The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Humanitarian Action is a two-year, multi-university programme that combines academic training with field-oriented learning for people who want to work in crisis response and humanitarian policy. Students study across partner universities and build a professional network in the humanitarian sector.
Why this programme stands out
Delivered through a consortium of NOHA partner universities, the degree is designed to strengthen your understanding of humanitarian principles, governance, and operational practice—while developing practical skills through placements and a final master project.
- Award: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (MSc)
- Duration: 2 years (4 semesters), full-time
- Delivery: Multi-university programme with study periods at partner institutions
- Credits: Typically 120 ECTS for the full MSc (programme structure may vary by edition)
- Language of instruction: English in all universities except Aix-Marseilles (French in Semesters 1 & 2) and Deusto (language requirements may apply)
- Tuition fees (as published): International students €26,250/year; EU students €9,930/year
- Scholarships: Erasmus Mundus scholarships may be available for eligible applicants (contact the programme director for current edition details)
- Application route: Joint application procedure via the NOHA+ consortium
- Start date: Typically aligned with the programme’s annual intake (confirm for the current edition)
Programme Structure
The MSc is organised over four semesters and built around five main components. You will move through core learning, specialisation, and applied experience, ending with a thesis based on your chosen topic.
- Intensive Programme (Semester 1) – foundational learning and orientation to humanitarian action, methods, and academic expectations.
- Humanitarian Disciplines (Semester 1) – core subjects such as humanitarian law and governance, social and political analysis, and public health perspectives.
- Thematic Specialisation (Semester 2) – deeper study in selected thematic areas linked to contemporary humanitarian challenges.
- Individual Specialisation (Semester 3) – focused pathway aligned with your interests and intended career direction.
- Master Project & Thesis (Semester 4) – research and writing leading to the final thesis.
Typical curriculum themes (examples)
- Legal Dimensions of Humanitarian Action
- World Politics and Humanitarian Action
- Social Anthropology
- Public Health
- Management in Humanitarian Action
- Work Placement in Humanitarian Action
- Minor Thesis / Master Project (final thesis in Semester 4)
Study periods and practical learning
The programme includes orientation periods at partner universities and a work placement component. Partner institutions may include (depending on the edition) Aix-Marseilles, Deusto, Groningen, Bochum, Uppsala, Warsaw, and Malta.
Academic requirements
There are no GRE/GMAT requirements indicated for this programme.
English requirements
English is the language of instruction in all universities during all semesters except:
- Aix-Marseilles: French is used in Semesters 1 & 2
- Deusto: language requirements may apply (confirm with the programme director for the current edition)
Applicants must provide proof of proficiency in the language(s) required for the universities they will attend.
Other requirements
General requirements
- Candidates are selected based on the quality of their education and professional background, their experience in and commitment to humanitarian issues, multicultural sensitivity, and relevant language skills.
- All applicants must apply through the joint application procedure established by the NOHA+ consortium. Contact the Programme Director for the latest application guidance and deadlines for the current intake.
Minimum academic qualification
- A university first-cycle degree (Bachelor, EQF level 6) in a discipline relevant to humanitarian action (e.g., medical sciences, food sciences, economics and management, engineering, law, social sciences, education sciences, humanities).
Documents (typical)
- Completed joint application form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate (or proof of completion)
- Proof of English proficiency (and any additional language proof if required by specific partner universities)
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivation statement / statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation (if requested for the edition)
English test options (examples)
- IELTS: typically required (minimum score may vary by edition; check the programme director’s instructions)
- TOEFL iBT: typically required (minimum score may vary by edition)
- PTE Academic: typically required (minimum score may vary by edition)
- Duolingo English Test: may be accepted (minimum score may vary by edition)
Use the programme’s official guidance for the exact minimum scores and acceptable test dates for your intake.
Post-study work permit (Ireland)
Graduates who complete their MSc at University College Dublin may be eligible to apply for a post-study work permission in Ireland, subject to meeting the relevant immigration criteria at the time of application.
- Eligibility: You must have successfully completed the programme and hold the appropriate immigration status at the time you apply.
- Duration: The length of the post-study permission depends on the programme and the rules in force for that intake/qualification level.
- Conditions: You may need to apply within a specified timeframe after graduation and provide evidence of your award and identity.
- Work rights: Permission is typically intended to allow you to work in Ireland while you seek employment, but specific restrictions may apply.
Important: Immigration rules can change. For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, check the Irish immigration authority website and/or confirm with UCD International Student Support before you graduate.