Uppsala University

Overview

The Humanitarian Action and Conflict Response course at Uppsala University equips students with the practical and analytical skills necessary for planning, delivering, and evaluating humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected contexts. Students will learn to assess needs, manage risks, and collaborate with various humanitarian actors while upholding essential humanitarian principles. This program is designed to be completed in 12 months of full-time study or 24 months part-time, with a blend of on-campus learning and scheduled online components.

What you'll study

The curriculum is divided into two terms, covering key topics relevant to humanitarian action:

Year/Term 1

• Humanitarian Principles, Ethics, and Accountability
• Conflict Analysis and Political Economy for Humanitarian Action
• Needs Assessment and Response Planning
• Protection in Humanitarian Settings
• Humanitarian Coordination and Stakeholder Management
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

Year/Term 2

• Security Risk Management and Operational Planning
• Logistics, Supply Chains, and Field Operations
• Disaster and Conflict Risk Reduction
• Data, Evidence, and Impact Measurement
• Capstone Project / Applied Field Case Study

Students may also choose from a range of electives, such as Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion in Humanitarian Response, and Humanitarian Financing and Donor Compliance, depending on availability.

The program culminates in a supervised capstone project or applied field case study, where students create an integrated humanitarian response plan that incorporates assessment findings, risk considerations, and evaluation strategies.

Entry requirements

To apply for this program, candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as social sciences, international relations, development studies, law, or public policy. Applicants with equivalent professional experience in the humanitarian or development sectors may also be considered.

Proficiency in English is required, typically demonstrated through standardized tests such as:

• IELTS Academic: an overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: an overall score of 90, with minimum section scores

Required documents for the application process include a completed application form, academic transcripts, a CV detailing relevant experience, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation if specified.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Humanitarian Action and Conflict Response program may find opportunities in various fields related to humanitarian aid and conflict resolution. Potential career paths include roles in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international agencies, government bodies, and private sectors focused on humanitarian assistance and crisis management.

Graduates may also be eligible to apply for a post-study work permit, depending on the regulations of the country where the program is delivered. Eligibility typically requires the completion of all program requirements and adherence to the conditions set by the relevant immigration authorities.

• Typical eligibility: completion of the full program requirements and receipt of the final qualification.
• Application timing: applications are usually submitted shortly after graduation and within the permitted window set by the immigration authority.
• Work permit duration: the permit length varies by country and may be linked to the level and duration of the qualification.
• Conditions: applicants may need to demonstrate valid status and fulfill any remaining documentation requirements.
• Country-specific rules: requirements differ based on the destination country, including whether the program must be on an approved list and any minimum study duration rules.

Next step: Check the immigration guidance for the specific country of study and confirm eligibility with the appropriate authorities.