Overview
As the world faces an increasing number of natural and anthropogenic disasters as well as complex emergencies such as food, insecurity and conflict, the need for effective disaster risk reduction and management has become a global challenge.
As urbanisation, globalisation and climate change impact low and middle income countries, the improvement of national and international disaster management systems has become a priority. In higher income countries where national disaster and emergency management systems and processes are well defined, there are still considerable challenges to address in terms of preparedness, co-ordinated response and recovery. There is much work to do.
Disaster and emergency management professionals play a critical role in lessening the impact of human, technological and environmental catastrophes. Professionals work with numerous partners to quickly and accurately assess situations and communities affected, advising on all aspects of response and recovery, as well as future prevention or management strategies.
Coventry University was the first UK university to establish courses in disaster management and emergency planning over 20 years ago (Hulse & Moseley 1998). Since introducing these first courses, Coventry University has continued to develop and adapt courses as the sector, and the wider world within which we work, has evolved.
This Course is mapped against the UK National Resilience Standards, National Occupational Standards in Civil Contingencies and Charter for Humanitarian Standards.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costWhat our students say...
Lectures have been enjoyable to work with and the modules covered in the first year provide a good introduction into the world of Disaster Management & Emergency Planning. The staff on the course are very friendly and always willing to provide academic advice and Guidance. My Placement advisor within the EEC Futures Team provided me with useful tips on enhancing my online portfolio.
Course information
This course is designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge to identify, critically analyse, assess, respond to and recover from a growing range of crisis, emergency and disaster situations and to operate confidently in practitioner, policy and management sectors.
Upon successful completion of this course, you could be involved in dealing with a broad range of situations including environmental disasters (floods, hurricanes, earthquakes); technological disasters (industrial accidents, large-scale fires, transport disruption); complex emergencies (conflict, pandemics) or business continuity and risk.
This course clearly reflects today’s focus on community-practitioner engagement, sustainability, disaster risk reduction and resilience.
Course specification
Download PDF
Modules
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.
We have been ranked joint first amongst Modern Universities in England for career prospects - Guardian University Guide 2021
In more detail...
Disaster management professionals play a critical role in lessening the impact of human and environmental catastrophes. Astute practitioners, they work with numerous partners to quickly and accurately assess situations and the communities affected, advising on all aspects of recovery, as well as future prevention or management strategies.
Local, regional, national and international organisations are all involved in mounting a humanitarian response to disasters; each will have a prepared disaster management plan covering prevention, preparedness, relief and recovery. Additionally, in the UK, most major public and private organisations – educational establishments, the National Health Service (NHS), emergency services, local and central government, HM Armed Forces – have a crisis management or major incident plan, covering appropriate risk assessment and emergency responses. They all need professionals to manage these plans and, more importantly, execute them when required.
Coventry University was the first UK University to offer courses in disaster management and has an excellent reputation with the leading professional organisations for the provision of academic undergraduate courses in the areas of disaster and emergency management. This course builds on our illustrious heritage and is fully reviewed and updated for entry from 2020 onwards.
Multidisciplinary in nature, this course draws on aspects of technology, physical science, engineering, sociology and human geography. We also place considerable emphasis on the acquisition of practical skills – from table-top or virtual emergency response scenarios, to laboratory exercises and field-based management of disaster, both in the UK (with Outreach Rescue) and overseas through two mandatory international field trip modules*. You will have the opportunity to examine theory and practice in a range of countries, benchmarking approaches in the UK with, for example, those in mainland Europe, Asia and North America, together with relevant international legislation.
We have an outstanding track record for graduate employability, with 95% of disaster management and emergency planning students going on to work and/or study within six months of finishing the course (Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey 2016/17). Please note that disaster management and emergency planning is an old course, which is no longer taught at Coventry University. Various modules and course content from the previous course is now part of the new disaster and emergency management course.
*Mandatory field trips are usually partially subsidised by the Centre for Global Engagement. This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
- Opportunity to take part in training exercises in Coventry University’s advanced Crisis Simulation Centre to develop your skills in responding to emergencies in ‘real-time’
- The opportunity to develop and hone your field operations skills; normally in North Wales in your first year (costs covered in course fees) and through an international field trip in your second and final years*
* Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement, study abroad or field trip opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student - Strong portfolio of industry-related research
- Currently taught by staff with industry experience in international disaster preparedness and response, many are active in setting standards for disaster management nationally and one is a member of The Emergency Planning Society’s Education Committee
- First UK University to teach disaster management degrees with an extensive alumni network active in industry.
- Example organisations our students have worked with during their optional professional placement year include Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, RedR India, Oxfam GB, Halcrow Group Ltd, All Hands, Lloyds Register, the Catholic Overseas Development Agency (CAFOD), and Local Authority Emergency Planning Units.
Your main study themes are:
- Key concepts in disaster and emergency management: Provides an overview of the nature of disasters and an understanding of natural and human-made phenomena that may pose a threat to people, as well as to the natural and built environments. This course takes both an international and UK-based perspective. We will study the distinct approaches to disaster and emergency intervention in more developed and less developed countries considering international disaster response and preparedness, the work of NGOs and other humanitarian agencies, and exploring linkages with sustainable development. We will also look at how emergencies are managed in the UK, focusing on the statutory duties, statutory and non-statutory guidance arising from the UK and European legislative framework for emergencies, in particular, The Civil Contingencies Act. You will become familiar with the processes necessary for integrated emergency management, with an opportunity to practise implementing these processes, in particular, the preparation of emergency plans, exercises and training programmes.
- Risk assessment and warning:We confront a range of natural hazards, and anthropogenic industrial, economic and environmental threats. Within this context, you will be introduced to the theoretical principles, tools and techniques which underpin risk management, how to use quantitative and empirical analysis to predict and assess risk, along with wider discussions of governance and ethical practice.
- Humanitarian relief and interventions/Incident, crisis and continuity management:we will examine the organisation and management of humanitarian agencies and emergency response actors, their changing roles internationally and locally and the processes used to identify and then target resources in acute situations. We focus on key issues relating to operating in increasingly complex contexts. We will consider the ethical challenges inherent in humanitarian operations, as well as issues such as sustainability. We will examine the principles, practices, terminologies and theories associated with incident command, business continuity and crisis management. Incidents, disruptions and crises cause varying degrees of problems within the normal functioning of everyday processes, systems and activities. Effective planning and response requires appropriate decision making, good communications, finely tuned stakeholder management, adaptive management practices, and responsive governance systems. Critical incidents can spill over into political, economic, social, technical, legal and environmental domains. However, they can have a positive impact, if managed well, on the operational, financial, brand, share price, reputations and trust in public, private and not for profit organisations.
- Post disaster recovery and links to future development:We look at the issues associated with the transition from recovery to development in a post-disaster context. You will develop your knowledge and skills with regards reconstruction of housing, infrastructure, alternative energy sources and critical scientific, managerial and social considerations for interventions in the cycle of pre-disaster, post-disaster and development, within a risk-reduction framework. Particular emphasis will be placed on sustainability and sustainable development concepts.
A wide variety of teaching methods will normally include: lectures, seminars, small group tutorials, laboratory work, table top and scenario based exercises, fieldwork observations and field management activities in disaster simulations (including in our advanced Simulation Centre), professional training placement, guided study using textbooks, journals (hard copies and electronic), organisational documents, government legislation and directives via module webs and independent research.
We firmly believe in learning by doing, so you will regularly undertake fieldwork. There is usually fieldwork included at every level of study, through a long standing partnership with Outreach Training Centre in Wales* in your first year (costs included in course fees), and then through two international field trips in subsequent years* (locations are regularly reviewed, students have had the opportunity to visit various locations in Turkey).
We regularly host expert guest speakers (subject to availability) from industry who talk about their experience and current issues in disaster preparedness and response, humanitarian actions, sustainable development and more.
We encourage you to join one of our student societies, such as the International Disaster Concern Society (Membership fees applicable), which may provide further opportunities to gain real experience of working in the humanitarian sector*. In the past, the Society has organised trips to Tanzania, and to large-scale emergency exercises, as well as organising additional guest speakers. Please note that these activities and any associated additional costs are student-led and independent of the disaster and emergency management course.
This course also gives you the chance to apply for a sandwich or professional placement in your third year*. In the past, students have gone to work for the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, RedR India, Oxfam GB, Halcrow Group Ltd, All Hands, Lloyds Register, the Catholic Overseas Development Agency (CAFOD), IBM, Fujitsu, Octo Crisis Management, Clearview Continuity Software and Local Authority Emergency Planning Units.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework reports, essays, practicals, presentations, posters, formal examinations, and project work.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.
On successful completion of the course you will be able to:
- Critically analyse a range of historical events, conceptual perspectives, models of, and factors which, influence hazard, vulnerability and risk. Apply these and related terms appropriately in various disaster, emergency and crisis related contexts.
- Analyse the benefits and limitations of a range of approaches to risk assessment and utilise them appropriately.
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of implementing effective risk mitigation.
- Critique approaches to managing residual risks via preparedness systems and emergency planning and propose good practice approaches.
- Assess the need for organisational resilience and good governance in effective disaster, emergency and crisis management.
- Evaluate and apply community centred frameworks for resilience, sustainability and development.
- Have the ability to work effectively with others within the context of multidisciplinary, multiagency teams, respecting inputs from fellow professionals, beneficiaries and other stakeholders and to reflect on one's own performance and role within the team.
- Develop and apply technical and analytical skills to develop practical solutions to challenges faced in disaster and development contexts.
- Become an independent learner, demonstrating high level communication, ethics, research and evaluation skills.
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst personal tutorials and small group teaching; medium group teaching (e.g. seminars, tutorial sessions, lab sessions and workshops); and large group teaching (lectures).
In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 13-14 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 11 contact hours per week in the final year as you become a more independent learner.
Disasters and emergencies occur all over the world, as such the field as a whole is international in outlook in many ways. Even if you intend to practice in the UK, there are lessons that can be learned from consideration of international case studies and comparing them to practice in the UK. Successful completion of this course will equip you to work in a range of related careers either nationally or internationally.
International fieldwork is a key component in the second and final years of the course*. These locations are regularly reviewed (Students have had the opportunity to visit various locations around Turkey).
Additionally, many of our students choose to take a placement in industry in-between their second and final years*. In recent years, students have undertaken placements in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Malta and numerous locations around the UK to name but a few.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.Course essentials - additional costs: This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas. This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
Our blend of academic and practical study seeks to provide you with a specialist understanding of all aspects of disaster management, as well as the specific emergency planning and management skills needed to prepare you for employment in this sector.
The course aims to develop your skills in problem-solving, teamwork and leadership, project management and communication, all of which are qualities employers demand. We strive to produce graduates who can make difficult decisions whilst being culturally sensitive, ethical and compassionate, the capabilities required by international relief and development organisations, private sector consultancies, national government, local authorities and United Nations agencies operating around the world.
Our graduates have secured employment in the public or private sector working for organisations, including the Red Cross UK and PricewaterhouseCoopers, and security consultancies, industrial and aviation companies, local and regional emergency services, the uniformed services, NHS and the Environment Agency to name but a few.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
100%
of our graduates are in work or further study six months after the course
DLHE 2014/15
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates have gone on to work for the public sector – in the emergency services, the NHS, the Environment Agency, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Cabinet office, Department for International Development; high risk manufacturing, energy and aviation companies; the military; consultancy with PricewaterhouseCoopers; financial risk, insurance and banking; international disaster risk and response agencies, for example: Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, RedR India, Oxfam GB, and the Catholic Overseas Development Agency (CAFOD).
What our students say...
My course is focused around building knowledge and necessary skills for a career across a range of areas. I absolutely love it.
Disclaimer
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 2020/21 Contract can be found here. 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.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we 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. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
