Emergency Management and Resilience MSc / Crisis and Organisational Resilience PGCert

Postgraduate
Conversion course

Firefighter with a hose battling a building on fire

Learn the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to enhance organisational resilience and integrated emergency management arising from civil contingencies.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Course code

MSc: EEST126, PGCert: EEST128

Start date

January 2026
May 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Postgraduate events

Course overview

Explore the key issues behind real-world emergency and crisis situations and learn how they can be managed effectively. Build the skills and knowledge needed to respond to different emergencies and put strategic plans into action.

The Emergency Management and Resilience MSc course has been reviewed by an external expert from the Civil Contingencies Secretariat (UK Cabinet Office). This course aims to help successful graduates gain the skills and knowledge needed to manage complex and large-scale emergencies.
Use academic tools to analyse and evaluate emergencies, emergency management, preparedness and planning processes.
Designed for current and future leaders, covering both tactical and strategic approaches. Learn to develop emergency preparedness plans and training programmes to address a wide range of threats and risks in the UK and globally.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 4th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2025

Why you should study this course

Advance your skills in evaluating complex situations, developing creative and innovative solutions, and implementing lessons learnt.
The course covers a wide range of topics to reflect the multidisciplinary nature of the subject. It includes current and evolving techniques and tactics for preventing, planning, preparing for, or responding to various emergencies. You will critically evaluate technical data, information, and best practices in emergency planning and incident management.
Members of our current teaching team have practical experience and have carried out employment, consultancy and research in emergency and incident management and allied professions. This includes command and control design, the design and management of simulated emergency exercises, emergency planning, risk mapping, and the preparation of response frameworks for mass evacuation (staff subject to change).
You may have opportunities to take part in training and exercises through simulated emergency scenarios in our immersive Simulation Centre.⁴
Upon successful completion of the first four modules (Critical Incident Leadership, Business Continuity and Crisis Management, Foresight, Insight and Strategy, and Training and Exercise), you will be eligible for a PGCert in Crisis and Organisational Resilience.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

The Leading Diverse Workforces module meets the criteria set by the Chartered Management Institute¹ (CMI) for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. Students who successfully pass this module will be eligible to gain the award as an additional qualification at no additional cost.

What you'll study

Build specialist knowledge in risk management, emergency preparedness, response, recovery and resilience. Explore real case studies and examine current practice, applying key theories and concepts to understand how organisations manage crises.

You’ll also have the flexibility to choose a study route that suits you. You can complete the full MSc, or study just the first four core modules and finish your course with a PGCert. Modules run every other semester, so as a PGCert student you’ll join the modules available when you enrol and follow the set order.

Modules

Emergency Planning and Preparedness – 15 credits (MSc and PGCert)

Gain a critical understanding of the key concepts, issues, processes and structures involved in developing effective strategies for emergency and disaster preparation, response, and recovery. Explore methods for creating, implementing, testing, and evaluating preparedness plans for various natural, social and technological hazards.

Compulsory

Critical Incident Leadership – 15 credits (MSc and PGCert)

Focus on understanding different interpretations of risk and developing leadership and decision-making skills for managing incidents and crises. Explore non-technical skills, risk reduction methods and leadership models, using theories to evaluate challenges within command-and-control frameworks. Examine how lessons from incidents can drive improvements and addresses the barriers to implementing change effectively.

Compulsory

Foresight, Insight and Strategy – 15 credits (MSc and PGCert)

Examine strategies for long-term planning in a world shaped by change and uncertainty. Traditional 5 to 10-year plans are often inadequate in addressing global trends like social justice, climate change and political shifts. Explore modern techniques for predicting and planning future actions, focusing on strategies that tackle complex and interconnected challenges. Gain an understanding of systems and strategic thinking with an emphasis on meeting the evolving needs and expectations of stakeholders.

Compulsory

Training and Exercising – 15 credits (MSc and PGCert)

Explore how to plan, design, and manage exercises and exercise programmes for disaster, crisis, and emergency management. This module highlights the role of exercises in preparedness and organisational resilience, exploring theories and methods for training and evaluation. Assess training principles, tailor them to emergency management needs, and learn to evaluate exercises and the lessons they provide. Develop project management skills required to organise and oversee these exercises effectively.

Compulsory

Community Resilience and Preparedness – 15 credits (MSc only)

Explore the concept of community resilience in emergency and disaster management, addressing its varying theoretical and practical interpretations. Gain a deep understanding of resilience and its links to community preparedness and recovery efforts. Using UK and international case studies, examine factors influencing resilience and assess the roles of professionals, communities, public services and NGOs. Study methods for engaging with community groups, sustainable approaches and evaluating the effectiveness of resilience interventions.

Compulsory

Integrated Emergency Management – 15 credits (MSc only)

Develop your skills in analysing issues related to fulfilling duties in emergency management. Learn to design integrated emergency plans for the UK and other More Economically Developed Countries (MEDCs). Theories and concepts, including the role of the state and public policy, will be examined to help you critically evaluate emergency management policies and practices.

Compulsory

Recovery and Reconstruction – 15 credits (MSc only)

Get an in-depth look at the theories, practices and challenges of post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. Using UK and international case studies, explore standards and minimum requirements in recovery work, as well as the complexities of moving from recovery into long-term development.

Examine best practices and lessons learned from past reconstruction efforts, while highlighting how recovery and reconstruction can be linked to sustainability goals and disaster risk reduction principles.

Compulsory

Business Continuity and Crisis Management – 15 credits (MSc only)

While business continuity and crisis management techniques have traditionally been used, risks are increasingly unknown, complex, and dynamic, requiring more adaptive management practices and responsive governance systems. Develop your evaluative skills to assess internal and external risks and apply appropriate strategies for managing them within organisations.

Compulsory

Disaster and Emergency Management – Research Project  – 50 credits (MSc only)

Get the opportunity to design and carry out an independent research project in a specialist area of your discipline (such as Crowded Places, Public Safety, Disaster Management, Emergency Management, Resilience, International Development or Sustainability).

Working under the guidance of an experienced academic supervisor, you will develop skills in problem identification, literature review, research design, and methodology. The module also builds your ability to plan, manage and evaluate a project within an academic, industrial or commercial context.

Learn how to address ethical and risk considerations, apply appropriate research methods (technical, scientific or social science), manage data collection and analysis, and present your findings clearly through professional report writing.

Compulsory

Leading Diverse Workforces – 10 credits (MSc only)

Gain the knowledge and understanding needed to lead and develop people in a diverse and inclusive way. Explore leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, and approaches to improving equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies. These practices can be applied creatively within leadership roles across different organisational settings. Develop strategic priorities for leadership, equality, diversity and inclusion.

This module is designed to include the criteria set out by the CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice.¹

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Delivery is supported by Aula, our current online social learning platform, so you can revisit classroom content and find additional materials at any time. You’ll also have access to our library's electronic resources 24/7, including thousands of books, ejournals and newspapers.

Teaching and learning methods may include:

seminars and discussion: explore ideas, ask questions and learn from different viewpoints
practical sessions and workshops: let you apply your learning through hands-on activities
simulation exercises: give you safe, realistic experience of real-world emergency scenarios
study visits:² show you how your learning works in real professional environments.

Prefer to study 100% online? Click here to view our online course

Teaching contact hours

A typical 15-credit module requires a total of 150 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An undergraduate degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

Relevant professional experience will be considered.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

An undergraduate degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

Relevant professional experience will be considered.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200 MSc, TBC for PGCert	Request fee information
EU	£11,200 MSc per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 MSc \| TBC PGCert per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600 MSc \| TBC PGCert	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Beautiful building surrounded by trees on a sunny day

Jaguar Centre

The Jaguar Centre has been specifically designed to provide facilities and services to support our postgraduate students, including social spaces, computer suites and separate areas for small group study.

Students in front of a massive screen wall

Sim Centre

This facility can simulate a range of emergency scenarios; you will use it to gain hands-on experience on the effects these situations can have and help develop your ability to respond by creating suitable plans and policies.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 364 days a year. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

This course aims to develop the skills you’ll need to work confidently in major incidents and emergency situations. Strengthen your problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, project management and communication abilities so you can respond effectively under pressure.

Learn how to make tough decisions in a way that is culturally aware, ethical and compassionate - qualities valued by international relief organisations, government agencies, the UN, private consultancies and local authorities around the world.

If you decide to finish this course with a PGCert then you should be confident in applying for a range of entry level roles within this sector:

Resilience officer/organisational resilience analyst
Business continuity advisor
Crisis management coordinator
Risk analyst (operational or organisational)
Security and safety advisor (non-specialist routes)
Emergency planning assistant or officer (entry level).

Our current teaching staff and the university’s employability experts can support your search for employment in the UK or overseas by making use of our alumni network, industrial contacts, careers events, recruitment fairs and individual advice.²

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of the Emergency Management and Resilience MSc have gone to work here in the UK and abroad, including Denmark, Finland, Germany, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, the United States and Canada. Some have taken up roles as planning officers, emergency planners, disaster risk reduction analysts and deployable emergency response managers, while others have joined emergency services, public administration, health services and other public sector agencies, as well as private sector companies and consultancy, including:

non-governmental organisations
multi-lateral organisations
national and local government
health services and epidemiology
military
(re)insurance and risk management
City resilience
risk and resilience consultancy
security and safety sector.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

Apply now

Part-time applications

Apply now

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

International codes:
MSc: EEST126
PGCert: EEST128

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.