Disaster Risk Management: From Theory to Practice

• The disaster-development nexus
• Introduction to the nature of disasters and forensics of the complexity of vulnerability
• Risk configuration and accumulation due to multiple factors – structural and temporal
• Health issues in a climate change context
• Models of disaster risk management and good practice
• Brief introductions to disaster preparedness, response and recovery
• Climate change impact on natural resources, livelihoods and health and connection to disasters

The course is designed more like a learning journey and structured into progressive but non-linear blocks of exploration with clear signposts and landmarks. The course is designed in a way where “imparting knowledge” is kept to a minimum.

This is an extremely practical subject with highly problematic and politically charged areas. It’s best approaching this course in a way of mutual learning, challenging preconceptions and exploring answers rather than expecting to be given such answers.

The course will also be flexibly shaped around students’ experience and areas of interest. While there are set sessions, emphasis will be gauged to students’ level.

During this course, you will learn the concepts and theoretical underpinnings of disaster risk reduction and disaster risk management practices. You will have gained insight into the complex connections and interactions between hazards and vulnerabilities and how risk is contextually configured. You will also be able to demonstrate knowledge of methods and tools for identification and analysis of hazards and vulnerabilities. 

On completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical and practical understanding of the factors affecting and leading to vulnerability not only on a local level but those emanating from structural global processes.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the central role of disaster related health impacts and health status as chronic vulnerability issues that reduces people’s resilience in the face of extreme events and hazards.
• Have a command of the key concepts, theories, models and principles relevant to disaster management and risk reduction.
• Demonstrate knowledge of methods and tools for risk analysis and risk evaluation, including methods for identification and analysis of hazards and vulnerabilities.
• Acquire the conceptual basis to appreciate the complexities of vulnerability, risk and disaster management.
• Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of policies and practices in the field that could potentially lead to increased vulnerability of the population.
• Apply tools used for teambuilding and stress management and demonstrate knowledge about intercultural communication.

See all learning outcomes in the course curriculum.

Participants must

• Hold a relevant bachelor degree or equivalent
• Have a minimum 2 years of relevant job experience
• Be proficient in English

Find detailed information about the current admission criteria.

This course is offered as a compulsory part of the Master of Disaster Management

Priority is given to students enrolled on Master of Disaster Management. Once the enrolled students have been admitted to the course, the remaining seats are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.