Geophysical Hazards MSc

UCL (University College London)

Disasters resulting from natural hazards affect one in forty people across the world each year. All nations are at risk and the field of natural hazard and risk science is one of the fastest-growing areas of research in the Earth and Climate Sciences. Understanding how multiple hazards may intersect in space and time, and how their impacts may cascade over potentially global footprints, are critical areas of current research. Our programme offers a unique focus on hazard forecasting and assessment, incuding multi-hazards, and on how policymakers and communities can use science to increase resilience. Our MSc in Geophysical Hazards investigates the processes that turn natural events into hazards, from volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and landslides to floods, tsunamis and hurricanes. It provides an essential grounding for all fields of hazard study, from pure research to applications in the commercial and humanitarian sectors. Our course offers a specialised focus on quantitative and qualitative models for hazard forecasting and assessment, and demonstrates how knowledge of the controlling processes is vital for improving decision-making during emergencies, for raising awareness among vulnerable communities, and for evaluating and implementing mitigation strategies. The course will be particularly attractive to those seeking or advancing a career in natural hazards — including hazard and risk management, environmental monitoring, emergency planning, and catastrophe-related finance — and to academics and professionals considering a career move into the rewarding field of hazard and risk science.