MSc Humanitarian Action (Online)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-10-10 | - |
| 2024-01-16 | - |
| 2024-04-24 | - |
| 2024-04-01 | - |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
This online MSc in Humanitarian Action provides a critical analysis of the history, politics, and practice of humanitarian aid. Students explore diverse perspectives and methodologies to understand the complexities of providing assistance in emergency situations, focusing on ethical considerations, challenges, and advancements in the field. The program prepares graduates for careers in the humanitarian sector or further academic research.
Program Outline
MSc Humanitarian Action (Online)
Degree Overview:
This online Master's program provides a critical analysis of humanitarian action's history, politics, and practice. Students engage with diverse perspectives, theories, and methodologies to understand the complexities of providing aid in emergency situations. The program emphasizes the role of humanitarian action in addressing issues like conflict, displacement, and climate change, while focusing on ethical considerations, challenges, and potential advancements in the field.
Objectives:
- To develop critical understanding of humanitarian principles, practices, and debates.
- To examine the impact of humanitarian assistance in various contexts.
- To enhance analytical and research skills for engaging with humanitarian issues.
- To prepare graduates for careers in the humanitarian sector or further academic research.
Outline:
The program comprises a core module, elective modules, and a dissertation, totaling 180 credits.
- Core Module:
- Humanitarian Principles and Practice (30 credits)
- Investigates the history, ethics, and architecture of humanitarianism.
- Explores critiques of humanitarian aid and South-to-South assistance.
- Examines the political and security complexities of emergency contexts.
- Analyzes case studies of humanitarian intervention.
- Elective Modules:
- Students choose a minimum of one elective from each list:
- List A:
- Understanding Violence, Conflict, and Development
- Critical Insights in Forced Migration
- Human and Critical Security Studies
- The Politics of Gender and Feminisms in Development
- List B:
- Urban Sustainability
- Food Security and Social Protection
- Climate Change and Development
- Understanding Sustainable Development
- Dissertation:
- Students conduct independent research and write a 60-credit dissertation on a chosen topic related to humanitarian action.
Assessment:
- Continuous assessment through online written assignments in each module.
- No formal exams.
- Dissertation assessed through a research proposal and final dissertation submission.
Teaching:
- Fully online delivery through SOAS's VLE (Virtual Learning Environment).
- Access to learning materials, course resources, and online libraries.
- Peer-to-peer learning through online discussion forums.
- Emphasis on active and interactive learning through e-tivities (online activities).
Careers:
Graduates are equipped for careers in various humanitarian organizations, government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and international development organizations. Potential job titles include:
- Humanitarian aid worker
- Policy analyst
- Researcher
- Program manager
- Advocacy officer
- Communications specialist
- Project coordinator
Other:
- The program is particularly relevant for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the humanitarian sector, as well as for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of humanitarian issues.
- The online format allows flexibility for working professionals to pursue their studies while continuing their careers.
- SOAS's reputation as a leading center for Development Studies provides a strong foundation for the program.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher.
- In addition to degree classification, we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement.
- References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.
International Overseas Students:
- We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher.
- In addition to degree classification, we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement.
- References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.
Additional Requirements:
- A strong academic background in a relevant subject area, such as development studies, international relations, politics, or anthropology.
- A demonstrated interest in humanitarian action and an understanding of the key issues and challenges in the field.
- Excellent communication and writing skills.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
English Language Proficiency:
- Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
- The minimum English language requirement is an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component. The final decision on whether or not to offer a place on the programme will be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all of the applicant's qualifications and experience.
- Applicants are encouraged to contact the programme director if they have any questions about the entry requirements.
