Masters Degrees (Humanitarian Aid)

Diplomacy and international law are critical components in addressing issues of seminal public concern. As populations flee repressive regimes and political issues have ramifications beyond any one state’s borders, the need for real-world solutions and the leaders who can implement them is paramount.

AUP’s Masters in Diplomacy and International Law aims to achieve concrete results, using the respective tools of each discipline to prepare you to develop real-world solutions. This interdisciplinary program will enable you to think critically about complex diplomatic and international legal issues in real contexts. By applying theory to practice, you will address some of the key questions facing public and non-governmental institutions around the world, such as ‘Why do states participate in international institutions that promote global cooperation?’ or ‘How do states and institutions interact when cooperation breaks down and conflict ensues?’

Gain a Global and Interdisciplinary Perspective

With increasing global interdependence, hard distinctions between foreign and domestic policy no longer exist. The Master’s program capitalizes on its location in the heart of Europe to train future public leaders to tackle today’s most pressing issues from an international perspective. The goal is to produce strong analytical thinkers and practitioners ready to be of service across cultures and national boundaries. Coursework in diplomacy and international law includes elements of international relations, economics, law, and political science to examine the problems of our day—and search for the best way to administer and manage innovative solutions. You will develop expertise in negotiation, strategic diplomatic thinking, and legal analysis to support your next career step.

Unprecedented Access to Prestigious Program Partners

A core component of the Master’s program in Diplomacy and International Law is the opportunity to work with our prestigious partners, applying classroom theory to challenging practical environments:
-Students in the MA program partner with the French War College in the annual Coalition Exercise, a polyvalent simulation of a military intervention during a humanitarian crisis. AUP students join the more than 500 officers and diplomatic participants to play the role of UN and international NGO humanitarian aid workers on the ground in a conflict zone, elaborating a humanitarian aid plan that provides relief to the tens of thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire.
-You will also earn a certificate from the University of Oxford International Human Rights Law Summer Program. Preparation for the certificate includes a practicum on international justice at The Hague, where you will engage in trial reporting and briefings with high level experts.
-As part of the MA in Diplomacy and International Law program you will participate in exciting, interactive modules with leading experts and practitioners from some of today’s most engaged NGOs.

Ensure your Professional Impact

Whether in the public or private sector, professionals need to be international and transnational in their outlook and vision. AUP’s MA in Diplomacy in International Law prepares you for exciting career paths to effect real change.

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Postgraduate Loans are now Open for Home/EU students - https://www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan/how-to-apply

Scholarships & Discounts available

• North West Progression Discount - LSTM are pleased to offer a 20% Discount for Undergraduate students to progress to Masters level study. Eligible students must be based, or have studied in the North West of England.  
• Alumni Loyalty Tuition Fee Discounts - Generous discounts available across all taught programmes.
• LSTM Merit Scholarships - Tuition Fee discount up to £1,500 for Home/EU students and up to £10,000 for International Students.

This programme aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to provide leadership and technical support in public health in middle and low income countries. It covers a wide range of topics in public and global health, including key disciplinary skills in epidemiology and social science and applied topics such as disease control and programme management. The programme has a specialist focus on humanitarian assistance, examining current policies and practice in the field and exploring approaches to responding to the challenges of contemporary humanitarian problems. Following the taught component, participants complete a dissertation including a period of applied research either overseas or in Liverpool.

AIMS

LSTM education courses are taught within a dynamic environment by staff working at the cutting-edge of research in tropical medicine and global health. They are designed to enable the professional development of the student, to be relevant to students from both the UK and overseas and to promote approaches to study that will enable students to continue their learning into the future. 

This course aims to: 

Provide a critical understanding of a range of health policies and strategies in a variety of social, epidemiological, cultural, economic and political settings in middle- and low- income countries.

Enable students to analyse critically, evaluate and conduct responsive, public health-related research and apply evidence to everyday practice.

Produce graduates who are experienced, committed, informed, proactive and effective professionals, capable of taking substantial and leading professional roles in order to promote improved health and well-being in middle and low income countries.

Facilitate high quality learning that is informed by critical analysis of current research.

Develop independent and reflective approaches to study that will enable graduates to continue to learn in the future.

Provide students with the skills, knowledge and understanding of humanitarian issues needed to practise at a senior level in organisations involved in the prevention of and response to humanitarian crises.

CAREERS

There are many career opportunities within the field of Public Health throughout the world. Public Health, and in particular our response to humanitarian crises, has been highlighted by the recent War in Syria, the refugee camps and mass migration from the area, natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunami’s worldwide, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, H5N1 Avian Influenza, Zika Virus, and MERS. People with public health skills and a knowledge of the humanitarian sector are highly sought after. Past alumni of this course typically go and work for health ministries, health departments, national or international NGO’s, UN Agencies, aid organisations, or universities. The international research project allows you to ‘prove’ yourself in the sector by working with an NGO for your research in a mutually beneficial manner.

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The aim of this MSc is to promote awareness of psychosocial aspects within any field of humanitarian work, whether in the UK or overseas. The programme aims to raise awareness of the different contexts that affect psychosocial well-being and access to appropriate services. The programme also aims to introduce students to different types of consultation, in recognition that most of the services provided through humanitarian agencies are delivered in response to crises or emergencies, are time limited and rely on the engagement of local populations. Consultation skills include those of engagement, development of trust, facilitation, enabling and the identification of a process by which information can be accessed, shared and evaluated.

The focus of psychosocial consultation for this programme is the collaboration with different groups to facilitate understanding of different psychosocial needs. Groups include beneficiaries; aid workers; volunteers; staff; managers; partner organisations and stakeholders, all of whom require safety, security and good psychosocial support in order to facilitate the successful completion and evaluation of projects in the UK and overseas.

The programme is understood to be the first of its kind, focusing on psychosocial issues within international humanitarian contexts (e.g. personal communication from Director of HR Services, People in Aid).

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Why take this course?

Understanding about hazards, vulnerability and the risk of disaster, underpinned by a practical awareness of the planning and logistics of an emergency, are at the core of this degree. Our internationally-recognised academics, with cross-disciplinary expertise from our School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and our Business School, will ensure you gain the ability to contribute successfully in the face of a crisis.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Be taught by experts with strong research proposals, who have extensive industrial and consultancy experience with government agencies, businesses and NGOs.
Gain experience of using disaster risk reduction techniques, plus a range of other skills such as mapping using GIS, GPS and remote sensing technologies
Opt to do a work placement with an emergency planning, crisis management or disaster response organisation

What opportunities might it lead to?

We will give you the knowledge and practical skills to ensure an interesting and rewarding career in the emergency planning, crisis management or disaster response sectors, both in the UK and overseas.

The Crisis and Disaster Management course is endorsed by the Emergency Planning College (EPC) of the UK Cabinet Office. If you have attended appropriate professional development short courses at the Cabinet Office Emergency Planning College (EPC) you may be eligible for exemption from attendance of up to two thirds of our degree programme. Accreditation of Prior Learning requires evidence of good practice in the topics of study and of applying this appropriately at your workplace. If you wish to take advantage of this offer, after enrolment on the course a personal tutor will aid you in submission of your evidence.

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:

Contingency planning
Humanitarian aid organisations
Community resilience
Flood management
Military-civilian emergency liaison
(Re)insurance and risk management

Module Details

The course is a mixture of taught units and a research project, covering:

hazard, vulnerability and risk assessments; disaster risk reduction; emergency planning; crisis management; logistics and financial planning; business continuity; community resilience; humanitarian emergency response, and disaster management techniques, such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

The course consist of the following core units:

Disasters: Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk
Emergency Management and Planning
Disaster Management Techniques and Study Visits
Crisis Management and Governance (option)
Humanitarian Emergency Response and Recovery (option)
Research Project 


Programme Assessment

You will be part of a large postgraduate community in a vibrant and friendly department. The course units are delivered as a series of three-day teaching blocks, at three to four-week intervals from October to May, with all assessment by coursework assignments. Formal classes, such as lectures and seminars, enable you to gain the relevant knowledge, which is developed further through activity-based practicals, simulation exercises and study visits. The in-class teaching is supplemented by extensive use of web-based and library learning resources.

Assessment is varied, aimed at developing skills relevant to a range of working environments. Here’s how we assess your work:

3000-word illustrated reports
Poster and oral presentations
Literature reviews and research proposals
An individual Research Project

Student Destinations

The vocational nature of the course will give you transferable skills such as project planning, literature and data reviewing, field mapping, report writing, meeting deadlines, team work, presentation, communication and emergency simulation exercises. It also has strong research and analytical components, providing training for those who are interested in pursuing further research at PhD level.

You will have the opportunity to complete voluntary work placements with organisations (businesses, government departments, NGOs) in the emergency planning and disaster management sector, in the UK and overseas. Jobs are largely within the following sectors: emergency planning, crisis communication, epidemiology, risk management, insurance and re-insurance, utility companies, emergency logistics, civil defence and disaster relief.

The Crisis & Disaster Management MSc course is endorsed by the Emergency Planning College of the UK Government Cabinet Office.

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From natural and human-made disasters, complex emergencies and conflict to environmental sustainability and community development, this globally-focused course explores real-world problems and how to conceptualise and address them.

You will learn how to prepare for, and respond in a crisis. You will develop the planning skills to help minimise impact and avert problems where possible. You will develop advanced knowledge, project management and analytical skills whilst developing a specialism in an area of your choice.

The course is supported by the Disaster and Development Network (DDN) hosted by Northumbria University , which can lead to placements across the world. Our highly employable graduates have moved into a range of exciting careers, including in the UN, governments, development, humanitarian aid organisations, charities and local authorities.

Learn From The Best

Our MSc was the first of its kind in the world. Over the last 16 years our staff and graduates have informed policy at an international level, regularly advising and researching with the United Nations and national development organisations.

With many modules directly relating to the research expertise of teaching staff, you will learn from lecturers who lead knowledge creation in their specialist fields. Through collaborations with scholars, practitioners and senior policy makers across the world, our academics have connections with organisations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, national Emergency Management and Environment Agencies, as well as international and national charities and governments in a range of countries around the world.

You will benefit from our outstanding links with research groups and networks including the University-hosted Disaster Development Network (DDN) which is involved with research and enterprise activities on a global scale.

Teaching And Assessment

In this rapidly expanding field, you will learn through real scenarios and case studies, live research projects, developing your personal and professional responses to disaster and development challenges.

Guided through lectures, seminars and workshops by staff with vast experience in applying their expertise to current world issues, you will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for, take action within, and recover from a crisis. You will develop research and methodology skills. You will also develop a specialism in an area such as health and wellbeing in disaster management, integrated emergency management, or exploring a specific thematic subject of your own choice. The course culminates in a Masters dissertation which can take the form of a traditional research dissertation or a work related project.

Assessment is designed to provide an authentic learning experience, using techniques and approaches common in professional practice and subject-based academic research and consultancy. We provide constructive ongoing and forward feedback to develop your understanding within and between modules.

Learning Environment

If you’re looking for specialist software packages or group study areas, our facilities have been developed to help you through your studies.

We also make use of technology in module delivery. Modules take a ‘virtual field study’ approach where real-world examples are brought into the classroom via video clips, podcasts and online discussions with external experts and practitioners.

Lecture materials, learning resources and assessment details are accessible on the eLearning portal (Blackboard), a university-wide system that also provides access to discussion boards where you can communicate with your fellow students and lecturers.

Module Overview
KE7001 - Approaches to Project Management (Core, 20 Credits)
KE7003 - Subject Exploration in Disaster and Development (Optional, 20 Credits)
KE7004 - Themes in Sustainable Development (Core, 20 Credits)
KE7005 - Disaster Risk Reduction and Response (Core, 20 Credits)
KE7006 - Health and Well-being in Disaster and Development (Core, 20 Credits)
KE7007 - Integrated Emergency Management (Optional, 20 Credits)
KE7015 - Research or Work Related Dissertation (Core, 60 Credits)
KE7022 - Postgraduate Research Methods (Core, 20 Credits)

Research-Rich Learning

Research-led teaching and learning is used to guide you from the start to the end of the course. We embed research into lectures, seminars and workshops, drawing on staff and visiting lecturers’ research findings and consultancy.

You will be encouraged to debate key readings and actively engage in critical discussion of research strategies in interactive seminars and workshops. This is reinforced by assessments where you critically evaluate case studies, concepts, applications and research outputs.

Our research into Disaster and Development was ranked by judges representing UK Government Departments and Research Councils among the top 20 impact case studies within the Research Excellence Framework for contribution towards global development. DDN has been researching and facilitating the implementation of disaster risk reduction strategies to improve community resilience in some of the world’s poorest communities since 1994, working with communities in Bangladesh, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

Northumbria is one of three Europe wide groups to represent Europe and Africa in the new Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes, and a leading member of a new UK national research network for implementing the UK research strategy for the Sendai Framework.

Our contribution is supported through the global MSc, doctoral alumni and the annual Dealing with Disasters conference.

Give Your Career An Edge

This postgraduate course is designed to support the development of those seeking to enter a career in the disaster and development fields, as well as to broaden and deepen the career options of those already working in the field. Our connections with professionals working in the sector ensure that the course content is aligned with current practice and relevant to the world, while staff research helps to inform new innovations, reflected in modules on the MSc also.

The course is supported by the Northumbria-based Disaster and Development Network (DDN) and there are also links to the Gender and Disaster Network. Connections that could lead to placements in countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, the Philippines, India, Nepal, Australia and a number of African countries as well as with EU and UK-based organisations.

Your Future

Our graduates are highly employable, equipped with the skills to address hazards, disasters, risks, vulnerabilities and complex emergencies, working with/in relief and development organisations, national authorities and emergency services at a local or global level.

Graduates go on to careers in a diverse range of related areas.

Our graduates work in roles, for example, as a: Emergency Planner or Emergency Planning Manager; Disaster and Development Academic and/or Researcher; Business Contingency Manager; Humanitarian and United Nations Consultant; Deputy Head of Field Officer of the Office of the United Nations for Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA); and are often working for the Environmental Agency, Local Authorities and International, National, Regional and Local Non-Governmental Offices - often at managerial level.

A number of students who already worked in the sector have subsequently progressed to senior roles in United Nations bodies, World Vision and UK Emergency Planning. Others have successfully gone on to PhD research before pursuing a career in academia in a range of countries around the world, both so-called developed and developing.

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Our International Child Studies MA is a multidisciplinary course designed to promote a rigorous academic approach to contemporary issues in childhood, underpinned by a children’s rights framework. By taking a sociological perspective we encourage you to examine children’s experiences, the ways in which childhood is socially and culturally constructed, and to reflect on international policy and practice.

Key benefits

• Multidisciplinary approach.
• Covers latest developments in issues that affect childhood globally.
• Taught by a wide range of external expert speakers, as well as our own staff, from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds.
• Opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with students from different disciplines.

Description

Our multidisciplinary course encourages you to take a rigorous academic and analytical approach to contemporary issues in childhood. These issues are relevant for anyone working or intending to work with, or on behalf of, vulnerable children. We apply sociological perspectives on multiple constructed childhoods to a comparative study of global childhoods. This complements our teaching on relevant law and policy, child development, and contemporary issues such as poverty, HIV, child trafficking and child protection. This course is appropriate if you work in the statutory or voluntary sector overseas or aspire to work in these sectors. 

Course purpose

Our MA International Child Studies is appropriate for professionals working in the statutory or voluntary sector overseas; those aspiring to work in the statutory or voluntary sector overseas who hold a first degree in a relevant subject; and UK professionals working with a diverse population of children/young people. 

Course format and assessment

Teaching

We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. A significant proportion of teaching on the course is delivered by expert external lecturers, both academics and practitioners. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

In addition these modules will involve:

Lectures, seminars and feedback: The teaching contact time for each 30 credit taught Child Studies module is typically 30.5 - 32 hours. In addition this module will involve one hour of supervision/Q&A time. The typical teaching contact time for each 30 credit taught ‘Education’ optional module is 20 hours. Teaching sessions will usually include lectures, and teacher-led and student-led group discussions based on the main areas of study. There are 12 hours of teaching for the internship module; this is supplemented by the support of Careers and Employability and mentoring through the internship itself. Students also complete at least 160 hours of employment for the internship module. 

Self-Study: 267-280 hours (or 288 hours for the internship module)

Dissertation:

Seminars and feedback: You will receive 22 hours of research methods training. You may also choose to take research methods as an optional module. You will also receive six to eight hours of dissertation workshops, plus nine additional hours of individual dissertation supervision.

Self study: Approximately 561-563 hours for dissertation

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

Although assessment methods may vary between modules, we will normally assess you though essays, reports, examinations, presentations, research proposals and case studies. We will assess your dissertation module through a 16,000-word piece of writing.

Career prospects

Our recent graduates are using the skills and knowledge they developed over this course in organisations such as UNICEF, Children and Families Across Borders, Eastern Washington University (lecturer), Seneca Centre Oakland, California, and DG ECHO (the Humanitarian Aid arm of the EU).

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This multidisciplinary degree course focuses on response to crises originating from both conflict-zones and natural disasters. Bringing together the study of medicine and humanities, the course provides an inclusive approach that mirrors the reality of aid operations and informs the reflexive processes of both analytical and applied disciplines. Students will be able to draw synergies from an exceptionally wide breadth of disciplinary traditions and research expertise.

Aims

1. Provide critical insights into competing perspectives on how Humanitarianism and Conflict Responses can be understood, analysed and explained - from both an historiographic and contemporary viewpoint.
2. Develop analytical skills in critically evaluating the idea of humanitarianism and the ways that responses to conflict are organised, justified and implemented. This includes competency in developing a reasoned argument, critically considering data sources and depending different approaches.
3. Develop skills in gathering, organising and using evidence and information from a wide variety of sources. This will be complemented by guidance on how best to manage workloads and obtain research materials.
4. Enable students to apply research skills to a relevant research area.

Students should be able to show a critical understanding of :
1. Key issues and debates in Humanitarianism and Conflict Response, familiarity with different theoretical approaches, practical problems and an appreciation of the diversity of policies at international and national levels.
2. Both the range of social science topics associated with Humanitarianism and Conflict Response and the normative and historiographic assumptions which underpin these issues.
3. The analytical and policy literature concerning the related issues of the causes of conflict, reconstruction, ethics and international governance structures and institutions, the role and perspectives of the state, multilateral and bilateral agencies, international and domestic NGOs and other civil institutions.
4. A detailed and extensive understanding of a specific conceptual and/or policy-related area of Humanitarianism and Conflict Response, of the implications and limitations of research findings on this subject; and of how to produce an original piece of academic research, all through their dissertation.

Special features

HCRI at The University of Manchester is inspired by the need to conduct rigorous research and to support postgraduate training on the impact and outcomes of contemporary and historical crises. Directed by Dr Rony Brauman (former President of MSF France, Associate Professor at L'Institut d'Études Politiques, Paris, and Director of Research at the MSF Foundation, Paris), HCRI is widely recognised as being a leading international research institute focusing on the study of humanitarianism, conflict response and peacebuilding.

Our work is driven by a desire to inform and support policy and decision makers, to optimise joint working between partner organisations, and to foster increased understanding and debate within the field. Bringing together the disciplines of medicine and the humanities (including international relations and political science) to achieve these goals, HCRI aims to facilitate improvements in crisis response on a global scale whilst providing a centre of excellence for all concerned with emergencies, conflicts and peace. In offering a range of postgraduate courses we embrace this opportunity to develop a scholarly and professional agenda for humanitarians and peacebuilders around the world.

Course unit details

Course units may include:
-Humanitarianism and conflict response: inquiries
-Emergency humanitarian assistance
-Fundamentals of epidemiology
-Humanitarian responses to crises: case studies
-The history of humanitarian aid
-Research & evaluation methods
-Global health
-The Arab revolts and post-revolutionary state formation
-Anthropology of violence
-Performance in theory and practice
-The ethics of killing
-Ethics in world politics
-Conflict analysis
-Democracy: theory & practice
-Reconstruction and development
-Global governance

Career opportunities

As a hard-working, ambitious Manchester postgraduate, a wide range of exciting careers are within your reach. Students at the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute come from a broad range of backgrounds, with varying levels of experience. Many who already have work experience will be able to harness the knowledge gained from their course to progress within their field of expertise, reaching senior roles in government and non-governmental organisations. Others will be able to use the course as a starting point to progress onto careers within NGOs, HR consultancies, financial institutions, academic institutions and more. Whatever your level of experience, you can access support from your tutors, the University Careers Service and an extensive alumni network to boost your career prospects further than ever before whilst at Manchester.

Associated organisations

A close link has been formed with the humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières. Recipient of the 1999 Nobel Prize, it delivers emergency aid in over 60 countries to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters or exclusion from healthcare through its staff of 25,000 health professionals, logistics experts and administrators. The HCRI is also building a network of associate fellows based in relevant organisations and academic institutions around the world.

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Our course enables you to meet the growing need for increased knowledge in cross-cultural communication. You will receive communication-focused training and develop expertise in cross-cultural communication. The course covers understanding how cultures and human behaviour reflexively interconnect.

Changing social conditions and circumstances require new ways of dealing with people, and fresh ways of interacting and communicating with people of other cultures.

There is an urgent need to improve our knowledge and understanding of the processes and issues involved in cross-cultural communication, and to discover how such knowledge can be effectively applied in everyday experiences.

What this means in practice is that we need to develop our knowledge of why and how communication 'works' and how and why it sometimes does not 'work'.

The course answers questions including how cultural background impacts upon successful communication and how language, thought, and behaviour are interrelated.

The Cross-Cultural Communication (CCC) MA is relevant if you wish to study communication, language and culture. It will also suit anyone intending to work, or are already working, in international and cross-cultural environments where communication is an essential aspect of that work, as for example:
-Communications consultants
-Interpreters
-Social workers
-International sales representatives
-Journalists
-Medical and healthcare professionals
-Humanitarian aid staff
-Teachers
-Local government officials

The course is theoretically, practically and research oriented, and allows selection of one of six specialist pathways.

Our CCC courses are the only ones in the world to offer such a broad range of specialisms. This unique combination of expertise in cross-cultural communication and an additional area provides our graduates with enhanced employability in the competitive global marketplace.

We have an international student cohort, with up to 35 countries represented. Former students identify this as one of the main strengths of the course, as they are regularly working with peers from a wide range of national, linguistic and professional backgrounds. This provides everyone with an opportunity to develop their interpersonal and intercultural skills while studying.

Through the research portfolio, you are equipped with the analytical and theoretical skills required to understand and analyse communication in a wide range of settings. You learn about research in communication and cross-cultural communication from a range of perspectives, including:
-Social psychology
-Communication studies
-Intercultural communication studies
-Ethnography
-Discourse studies

The course has received praise from external examiners and the University's Internal Subject Review committee for the emphasis on teaching and assessing empirical, data-driven research. You receive training on the practical, theoretical and methodological skills required to conduct research relevant to the field of cross-cultural communication. This includes the various ways of collecting and analysing empirical data:
-Ethnographic observation
-Research interviews
-Questionnaire-based statistical analysis
-Discourse analysis

Delivery

Modules are delivered through a range of means, including:
-Lectures
-Seminars
-Workshops
-Group projects

Each module tends to last one semester. Some optional modules are taught in short, intensive blocks and/or on occasional weekends.

Work experience

You are encouraged to apply your research interests to real world case studies, particularly of international organisations or workplaces with which you have a connection.

For example, your empirical project submitted in research file three can be in connection with voluntary work (for a charity or NGO) or an internship, arranged over the summer towards the end of the course.

As a part time student you can conduct a research project of relevance to your employer and/or industry.

Pathway

The Cross-Cultural Communication MA has six specialist pathways:
-Applied Linguistics
-Education
-International Management
-International Marketing
-Media
-International Relations

Facilities

As a student in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences you'll have access to facilities and a growing collection of online resources, including:
-A well-stocked Education Resource Centre
-Language Analysis Lab
-A phonetics lab
-An audio-video lab
-A recording studio

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Master of Laws

This qualification is designed to consider the role and place of law in an increasingly globalised world, and is suitable for law and non-law graduates as well as lawyers wanting to develop their interests. It takes a critical legal approach to study, using different perspectives and case studies to illustrate, explore, compare and contextualise topical legal issues. You will explore the interaction of law, law making bodies, institutions and regulators in an international context, the role and function of law in an increasingly global society, and the role of states, international institutions and multi-national companies. You will also consider contemporary legal issues such as corporate social responsibility, trans-national crime, humanitarian aid and security.

Key features of the course

• Explores methods of reasoning and analysis in law, and evaluates the complexities inherent in law, regulation and legal study
• Develops a range of transferable skills, including advanced legal research, that are attractive to employers
• Concludes with an in-depth piece of independent research on a topic within your chosen specialist subject area.

If you are interested in becoming a lawyer (solicitor or barrister) you need to study an undergraduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons).

This qualification is eligible for a Postgraduate Loan available from Student Finance England.

Modules

There is a choice of routes through the qualification. You can start your studies with either of the compulsory modules Exploring legal meaning (W820) or Exploring the boundaries of international law (W821). These modules provide core postgraduate skills in legal methodology and research and knowledge of international law and legal thinking. They include a comparative approach. Or you can start your studies with Business, human rights law and corporate social responsibilities (W822), or an optional module from list B. If you are claiming credit transfer from another postgraduate provider you may not need to study an optional module. Your final module to complete this masters degree will be The law dissertation (W800).

To gain this qualification you need 180 credits as follows:

60 credits of compulsory modules:

• Exploring legal meaning (W820)
• Exploring the boundaries of international law (W821)

Plus

30 credits of optional modules from list A:

List A

• Business, human rights law and corporate social responsibility (W822)

• Or the 30-credit module Continuing professional development in practice (UYA810)*.

*Please note that UYA810 is part of the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Professional Practice (Employment Law Advice) qualification only available to those working for ACAS. Therefore if you do not hold this qualification W822 is currently a compulsory module in Group A.

Plus

30 credits from the optional modules in list B:

List B
• Capacities for managing development (T878)
• Conflict and development (T879)
• Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
• Development: context and practice (T877)
• Environmental monitoring and protection (T868)
• Institutional development (TU872)
• Making environmental decisions (T891)


Plus

60 credits from the following compulsory module:

• The law dissertation (W800)

The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time.

Credit transfer

If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to study. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

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What is disaster and refugee health?

Disaster and refugee health issues are relevant to health professionals working in urban environments, rural and remote areas, and developing countries.

Who is this course for?

A highly-trained team of health care providers is essential in providing a coordinated and informed response to disaster and refugee health issues. This course is for health professionals and graduates looking to develop the skills and knowledge to work in this field.

Course learning outcomes

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Disaster and Refugee Health will be able to:
*Integrate and apply a specialised body of theoretical and technical knowledge in the discipline of refugee health, with depth in the political, demographic, epidemiological, organisational and cultural factors in the provision of health care in the emergency phase of humanitarian response to refugee crises
*Integrate and apply a specialised body of theoretical and technical knowledge in the planning and response to disasters across diverse contexts with depth in risk assessment, priorities of care, recovery, resilience, political, ethical, cultural, legal, epidemiological impact, psychological, organisational roles and responsibilities
*Review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise information, data and evidence to devise appropriate strategies to accurately assess the needs and resources required for humanitarian aid provision in emergency refugee situations
*Review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise information, data and evidence to devise appropriate strategies to risk assessment, prioritise response, work with a range of organisations, and deliver care in a disaster context
*Exercise high-level judgment in the design of public health strategies to reduce excess morbidity and mortality in both emergency refugee situations and disasters
*Communicate theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions through advanced literacy and numeracy skills to specialist and non‐specialist audiences
*Demonstrate personal autonomy and accountability for their own future personal and professional development and contribute to the professional development of others, by engaging in critical reflective practice in relation to knowledge, skills and attitudes and their application to disaster and refugee health.

Award title

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF DISASTER AND REFUGEE HEALTH (GCertDisasRefugHlth)

Entry requirements (Additional)

English band level 3a - the minimum English Language test scores you need are:
*IELTS – 7.0 (no component lower than 6.5), OR
*TOEFL – 577 (plus minimum Test of Written English score of 5.5), OR
*TOEFL (internet based) – 100 (minimum writing score of 23), OR
*Pearson (PTE Academic) - 72

If you meet the academic requirements for a course, but not the minimum English requirements, you will be given the opportunity to take an English program to improve your skills in addition to an offer to study a degree at JCU. The JCU degree offer will be conditional upon the student gaining a certain grade in their English program. This combination of courses is called a packaged offer.
JCU’s English language provider is Union Institute of Languages (UIL). UIL have teaching centres on both the Townsville and Cairns campuses.

Minimum English language proficiency requirements

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3a – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Why JCU?

James Cook University provides several programs unique to Australia. We have:
*The Anton Breinl Centre for Public Health and Tropical Medicine is one of the leading tropical research facilities in the world
*teaching staff awarded the Australian Learning Teaching Councils’ National Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning
*brand new Mosquito Research Facility
*cutting-edge teaching laboratories.

Application deadlines

*1st February for commencement in semester one (February)
*1st July for commencement in semester two (mid-year/July)

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In recent years the world has seen many violent conflicts, ranging from the former Yugoslavia, Congo, Afghanistan to Iraq. Many of the violent conflicts are nowadays fought over issues as identity, territory or resources (e.g. diamonds and oil). War between states has become rare; most of the violent conflicts take place within the borders of a state. In addition, ‘terrorist' organisations with goals that exceed national agendas have claimed more attention than before. The international community - governments, non-governmental organisations and international organisations like the UN - has a significant interest in the management and resolution of violent conflicts.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/cti

Entry Requirements (Additional)

The requirements for admission include:
- a bachelor degree in Human Geography received from Radboud University or another relevant bachelor degree with at least 24 EC in conflict studies and/or political geography
- Having successfully completed a course in social scientific research methods is highly recommended and will increase your chance of getting selected for this specialisation
- excellent proficiency in English
- a letter of motivation
- two letters of recommendation
- list of your grades obtained during previous training

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master's in Human Geography will be qualified for many different job positions. These jobs all require excellent analytical skills at an academic level, a critical perspective, thorough knowledge of societal relations and a clear vision of how crucial societal problems can be solved. Human Geography graduates find jobs rather easily at (international) research institutes, international companies, or at consultancy firms. Top-ranking positions, in private industry as well as in governmental and non-governmental organisations can also be found.

Our approach to this field

If you choose the master specialisation Conflicts, Territories and Identities you will study (inter)national conflict, war and the physical and mental borders that come along with these. We will focus on the backgrounds, contexts and sources - imperialism, geopolitics, failing states, religions, (national) identities, discrimination, resources, borders - and the management and resolution - good governance, border management, humanitarian aid, development aid, diplomacy, peace operations. You will become familiar with the political and social construction of conflicts, territories and identities, as well as with the theory and practice of (inter)national conflict management.

Our research in this field

The Master's specialisation in Conflicts, Territories and Identities is a joint project of the Centre for International Conflict Analysis & Management (CICAM) and the Department of Human Geography of Radboud University. Together they offer the state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in the field of conflict analysis and management, that you will need in your future career as a scholar, a (inter)national policy or decision maker, a conflict manager, or as a journalist. You will be able to apply scholarly ideas and concepts to complex conflict situations in practice. The central question in this programme is: ‘how can violent conflicts be analysed, understood or explained and how can they be managed?'

You will be taught by professors who study these issues and publish their findings in international academic journals and contribute to the public debate in the Netherlands. You will study theories, methods and instruments, but above all you will develop a critical attitude. You will learn that there are always multiple approaches to any problem. The Master's programme in Conflicts, Territories and Identities includes a variety of cases, individual and group assignments, lectures and seminars, small national excursions and an international excursion to a (former) conflict zone. The programme gives you the opportunity to share experiences with other students and to link theory with practice. You can also specialise by selecting a specific elective course and by choosing a topic for your final Master's thesis. Furthermore there are good opportunities for interesting and challenging research-internships.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/cti

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In this three-semester Master's programme you will strengthen your academic understanding of International Humanitarian Action. You will also acquire practical skills for working in the area of humanitarian aid, such as policy-making.

The programme is an international Erasmus Mundus Master's programme. It is offered by nine European universities, namely in the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, Belgium and France. These universities are united in the Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA).

In this programme you will learn to evaluate humanitarian emergencies. You will study the causes of conflicts and different coping strategies for conflicts and disasters. In addition, you will learn to plan and assess intervention and reconstruction programmes. Also, you will acquire practical skills such as management skills and cross-cultural communication skills.

You will take courses such as Geopolitics in Humanitarian Action and Comprehensive Security and Disaster Analysis. You will do a career-oriented internship in a humanitarian organization and write a thesis.

Why in Groningen?

- Erasmus Mundus Master of Excellence with double degree awards
- Erasmus Mundus scholarships
- Unique, multilingual, interdisciplinary and interuniversity programme
- Consortium of several European universities
- Unique combination of hands-on practice and theory
- Career-oriented internship in humanitarian organizations

Job perspectives

This programme prepares you for an international career. Most graduates work in the field of humanitarian action and international cooperation as representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. They also work as managers, fundraisers, policymakers and researchers.

Job examples

- Manager non-profit organization
- Policymaker

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Every country’s approach to social work and social development is different, and this course will help you acquire the skills and knowledge you will need to give your career a global perspective.

Your studies will provide a broad level of understanding by exposing you to the variety of ways in which our subjects are approached in diverse contexts, and there will be a particular focus on the global south, and on recognising how responses to social issues have developed.

There will also be an emphasis on issues which have an international dimension, such as human rights and social justice, trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

[Why choose this course?]]

• Study, compare and evaluate different welfare regimes and indigenous responses to human need within a framework of equality and social justice
• Explore the ethical aspects of your subject including attention to power and anti-discriminatory practice
• Develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of the knowledge, theoretical and ethical underpinnings and approaches to international social work and social development in diverse global contexts
• Gain an in-depth knowledge and critical appreciation of research models and methods, and acquire a high level of skill in evaluating and undertaking research while working within a robust ethical framework
• Benefit from a programme that will give you the core skills, initiative and professionalism necessary to carry out direct work with clients in a range of settings, for example working for NGOs, governments or voluntary organisations.

Visit the website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/international-social-work-and-social-development#about

Course detail

This course offers global perspectives, theoretical foundations, ethics and practice skills equipping social work and social development professionals to respond effectively in diverse country contexts and make global-local connections. It aims to enable students to develop cultural competence and the ability to work effectively in different global contexts.

You will develop critical thinking, enquiry and evaluation in response to human need encouraging reflectiveness, increasing self-awareness and questioning of models of practice. You will also develop team working skills as be exposed to multi-disciplinary and culturally diverse working, both through collaboration with other students and observing practice in community-based projects.

The course aims to equip students with the skills to carry out research and to understand the implications of research for practice. It also provides the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge of a specialist subject of your own choosing.

The practice skills element of the course enables students to apply theory to practice and to develop the core skills, initiative and professionalism necessary to carry out direct work with clients in a range of settings; for example working for NGOs, government or voluntary organisations.

Modules

• International Social Work and Social Development
• Comparative Social Work and Cultural Competence - Approaches, Policy and Practice
• Models and Methods of Social Investigation
• Human Rights, Advocacy and Social Justice
• Complexities of Forced Migration: Human Displacement, Trafficking and Refuge
• Humanitarian Aid, Non-governmental Organisations and Social Work in Disasters
• Gender in International Social Work and Social Development
• International Relations - Globalization
• Practice Skills Workshops – Project Management, Training and Development, Evaluation and Communication Skills
• Dissertation

Assessment

The assessment methods include:
• Case studies
• Reflective accounts of student experience
• Individual and group presentations
• Design of a training package
• Analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data
• The dissertation allows you to undertake a research project and communicate knowledge, findings and recommendations

Careers

There is growing demand in both developed and developing countries for the skills of social work and social development professionals. A wide range of job opportunities is available in both the statutory and non-statutory sectors, these include specialist roles in NGOs and various humanitarian organisations.

Job titles for typical successful Masters students include: Social Development Worker, Child Protection Worker, Community Worker, Animateur, Project Worker, Women’s Worker, Gender based Violence Specialist, Advocacy Worker. Roles in policy and research in the public, private and NGO sector are also open to graduates.

Further study options include PhD or the Professional Doctorate for Home/EU Students.

Funding

For information on available funding, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/scholarships/pg

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/course/applicationform

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The Postgraduate Certificate in Anthropology & Development is a one-year part-time course designed for development and humanitarian aid professionals (and those who envisage such a career) who would like to add an anthropological perspective to their development expertise. The course provides a holistic and critical approach to culture, the inevitable context of all relief and development activity. This Certificate can be applied to the MA in Anthropology & Development, upon acceptance to that programme.
The course consists of four consecutive 6-week modules, offered on Tuesday evenings, plus two Saturday Workshops distributed over the course of the academic year (20 ECTS combined). The Saturday Workshops feature guest scholars who bring critical perspectives to development-related issues. PG Cert students are also welcome at our weekly Anthropology Department Seminar.
This course can enhance the career of development professionals by equipping them with a critical perspective informed by anthropology’s holistic approach. It is also suitable for those interested in pursuing NGO work in the voluntary/charity sector.

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Invest in your future

New Zealand is a recognised leader in disaster management, which makes it the perfect place to study the topic. Our significant, multi-hazard activity keeps disaster management at the forefront of government policy – and recent disasters both here and around the globe have highlighted a need for expert knowledge in managing them.

The Master of Disaster Management offers students a variety of knowledge and skills to implement a holistic approach to managing unexpected events such as disasters and emergencies. It focuses on key issues of disaster resilience and disaster risk reduction, ensuring you are equipped to apply this knowledge to planning frameworks, policy-making and devising solutions in different and complex environments.

This programme draws on expertise from across the University of Auckland – such as Science, Architecture and Planning, Development Studies and Environmental Law – and includes the world-recognised research we’ve undertaken to date.

The MDisMgt is intended to prepare you for a leadership role in a disaster management career and/or humanitarian aid field. Many professions, including engineers, urban designers, project managers, economists, health workers, aid workers, scientists and government officials, can benefit significantly from expert knowledge and skills gained in this highly relevant programme.

Programme structure

Taught (120 points or 180 points)
Full-time or part-time

The Master of Disaster Management is a flexible programme – you can study full or part-time, and depending on your existing qualifications, will undertake either a 120-point (12 months full-time/four years part-time) or 180-point (18 months full-time/six-years part time) degree. As well as the three core courses, you’ll select from a variety of electives to suit your schedule and interests.

The programme also includes a research element (45 points), where you will address a topic relevant to disaster management. The MDisMgt research project develops your knowledge of how to support community resilience and the built environment after a disaster. It will help you demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills, and give you the ability to independently solve a real-world issue in disaster settings.

Courses and electives

You’ll take three core courses (of 15 points each): Disaster Risk Management, Disaster Management and Resilience, and Project Management.

Depending on your degree (120 or 180 points), you’ll select two or six elective courses. Electives may include:

• Infrastructure Asset Management
• Construction Logistics Engineering
• Natural Resources Law
• Human Rights Litigation
• Global Public Health
• Gender and Development
• Geohazards
• Specialist Counselling Skills and Approaches
• Working with Grief and Loss

Next generation research at the University of Auckland

The Faculty of Engineering is dedicated to providing you with all the facilities, flexibility and support needed for you to develop the skills needed for the workforce. We boast research themes and programmes that provoke interdisciplinary projects, bringing together expertise from our five departments, other faculties, and industry partners and research organisations. Collaborative study is strongly encouraged – postgraduates in particular have the benefit of experiencing cohorts with diverse academic and industry backgrounds.

You will gain access to world-renowned experts who actively demonstrate the positive impacts research have on society. High-performance equipment and labs beyond industry standards are at your fingertips. Our facilities extend beyond study hours – we take pride in our involvement in student events and associations across the University, and are dedicated to providing you with academic, personal and career advice. We encourage you to take advantage of our resources, and use them to expand the possibilities of your research and career path.

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