Emergency Planning, Response and Resilience

Program Overview

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This postgraduate program in Emergency Planning, Response and Resilience provides core knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and lifecycle stages of emergency planning, response, and resilience. Delivered fully online, it equips students with the skills and confidence to contribute effectively to emergency management processes, emphasizing its relationship to sustainability and the importance of collaboration. Graduates are prepared for careers in various sectors related to emergency planning and response, including government agencies, NGOs, and private companies.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Course Title:

Emergency Planning, Response and Resilience

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Level:

Postgraduate

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Format:

Short Course and CPD

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Faculty:

Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment

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School:

Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment

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Delivery:

Online

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Credit points:

15

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Start Date:

September 23, 2024

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Overview:

This program provides core knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and lifecycle stages of emergency planning, response, and resilience.

• Understand the complexities, principles, mechanisms, partnerships, and the crucial role of communication in crisis situations.
• Develop strategic planning and policy skills for successful interventions in emergencies affecting lives, livelihoods, and well-being.

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Highlights:

• Covers core themes and strategic aspects of the field, impacting policy development and intervention strategies.
• Focuses on the multi-disciplinary nature of emergency planning and response and the importance of collaboration.
• Considers the ethical, humanitarian, and economic drivers behind the discipline.

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Outline:

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Content:

The content of the course focuses on the core themes and strategic aspects of Emergency Planning, Response and Resilience. It covers the key areas listed below:

• Fundamental principles guiding actions
• Exemplar organizations: International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, their principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and universality.

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Module III: Business continuity:

• Importance of maintaining essential services for public health and life preservation.

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Module IV: Emergency Planning lifecycle:

• Roles of different organizations and responders: preparation, response, recovery.

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Module V: Crisis communication:

• Core importance, principles, and techniques
• Role of modern communication opportunities

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Module VI: Disaster capitalism:

• Ethical considerations and real-world case studies.

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Assessment:

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Assessment methods include:

• Report based on participation in a simulation and role play exercise (25% weight): This assesses critical thinking skills, team cohesion, communication, and ability to achieve desired goals.
The report includes a self-evaluation of performance and areas for improvement.
• Report on a chosen topic related to Emergency Planning, Response and Resilience (75% weightage): Options include developing a business continuity plan, emergency response plan, crisis communication strategy, or another relevant plan for an organization, fictitious or real, of the student’s choosing.
The report requires in-depth analysis and appropriate justification based on academic literature.

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Teaching:

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Teaching methodology:

• Fully online delivery
• Semester 1, starting September 23, 2024
• Duration of 12 weeks
• No on-campus attendance required

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Teaching staff:

• Experienced faculty members from the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment who specialize in Emergency Planning, Response and Resilience.

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Unique approach:

• Focus on strategic planning and the development of critical skills necessary for successful interventions during emergency situations.
• Integration of multidisciplinary perspectives reflecting the collaborative nature of emergency preparedness and response.
• Exploration of ethical and humanitarian considerations alongside practical aspects.

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Careers:

This course prepares graduates for careers in various sectors related to emergency planning and response, including:

• Government agencies and organizations responsible for emergency management.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
• Private sector companies that require business continuity planning.
• Public health and safety organizations.
• Research and academic institutions focusing on disaster preparedness and mitigation.

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Possible job titles:

• Emergency Response Coordinator
• Disaster Risk Management Officer
• Humanitarian Aid Worker
• Business Continuity Planner
• Public Health Emergency Preparedness Specialist
• Email: FlexEd@ulster.ac.uk
• Phone: (+44) 028 9536 7199

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Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlements Status Fees:

£583.35

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England, Scotland, Wales and the Islands Fees:

£583.35

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Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees. Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses. Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.