International Humanitarian Affairs (online) (MSc)

Program Overview

The MSc International Humanitarian Affairs (online) program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to respond effectively to diverse humanitarian challenges globally. Through a blended learning approach, students engage with academic, policy, and practical elements, exploring topics such as humanitarianism's evolution, protection and assistance, and program design. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in the humanitarian sector, including roles in policy analysis, development, and relief efforts.

Program Outline

International Humanitarian Affairs (online) (MSc)

Degree Overview:

This course is designed to meet the growing global demand for qualified professionals in the field of humanitarian affairs. It emphasizes the changing nature of humanitarianism, enabling students to engage with the philosophical and theoretical emergence of the concepts of humanitarianism while exploring its policy and practice. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience to respond effectively to diverse humanitarian challenges across the globe.

Outline:

Program Content:

The course structure combines academic, policy, and practical elements to provide a well-rounded understanding of humanitarian affairs. Students will explore topics such as the history and evolution of humanitarianism, ethical considerations, protection and assistance in international humanitarian law, needs assessment and program design, food security, shelter, health, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene). Additionally, the curriculum emphasizes research methodology, critical analysis, and communication skills essential for effective humanitarian intervention.

Course Schedule:

The program is delivered over two years, with the first year focusing on core modules and the second year offering a combination of core and optional modules. Students are required to complete a dissertation as the final component of the program.

Year 1

• Examining Humanitarianism
• Protection and Assistance in International Humanitarian Law
• Humanitarian Response: Food and Nutrition, Shelter, Health, and WASH

Year 2

Core Modules

• Research Methods in Humanitarian Affairs

Optional Modules

(examples):

• Education in Emergencies
• Evaluating Humanitarian Programmes
• Communities in Humanitarian Affairs
• Disasters in Complex Political Emergencies
• The Climate Crisis

Dissertation:

Students are required to complete a 15,000-word dissertation based on an original research project. This component allows students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to a chosen topic of interest in the field of contemporary humanitarian affairs.

Assessment:

Students are assessed throughout the program through various methods, including:

• Critical essays
• Research reports
• Policy analyses
• Case studies
• Project presentations
• Dissertation

Assessment Criteria

• Critical analysis of complex humanitarian issues
• Application of theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios
• Evidence-based research and analysis
• Effective communication of knowledge and findings
• Ethical considerations and reflection

Teaching:

The program is delivered through a blended learning approach, combining online modules with engaging seminars led by academic staff and practitioners.

World-Leading Faculty

The course features a team of experts with extensive experience in humanitarianism, including those with backgrounds in Sub-Saharan and West Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Their expertise covers various humanitarian sectors and reflects current practices and challenges in disaster response, conflict resolution, and complex political emergencies.

Innovative Teaching Methods

The program employs a diverse range of teaching techniques, including interactive discussions, virtual field trips, and guest lectures from prominent individuals in the field. Students have access to extensive online resources, including access to the University Library and specialized humanitarian databases.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-positioned for diverse career paths in the humanitarian sector. They are prepared to work with governmental and non-governmental organizations, the United Nations, and NGOs, contributing to relief efforts in areas affected by disasters and conflicts. Their skillset empowers them to excel in various roles, including:

• Policy analyst
• Development policy officer
• Partnership liaison officer
• Fundraising and communications manager
• Journalist
• Human rights officer

Other:

• The program attracts students from diverse backgrounds, with many participants actively engaged in full-time humanitarian work.
• The curriculum stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in humanitarian practice and policy through constant feedback and collaboration with various humanitarian organizations.
• The program fosters an environment of critical reflection and ethical consideration, encouraging students to be mindful of the power dynamics and cultural nuances relevant to their work.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Annual tuition fees for 2024/25 Study modeUK (home) / International and EU Part-time, distance learning (2 years)This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. £6,350 For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).