geography, politics, development etc. The sector is relatively narrow - mainly through aid and NGOs, which feels like an obvious route, but over time should become more relevant. However, we try to expose students to the idea that the sector is more than just NGOs. There is a need for humanitarians in many sectors - for example, in the UK local councils require disaster response officers, most NHS trusts have someone working on crisis management and even huge multinational corporations are seeing the value of having a social responsibility team. Being a humanitarian is so much more than just delivering aid in an active crisis.

Another challenge facing the humanitarian and conflict sector is the complexity of crises they seek to respond to. In recent years, the concept of 'polycrisis' has become popular among policymakers to highlight the idea that multiple, interconnected crises - ranging from financial to geopolitical to environmental - are converging in ways that amplify their individual impacts, creating a complex and compounding global instability that is difficult to manage or predict.

Those trying to address the challenges and human suffering caused by humanitarian crises and armed conflict are confronted with situations that often combine protracted violence, displacement, political instability, and climate change and required to navigate volatile environments contested by multiple actors, including states, paramilitaries, and various non-state actors. The Masters programmes offered at HCRI provide students with the foundational skills and critical thinking required to navigate these environments.

What advice do you have for anyone considering humanitarian and disaster management as career?

Choose which element of the above you are interested in. Many humanitarianism students lack an understanding of the environment - this would be a beneficial addition. Develop your skill base, i.e. understanding of communications, mapping, planning, logistics. Try to gain practical experience through volunteering.

A career in this sector can happen through many avenues. For instance, if a transport company needs a logistician, having these skills and then the critical knowledge developed from the course can provide the next step to a logistics job in the sector. Do not discount the experience you get in what you may think is a stop-gap job - many skills you learn will be necessary for this sector.

Explore the issues you are passionate about and do so from a range of perspectives and disciplines - this could be public health, logistics, languages, international law, political science, and crisis management. Gaining a solid understanding of these fields will equip you to handle the complex, interdisciplinary challenges you'll encounter.

Find out more

• Learn more about the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute.
• Explore the role of international aid/development worker.