Find out more about studying Disaster Management MSc at University of Staffordshire? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
Online
Part Time
Sep 2026
2 Year
Play a vital role in helping organisations to prepare, plan, respond and recover from a wide range of human-made or natural disasters. Whether dealing with a cyber-attack on national infrastructure or supporting communities in the aftermath of a flood or earthquake, you can make a real difference.Our multidisciplinary course uses real-world case studies and has a contemporary twist, exploring threats such as terrorism, pandemics and climate change. We also look at sustainable solutions and local, national and international contexts.You’ll learn how to create a resilience plan to minimise a disaster’s impact – and tailor it to your organisation. We cover technological innovations too.Using the expertise of our Institute of Policing and other specialists, you’ll develop a holistic understanding of disaster management. This will draw on everything from public health to social sciences.The course is ideal for professional development and relevant to strategic-level roles across multiple disciplines. These include blue light responders, health trusts, councils, military leaders, humanitarian, aid and NGO agencies, and the risk management and private security sector.On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Disaster Management
The Disaster Risk Assessment and Preparedness module is your gateway to mastering the techniques and methodologies essential for assessing and reducing disaster risks. This comprehensive module covers the development of disaster preparedness and response plans, emphasising the critical connection between sustainability, climate change, and disaster risk. Throughout the course, you will learn to critically evaluate advanced risk assessment technologies, formulate detailed strategies, and communicate complex information to diverse specialist audiences. You will also explore strategies for building resilient communities and engaging stakeholders effectively.This module will teach you the skills needed to develop and implement robust disaster risk reduction plans, ensuring you are well-prepared for a career in disaster management. This is crucial for those aspiring to lead in the field, providing you with the knowledge and tools to make a tangible impact in creating safer, more resilient societies.
Our Introduction to Disaster Management module equips you with a comprehensive understanding of disaster management principles, preparing you to handle complex disaster scenarios with confidence and expertise. In this module, you'll delve into key disaster management concepts, historical perspectives, and essential terminology to give you an overview of the subject. You'll learn to critically evaluate leadership roles and crisis communication strategies and apply ethical and regulatory standards in real-world settings. By the end of this module, you will have developed a detailed understanding of disaster management and how strategies and procedures have been affected by real-life scenarios.
Get ready to lead and support the rebuilding efforts after a disaster. The Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction module provides you with the expertise to manage and lead recovery and reconstruction projects effectively.We will teach you how to analyse and present strategies for post-disaster recovery and community reconstruction. You will critically evaluate the role of NGOs, communities, and other support systems within post-disaster recovery frameworks. The module emphasises the importance of social equity, inclusivity, sustainability, and environmental considerations in recovery and reconstruction efforts.Key topics include conducting damage and needs assessments, developing recovery frameworks that restore communities and infrastructure while integrating sustainability and resilience, assessing and addressing environmental damage, and ensuring social equity and inclusivity in recovery processes.
The Disaster Response and Management module is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage disaster response effectively across various professional settings. You will gain a systematic understanding of evidence-based practices in disaster response and how they apply to different contexts. You will explore the ethical challenges faced in disaster management, particularly in international and humanitarian scenarios, and develop a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues in the field.
The Disaster Response and Management Dissertation module is the pinnacle of the MSc Disaster Management course, offering you the opportunity to conduct original research that advances knowledge and practice in the field. This module will ask you to apply your knowledge and established research techniques to create and interpret findings in Disaster Management and will guide you in the process of designing robust, ethical, and manageable research studies, ensuring the appropriateness of chosen methods. You will develop an understanding of key issues in your chosen topic, critically analysing data and relevant literature to meet your research aims.
