Bournemouth University

What you'll study

The programme combines theoretical foundations with practical skills to give a rounded understanding of disaster risk, preparedness, response and recovery. Core themes include disaster risk reduction; emergency planning and response; resilience building and recovery; humanitarian principles and logistics; and the social, political and environmental drivers of disasters.

• Disaster risk and resilience – concepts and frameworks for understanding vulnerability, hazard analysis and community resilience.
• Emergency planning and management – incident command structures, contingency planning, multi-agency coordination and decision-making under pressure.
• Humanitarian practice and logistics – needs assessment, supply chain considerations in disasters, and principles of humanitarian response.
• Research methods and applied data – quantitative and qualitative methods, monitoring and evaluation, and use of geospatial data and modelling in disaster contexts.
• Recovery, reconstruction and development – approaches to recovery, building back better, and integrating disaster risk reduction into development planning.
• Dissertation or major project – an independent research project or applied consultancy-style project that allows you to explore a specific disaster management topic in depth.

Teaching typically uses lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies and scenario-based exercises. Assessment methods include written assignments, group projects, practical exercises and the final dissertation or applied project.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a UK honours degree at undergraduate level (class 2:2 or above) or an equivalent qualification in a relevant subject such as environmental science, geography, health, engineering, social sciences or a related professional background. Applicants with substantial relevant professional experience in emergency services, humanitarian organisations, local government or NGOs may also be considered.

As this is a postgraduate programme delivered in English, international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at the level expected for postgraduate study; evidence of an approved English language qualification or equivalent is normally required. Specific entry requirements and acceptable qualifications should be checked with the university admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a range of roles in the public, private and third sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Emergency planning officer, resilience or civil protection roles within local and national government
• Humanitarian and disaster response roles with NGOs, international agencies and the United Nations system
• Risk and resilience consultant for private-sector organisations and consultancies
• Community resilience and development roles with charities and international development organisations
• Operational roles in emergency services, logistics and health organisations involved in disaster response
• Further study and research, including PhD programmes in disaster studies, risk and resilience

The programme emphasises employability through practical training, scenario exercises and opportunities to undertake applied projects that build a professional portfolio.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University is known for its applied, professionally focused approach to postgraduate teaching and strong links with industry and public services. The MSc Disaster Management draws on multidisciplinary expertise to combine academic rigour with real-world practice. Students benefit from teaching that integrates research-informed content with practical exercises and case studies, and from opportunities to engage with practitioners from emergency services, local authorities, humanitarian organisations and private-sector partners.

The university’s emphasis on student employability means the programme supports professional development through skills training, networking opportunities and guidance on securing placements or applied projects, helping graduates move into operational, policy or advisory roles in disaster and resilience fields.