Environmental Hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction (MSc)

How will I be taught?

Informed by cutting-edge research, the MSc is facilitated by internationally recognized academics who are leading experts in their respective fields. These academics bring their wealth of knowledge and expertise into the classroom, ensuring that you will be exposed to the latest developments and insights in disaster risk reduction.

The curriculum integrates theoretical concepts with hands-on learning experiences. Lectures provide a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge, while small group teaching sessions, seminars, workshops, and tutorials offer opportunities for interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises. This combination will allow you to deepen your understanding of theoretical concepts while also applying them to real-world scenarios.

Research is integrated into the classroom through the inclusion of contemporary real-life examples and case studies. You will have access to the latest research findings and are encouraged to critically engage with academic literature and research papers. Guest lectures from practitioners and experts in the field further enhance the relevance of the curriculum by providing firsthand insights into current challenges and best practices in disaster risk reduction.

The programme emphasizes experiential learning and skill development in authentic contexts. You will engage in fieldwork, internships, and research projects to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world settings. These authentic learning experiences not only enhance your practical skills but also prepare you for the complexities and uncertainties of working in the field of disaster risk reduction.

Overall, the programme adopts a balanced approach that combines academic rigor with practical relevance, ensuring that you develop the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to make meaningful contributions to disaster resilience efforts globally.

How will I be assessed?

The assessment of the programme is carefully designed to align with the knowledge, understanding, and skills that you are expected to acquire. Various assessment methods are chosen to accurately evaluate your progress and attainment of programme learning outcomes.

Traditional assessments like essays and reports are utilized to assess your depth of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to analyze and synthesize information. These assessments align with the programme's emphasis on theoretical understanding and academic rigor.

Practical assessments are incorporated to reflect the practical relevance of the programme. For example, you may be required to complete fieldwork assignments, conduct hazard and risk assessments, or develop disaster management plans. These assessments not only assess your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios but also demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Each assessment task is carefully mapped to specific learning outcomes, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the curriculum. By providing a diverse range of assessment tasks, you are given opportunities to showcase your proficiency across different domains, including knowledge acquisition, critical analysis, practical application, and communication skills.

Furthermore, the programme integrates formative assessment with summative assessment to support your learning and development throughout your studies. Formative assessments, such as quizzes, peer reviews, and feedback on draft assignments, are used to provide ongoing feedback and identify areas for improvement. This iterative process allows you to refine your understanding and skills over time, ultimately enhancing your performance in summative assessments.

Overall, the assessment strategy of the programme is designed to be diverse, comprehensive, and aligned with programme learning outcomes, ensuring that you can demonstrate your competence and readiness to contribute effectively to the field of disaster risk reduction.

How will I be supported?

You will receive comprehensive support to ensure your success and well-being throughout your studies. This support encompasses various aspects, including academic guidance, feedback on assessments, and personal support services.

One key aspect of support is the provision of personal tutors. You are assigned a personal tutor who serves as a mentor and academic advisor. Personal tutors offer guidance on academic matters, provide feedback on coursework, and assist you in setting and achieving your academic and professional goals. They also serve as a point of contact for any personal or welfare issues that you may encounter, offering a supportive ear and connecting you with appropriate support services if needed.

Feedback on assessments, both formative and summative, is provided in a timely and constructive manner. For formative assessments, such as quizzes, draft assignments, and presentations, you receive feedback aimed at helping you improve your work and develop your skills. This feedback may be provided orally during class sessions or written as comments on submitted work.

For summative assessments, such as examinations, essays, and reports, detailed feedback is provided to you following the assessment. This feedback highlights your strengths and areas for improvement, allowing you to reflect on your performance and identify areas for further development. In addition to written feedback, you may have the opportunity to discuss your assessments with tutors during office hours or feedback sessions.

Beyond academic support, you have access to a range of school-specific support services to address any additional needs you may have. This may include study skills workshops, career guidance sessions, mental health and well-being support, and disability services. These services are designed to ensure that you feel supported and empowered to succeed in your academic endeavours.

Overall, the programme prioritizes student support, providing a range of services and resources to help you thrive academically, professionally, and personally. From personal tutors to feedback on assessments and access to support services, you receive the support you need to excel in your studies and beyond.

What skills will I practise and develop?

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of a range of environmental hazards
• Critically assess theoretical frameworks and models to analyse disaster risk
• Demonstrate an understanding of the interconnectedness of hazards and their socio-economic impacts
• Critically evaluate strategies for disaster risk reduction and resilience building

Intellectual Skills:

• Critically evaluate facts and ideas, distinguishing between an opinion and an argument
• Identify and define problems and generate creative solutions to support disaster risk reduction
• Apply advanced analytical skills to assess and interpret complex data and information related to disaster risk
• Conduct independent inquiries and investigations in the field of disaster risk reduction

Professional Practical Skills:

• Implement quantitative and qualitative skills in the analysis of disaster risk reduction initiatives
• Demonstrate quantitative skills for estimating the frequency and magnitude of potential hazards
• Apply state of the art remote sensing, use coding and other computational methods for analysing hazard and risk
• Communicate understanding of the complexities of disasters in a way that is digestible to the policy community and other users of disaster risk assessments
• Effectively communicate complex ideas and information related to disaster risk reduction to diverse audiences
• Cultivate ethical awareness and professional integrity in the practice of disaster risk reduction

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Apply practical skills in project management and implementation and demonstrate the ability to complete a long-term research project (either for an applied or academic problem)
• Apply information literacy skills to locate, evaluate, and synthesize relevant information from diverse sources
• Develop ability to collaborate and work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, fostering inclusive dialogue and mutual understanding
• Demonstrate enhanced communication skills to effectively convey ideas, information, and recommendations to diverse stakeholders.