International Disaster Management

Entry requirements

Months of entry

September

Course content

All countries face a wide range of hazards, both natural and man-made, that have the potential to result in catastrophic damage and negative impacts on societies.

Despite actions taken by local emergency management professionals, international trends show that the economic and social impact of disaster has increased around the world.

This is especially true in the developing world, where large-scale disasters can result in enormous loss of life as well as considerable economic damage.

The MSc in International Disaster Management is aimed at those who are interested in critically analysing key concepts in disaster management theory, research, policy and practice, including vulnerability, governance, disaster risk reduction, and enhancing resilience to disasters through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

You will undertake multidisciplinary study at the HCRI, focusing on the critical analysis of current trends in academic research and policies, particularly those related to international disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, and humanitarian action tools commonly used by disaster risk reduction professionals.

You will study a core curriculum that brings together the realms of disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, and humanitarian action.

Our interdisciplinary team of researchers will also support the critical exploration of disaster resilience, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery, helping to equip you to work professionally in disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

The MSc in International Disaster Management is unique as it incorporates units and lecturers from a wide variety of disciplines, including geography, history, politics, development studies, the arts and medicine.

Our course is suitable for developing initial skills in disaster risk reduction and/or supporting continuing education for disaster risk reduction professionals.

Fees and funding

HCRI Taught Masters Scholarships

Deadline for application – Friday, 30 March 2025, 11.59pm (GMT)

The HCRI department is offering a full-fee scholarship (set at Home/EU Fees) for students commencing their studies in September 2025.

There will be one scholarship available for each of the following programmes:

• MA Humanitarianism and Conflict Response
• MSc International Disaster Management

Amount:

£14,000 (1-year, full Home/EU fee)

Eligibility criteria:

Applicants may be of any nationality.

Students who have already accepted full scholarships or bursaries for September 2025 entry are ineligible to apply.

To apply for this scholarship:

You should have already applied for the MA Humanitarianism and Conflict Response or MSc International Disaster Management via the Online Application Form. There is no separate form for funding.

If you have not already submitted any of the items below, please email them to masalcfunding@manchester.ac.uk with your ID number:

• A 500-word case for funding support (this can be your personal statement in the online application form, or a statement uploaded at the end of the form or attached to the cover email).
• Transcripts of most recent study (interim if studies are incomplete).
• Two references submitted on your behalf via the reference upload link or uploaded to the online application form (please do not duplicate).
• Confirmation email with ID number and full name to MASALCfunding@manchester.ac.uk.

You will receive confirmation that you will be considered for funding within three days of sending your cover email.