COURSE CURRICULUM

The Disasters: Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk module (30 credits) allows you to explore a variety of natural, technological, and social hazards, examining the processes and factors that impact vulnerability and disaster risk. The module focuses on understanding the effects of changing population dynamics and climate change, providing insight into real-world case studies of significant disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, the 1953 North Sea storm surge, and the Fukushima disaster. You will assess the characteristics and management strategies of these events and develop your own approaches to disaster mitigation based on critical analysis of these cases.In the Disaster Management: Techniques and Study Visits module (30 credits), you'll develop practical skills in hazard assessment, mapping, and monitoring disaster risks using advanced tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GPS, and remote sensing applications. The module also covers social data collection and analysis techniques, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews. A significant portion of this module focuses on risk evaluation and communication, alongside disaster management strategies such as contingency planning, crisis response, and post-disaster recovery. As part of the course, you'll engage in a hands-on, three-day disaster response exercise (HEAT), simulating a real-time international disaster scenario.The Emergency Management and Planning module (30 credits) examines emergency planning, logistics, and disaster management strategies during the preparedness, response, and recovery stages of a disaster. You will gain an in-depth understanding of emergency response and recovery, focusing on both UK and international approaches, including those of the UN. This module involves analyzing case studies of major civil emergencies, participating in simulation exercises, and learning how to manage crisis response and recovery. You’ll also engage in practical activities that reinforce these skills, particularly through emergency simulation activities and a three-day real-time disaster response exercise.The Research Skills and Project module (60 credits) offers you the opportunity to apply your research skills by conducting an independent project. You will formulate hypotheses, collect and critique data, and develop analytical skills to generate original insights. The module also includes preparing a comprehensive literature review and critically discussing research literature relevant to your project. By the end of the module, you will produce a thesis report with publication-quality diagrams and figures, demonstrating your ability to manage and report on complex research projects.