The importance of science in understanding disaster risks and the need for science-based strategies at local, national and international levels in the private, public, and third sectors are now widely recognised. The Risk and Disaster Science MSc aims to meet the growing need for experts trained in disaster science in sectors ranging from finance to humanitarian response.
In a science-led programme, students will explore the characterisation of risk from a fundamental understanding of hazard, statistical modelling, appreciation of causes of vulnerability, and quantifying exposure to the management and reduction of disaster risks. There is an emphasis on scientific analysis and statistical methods. Students will enjoy a wide range of taught modules covering scientific, technical, socio-economic, political, environmental, ethical and cultural perspectives.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), optional modules (to the combined value of 30 credits) and an independent research project (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, six core modules and two optional modules), full-time nine months, part-time two years, is also offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Choose options (to the combined value of 30 credits) from a list which may include the following:
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project of 10,000-12,000 words which culminates in a research project and poster presentation.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, practicals, field visits, directed reading and problem-solving exercises and a real-time disaster scenario event, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and tutorial-style dialogue between students and lecturers. Assessment is by independent and group oral presentations, written examination, coursework essays, and the independent project. Practical applications of critical and creative problem-solving will be encouraged and assessed throughout.
Fieldwork
Students are responsible for their subsistence and travel costs within London when on fieldwork. All other travel and fees will be paid for or reimbursed by the IRDR
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Risk and Disaster Science MSc
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
This programme provides excellent training towards careers in industry and commerce, research, research communication and public policy including insurance, catastrophe modelling, finance, risk management, business continuity, humanitarian assistance, engineering, electricity distribution and many other fields. It supports the career development of professionals already working in risk and disaster reduction, as well as those who intend to go into this field.
Employability
This programme will equip students with scientific and analytical skills to better understand and assess disaster risks and to identify solutions to reduce those risks. These skills are highly sought after in the private, public and NGO sector, and in specific fields such as catastrophe modelling, risk management, and public policy.
Career destinations of IRDR graduates include: an international economic consultancy in the field of micro-finance; a consultancy role in disaster risk for an insurance company; the World Food Programme; Rescue Global – a London based NGO; and a PhD studentship.
The UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR), where teaching for this programme is based, leads and co-ordinates multidisciplinary research, knowledge exchange and advanced teaching in risk and disaster reduction across UCL.
UCL is uniquely well placed to lead research and teaching in this field; in addition to academics across seven faculties involved in world-class research, UCL IRDR has established links with scientific leaders in NGOs, industry and government departments based in and around London, who contribute to teaching and project supervision.
As a student, you will be encouraged to join our active seminar series, high-profile public discussion meetings and networking events.
The IRDR runs a careers and opportunities forum for students; this has been attended by insurance companies, catastrophe modelling firms, NGOs, academic institutions, and headhunters in the field of risk and disaster reduction.
Risk and disaster reduction, particularly within the contexts of dealing with uncertainty and increasing resilience, are high on local, national and international agendas. The Risk and Disaster Reduction MRes is a research-intensive programme, which aims to meet the rapidly growing need for experts trained to analyse and provide solutions to complex issues relating to risk and disasters.
Students will learn about and explore the characterisation, quantification, management and reduction of risk and disasters, and their associated impacts, from a diverse range of scientific, technical, socio-economic, political, environmental, ethical and cultural perspectives. They will acquire advanced levels of knowledge of empirical, theoretical and practical aspects of risk and disaster reduction, and will gain research experience and the ability to effectively communicate research findings through the independent research project.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of two skills modules (30 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and an independent research project (105 credits).
A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) is offered. See separate entry for further details.
Skills modules
Optional modules
Students choose three of the following modules:
Dissertation/report
All students undertake a substantial research project of 15,000 to 20,000 words, which culminates in an independent research report and oral presentation.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, directed reading, practical problem-solving exercises and a real-time disaster scenario event, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and tutorial-style dialogue between students and lecturers. Assessment is through coursework, examination, essays, project reports, oral and poster presentations, and the research dissertation.
There are a number of UK-based day field trips as part of the programme. These look at the multiple facets of disaster risk including the physical hazard, vulnerability of structures and communities, and mitigation measures and management.
There is also an NGO-led disaster scenario exercise.
Students are responsible for their subsistence and travel costs within London when on fieldwork. All other travel and fees will be paid for or reimbursed by the IRDR
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Risk and Disaster Reduction MRes
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
This programme provides excellent training towards careers in research, research communication, public policy, (re)insurance, catastrophe modelling, finance, risk management, international development, humanitarian assistance, engineering, and many other fields. It supports the career development of professionals already working in risk and disaster reduction, as well as those who intend to go into this field, and those who wish to use this programme as a step towards a related PhD.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
Examples of previous graduate students' employment within the field of risk and disaster reduction include working for an international economic consultancy based in London in the area of micro-finance, working as a consultant in disaster risk for a key player in the London insurance market and working for Rescue Global, an NGO based in London.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR) leads and co-ordinates multidisciplinary research, knowledge exchange and advanced teaching in risk and disaster reduction across UCL. A Risk and Disaster Reduction PG Cert is also available (see separate entry).
UCL is uniquely well placed to lead research and teaching in this field; in addition to academics across eleven faculties involved in world-class research, UCL IRDR has established links with NGOs, industry and government departments based in and around London, who contribute to teaching and project supervision.
As a student, you will be encouraged to join our active seminar series, high-profile public discussion meetings and networking events.
The IRDR careers and opportunities forum for students has been attended by insurance companies, catastrophe modelling firms, NGOs, academic institutions, local government and head hunters in the field of risk and disaster reduction. Students have found opportunities through contacts made and positions advertised during this event.
Risk and disaster reduction, particularly within the contexts of dealing with uncertainty and increasing resilience, are high on local, national and international agendas. The Risk and Disaster Reduction Postgraduate Certificate offers students the opportunity to gain a sound grasp of the characteristics of risk and disasters and their past, present and future impacts on society.
Students develop the ability to assess risk and disaster potential and appreciate and propose risk and disaster management and mitigation strategies. They gain the knowledge and skills required to make more effective decisions based on the creative and critical analysis of a broad spectrum of information.
Students undertake modules to the value of 60 credits.
The programme consists of four compulsory modules (15 credits each).
Core modules
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this programme
Dissertation/report
There is no independent research project for this degree.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, directed reading and practical problem-solving exercises. Assessment is by oral and written examinations, group exercises, and assessed practicals and coursework. Practical applications of critical and creative problem-solving will be encouraged and assessed throughout.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Risk and Disaster Reduction PG Cert
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
This programme provides excellent training towards careers in research, research communication, public policy, (re)insurance, catastrophe modelling, finance, risk management, international development, humanitarian assistance, engineering, and many other fields. It supports the career development of professionals already working in risk and disaster reduction, as well as those who intend to go into this field.
Employability
Employers of previous UCL IRDR graduates include an international economic consultancy based in London in the area of micro-finance, a large London insurance firm, and London-based NGO Rescue Global. A number of MSc students have also participated in internship programmes with Rescue Global.
The UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR) leads multidisciplinary research, knowledge exchange and advanced teaching across UCL.
UCL is uniquely well placed to lead research and teaching in this field. With at least 70 academics across 12 departments and seven faculties involved in world-class research, the IRDR has established links with NGOs, industry and government departments based in and around London.
As a student, you will be encouraged to join our active seminar series, high-profile public discussion meetings and networking events.
The IRDR careers and opportunities forum for students has been attended by insurance companies, catastrophe modelling firms, NGOs, local government, academic institutions, and head hunters in the field of risk and disaster reduction. Students have found opportunities through contacts made and positions advertised during this event.
Risk and disaster reduction, particularly within the contexts of dealing with uncertainty and increasing resilience, are high on local, national and international agendas. Academic study can underpin much needed professionalisation and application of evidence and research-based theory to this area. This MSc programme aims to meet the growing need for experts trained to analyse and provide solutions to complex risk and disaster resilience issues.
Students will learn about and explore the characterisation, quantification, management and reduction of risk, disasters, and their associated impacts, from a broad range of scientific, technical, socio-economic, political, environmental, ethical and cultural perspectives. Through this multidisciplinary approach, students gain expertise in analysing complex challenges, enabling them to become future leaders who drive policy change and innovation.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (to the combined value of 30 credits) and an independent research project (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, six core modules and two optional modules, but no independent project), full-time nine months, part-time two years, is also offered.
Core modules
All 6 core modules must be taken.
Optional modules
Choose two options (to the combined value of 30 credits) from a list which may include the following:
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project of 10,000-12,000 words which culminates in a research project and poster presentation.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, directed reading and practical problem-solving exercises and a real-time disaster scenario event, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and tutorial-style dialogue between students and lecturers. Assessment is by independent and group oral presentations, written examination, coursework essays, and the independent project. Practical applications of critical and creative problem-solving will be encouraged and assessed throughout.
Fieldwork
A series of one-day UK-based field trips are available.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Risk, Disaster and Resilience MSc
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
This programme provides excellent training towards careers in fields including research, public policy, business continuity, (re)insurance, catastrophe modelling, finance, risk management, international development, emergency services, consultancy, and humanitarian assistance. The IRDR runs a careers and opportunities fair for students, which is attended by insurance companies, catastrophe modelling firms, NGOs, academic institutions, policy and local government bodies, and head hunters in the field of risk and disaster reduction. Several students have found opportunities through contacts made and positions advertised during this event.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
Whether you wish to start a new career in risk and disaster reduction or you already have experience in this sector, we are here to support you. With an MSc in Risk, Disaster and Resilience, you will have excellent academic credibility coupled with practical and analytical skills.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR), where teaching for this programme is based, leads and co-ordinates multidisciplinary research, knowledge exchange and advanced teaching in risk and disaster reduction across UCL.
UCL is uniquely well placed to lead research and teaching in this field; in addition to at least 70 academics across 12 departments and seven faculties involved in world-class research, the IRDR has established links with non-governmental organisations, industry and government departments based in and around London.
Teaching and project supervision will be provided by active researchers, practitioners and policy-makers, all of whom are leaders in their respective fields.
The Earthquake Engineering with Disaster Management (EEDM) MSc combines specialist structural and earthquake engineering knowledge with an advanced understanding of risk modelling for natural hazards in order to produce engineers who can deliver design holistic solutions and are able to work in engineering, catastrophe modelling and disaster management roles.
Graduates will be able to:
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of seven core modules (105 credits), one optional module (15 credits) and a research project (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) consisting of seven core modules (105 credits) and one optional module (15 credits) is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
Taught modules have been developed and are delivered in collaboration with experts from industry and non-governmental organisations. In addition a field trip is organised every year to an earthquake affected region.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Earthquake Engineering with Disaster Management MSc
Students graduate with strong technical engineering skills and rarely taught knowledge of risk evaluation. They are also able to understand the wider implications of disasters and are exposed to both industry and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Graduates have gone on to successful careers in the civil engineering industry, in international NGOs, in the financial sector, and in academia.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
The programme aims to create a new type of global earthquake engineer able to take a holistic approach to earthquake engineering and disaster management. Graduates of the programme will have developed the specialist skills necessary for a career in the engineering sector and other areas that require knowledge and understanding of earthquake engineering and disaster risk management/mitigation principles. The MSc is accredited by the Institute of Civil Engineers as a further learning programme that can count towards chartership.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering hosts EPICentre, a leading research centre in earthquake engineering, and provides an exciting environment in which to explore this new, multidisciplinary and constantly evolving science.
The programme has extensive links to industry through professional engineers and disaster managers who deliver lectures and seminars and support students on their research projects as industrial supervisors.
Students benefit from a voluntary field trip to the closest location of a recent major earthquake to study disaster management and the effects of the earthquake on the built environment, structural strengthening techniques and disaster management.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering
60% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This MSc provides a broad introduction to geohazards, together with advanced courses in seismology, volcanology, hydrogeological hazards and meteorology. A key goal is to provide an essential grounding in quantitative modelling that can be widely applied to several fields, from pure research to the commercial sector.
The programme provides an introduction to the spectrum and impact of geophysical hazards, and a focus on quantitative models for hazard forecasting and assessment. Selected case studies illustrate how these models are essential for improving decision-making during emergencies, for raising the awareness of vulnerable populations, and for evaluating and implementing mitigation strategies.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of six core modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this programme.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project in geophysical hazards, which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, directed reading and practical exercises. There are excellent opportunities for field investigations in the UK and abroad. Assessment is through unseen written examinations, practical problem-solving exercises and essays. The independent research report is assessed through the dissertation and an oral presentation.
Fieldwork
Field sites for field trips are normally in Italy. The department pays for accommodation and transport in the field. Students pay to get to the field and subsistence.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Geophysical Hazards MSc
On graduation from this programme about one-third of students have followed careers in global insurance and re-insurance and another third have pursued research with a PhD in hazard-related studies. The remaining third have developed careers in a wide range of sectors, from non-governmental organisations, through teaching, to the fields of emergency planning and environmental management.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
The MSc in Geophysical Hazards will provide essential training for careers in hazard assessment and risk evaluation, including: industry, from engineering to insurance; academic research; civil protection agencies and government organisations; and NGOs related to aid and development.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
UCL Earth Sciences is engaged in world-class research into the processes at work on and within the Earth and planets.
Graduate students benefit from our lively and welcoming environment and world-class facilities. The department hosts UCL Hazard Centre, Europe's leading multidisciplinary hazard research centre, and engages in extensive collaborative work with the Royal Institution and the Natural History Museum.
This MSc aims to include a short field trip to locations that illustrate the impact of natural hazards. Previous trips have included the Neapolitan volcanic district, the Italian Alps and the Po Delta, and the Cádiz region in south-western Spain.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Earth Sciences
92% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This one year MSc programme in Statistics and Computational Finance aims to train students to work as professional statisticians, not only at the interface between statistics and finance, but to provide skills applicable in sociology, health science, medical science, biology, and other scientific areas where data analysis is needed.
The emphasis of the programme is on data analysis. It equips students with contemporary statistical ideas and methodologies as well as advanced knowledge, which will make students very competitive to industry, academic and governmental institutions. There are excellent career prospects for employment in industry and the public sector for our graduates. An MSc degree in Statistics and Computational Finance provides attractive employment opportunities in financial industries, government, consultancy companies, research centres, and other industries where data analysis is needed. Students with an interest in academic work may also decide to continue on a PhD programme in Statistics or a related field, for which the MSc in Statistics and Computational Finance provides a sound foundation.
There are excellent career prospects for students with a background in statistics and data analysis. The programme is designed to equip students with contemporary statistical ideas and methodologies which makes our students very competitive when seeking employment in industry and governmental institutions, as well as in academic careers. The skills taught are applicable in sociology, health science, medical science, biology and other related disciplines where data analysis is needed.
Recent destinations of graduates from the MSc in Statistics and Computational Finance have included:
-PhD in the Department of Mathematics at the University of York (Non-parametric modelling in high dimensional data analysis)
-PhD at Florida State University
-Modelling Analyst (automotive data provider)
-Graduate Technical Analyst (HSBC)
-Research and Development in a Property and Casualty Insurance company, specialising in catastrophe insurance
-Mainframe Software Solution Sales in a major IT brand
-Data Analyst in a health data company
-Trainee Chartered Accountant
To achieve an MSc degree students must complete modules to the value of 180 credits, including 100 credits of core taught modules, 20 credits chosen among the optional taught modules, and a 60-credit dissertation.
