International Disaster Management

Entry requirements

Months of entry

September

Course content

All countries face a wide range of hazards that have the potential to result in catastrophic societal impacts.

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

This is especially true in lower-income contexts, 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 students interested in critically analysing key concepts in disaster management theory, research, policy and application, including vulnerability, governance, disaster risk reduction, and enhancing resilience to disasters through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

Students undertake interdisciplinary study at 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.

Students engage with a core curriculum that brings together the spheres of disaster risk reduction, sustainable development and humanitarian action.

HCRI's interdisciplinary team of researchers support critical exploration of disaster resilience, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery, equipping students 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 business and management, systems thinking, geography, history, politics, development studies, the arts and medicine.

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

Book on to our webinar on Tuesday 20th January 2026 to learn more!

HCRI SPEAKER - Dr Martin Parham (Lecturer in Disaster Risk Management, HCRI, UoM) will talk about why studying the International Disaster Management MSc can help you with a career in risk management / resilience building and supporting sustainable communities. He will explain how the course develops skills in governance, decision making, risk awareness, analysis and research.

ALUMNI SPEAKERS - Former HCRI students will talk about how the International Disaster Management MSc developed their employability in the fields of disaster risk reduction, crisis management and humanitarian response.

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE - We will also be joined by representatives from the University of Manchester International Office who will speak on whys and hows of study in Manchester and how the University can support you.