Disaster and Emergency Management BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Students using the interactive screen in the simulation centre.

Explore disaster and emergency management in a global context, developing skills in risk reduction, humanitarian relief and resilience to support responses to crises and emergencies.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

N252

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Your UCAS Guide

Course overview

Disaster and emergency management professionals play a critical role in reducing the impact of human, technological and environmental catastrophes. Develop the skills to manage these events, blending theory with hands-on learning through simulations, fieldwork and industry collaborations.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Comprehensive skill development: gain the knowledge to identify, critically analyse and respond to a wide range of crisis, emergency and disaster situations. Prepare for roles in practitioner, policy and management sectors.
Practical learning opportunities: participate in or design emergency exercises in the university’s Simulation Centre, enhancing your practical experience in disaster scenarios.⁴
Fieldwork and real-world exposure: fieldwork helps you to understand the risks and challenges faced by communities and responders. Guest lectures, site visits and field trip practical activities in the UK and internationally offer exposure to disaster risks and reduction measures in different contexts.²
Strong industry connections: opportunities to work with agencies across various sectors to develop practical emergency and disaster simulation exercises, ensuring you gain insights from current industry practices.²
Established expertise: we have over 20 years of experience in disaster and emergency management education, providing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, bespoke training, professional development courses, research and consultancy in this field.

Why I chose the Disaster and Emergency Management course

I enjoy learning alternative ways to prevent or mitigate disasters and emergencies and how to implement plans effectively. Most of all, I enjoy the potential for improving people’s wellbeing and quality of life.

What you'll study

Equip yourself with the skills to assess risks, coordinate responses and build resilience. Through simulations, fieldwork and industry placements, study crisis management, humanitarian aid and disaster recovery aligned with UN and UK frameworks. Gain hands-on experience for careers in emergency planning, risk consultancy or humanitarian relief.

Modules

Fundamentals of Disaster and Emergency Management – 30 credits

Learn to identify the fundamentals of disaster and emergency management in both research and practice. The key terminology used across the sector will be introduced and discussed, using case studies for context.

The module examines key legislation and guidance for emergency and disaster management in the UK and other countries such as the USA, Philippines and New Zealand. It invites discussion on how social, economic and political contexts shape disasters, their management and responses to them. Develop your skills in leadership, management, organisation and communication while gaining insight into the roles of emergency response organisations at various stages of the disaster cycle.

Compulsory

Global Challenges – 30 credits

Consider your place in the world, how the issues of the present and past shape and impact the future, and the role you may play in it all. This exciting module covers a range of topics that define disasters and emergencies, and how we respond and recover from them.

Themes include, but are not limited to, climate change, globalisation, conflict, resource and energy crisis and poverty. These challenges all create and exacerbate emergencies and disasters alongside other wider vulnerabilities in communities. Efforts are being made to meet these challenges, from major global initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to grassroots movements such as Extinction Rebellion and Black Lives Matter. These initiatives are introduced and critiqued in terms of their relevance and applicability to a range of contexts and issues.

Compulsory

Societal Resilience – 30 credits

Identify the meaning and importance of societal resilience on a local, national and international level. Disasters and emergencies affect the whole of society, but those most adversely affected are often in vulnerable groups and hazardous locations. Enhancing resilience in these societies could help reduce casualties and damage.

This module considers different approaches to enhancing societal resilience, including international drivers and best practice examples and the challenges with undertaking this kind of work.

Compulsory

Disaster and Emergency Management in Practice – 30 credits

Learn the sector-specific fundamentals relating to disasters, emergencies and the humanitarian sector. Study contemporary threats and challenges and discuss various case studies and scenarios. Implement current practices, principles and guidance used in the sector to meet these challenges.

Gain an understanding of project and cost management for a range of programmes such as humanitarian assistance, including an introduction to stakeholders involved and how projects can be sustainable and beneficial to a wide range of groups.

Compulsory

Modules

Risk and Preparedness – 30 credits

Modern society has a number of complex and interconnected challenges, from climate change, natural hazards and wars to a range of anthropogenic industrial, economic and environmental threats. This module addresses the causes and perceptions of risk and the notion of risk appetite and acceptability of risk. It also covers theoretical principles of risk management, including risk assessment methods and tools.

Learn to analyse the statutory duties, statutory and non-statutory guidance relevant to emergencies and planning approaches. This includes applying your knowledge to review and improve approaches to integrated arrangements for dealing with emergencies.

Teaching includes multiple case studies to help you develop your abstract reasoning skills and enable your value judgement in a wide range of scenarios dealing with the modern risk environment.

Compulsory

Organisational Resilience – 30 credits

As the world becomes more interconnected, more organisations are becoming dependent on each other for products, services and information. This creates more development opportunities but also more risk. This module examines organisational resilience as a concept and growing industry practice that encompasses risk management, business continuity and crisis management practices and principles.

Organisational resilience is important and applicable across a range of sectors involving stakeholders and shareholders. Explore a range of case studies and activities to gain an understanding of this increasingly important topic. Learn about Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS), standards, good practice guidelines and theories. Explore future challenges for organisations, including (but not restricted to) cyber security, climate change impacts, supply chain management issues and stakeholder and market challenges.

Compulsory

Training, Testing, Exercising and Simulation – 30 credits

Gain an understanding of theories and approaches to training and exercising in the context of UK emergency management.

Learn how to critically assess and evaluate generic principles of training and apply them to the training needs for emergency management in the UK.

Evaluate approaches to exercising emergency response and recovery plans and observe, participate in and develop emergency management training events and exercises.² Analyse the requirements of ‘Integrated Emergency Management’ and expand your understanding and application to a multi-agency context.

Module content links to the Civil Contingencies Act, guidance from the Civil Contingencies Secretariat (CCS) and national occupational standards in civil contingencies and comparative international approaches.

Compulsory

Urban Design for Resilient Communities – 30 credits

Learn the interlink between risk reduction measures and the built environment, and how this demonstrates its importance for community resilience. Think critically about place, space and community from a historical, ethical, economic, design and resilience perspective.

Explore the processes of integrated physical developments in settlements of various sizes, focusing on urbanisation and urban resilience nationally and internationally. Learn the theories and concepts of urban design, which should develop your ability to conceptualise, practise and critically evaluate the design of urban sites for sustainable and resilient communities.

Compulsory

A placement year² provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real -world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

Modules

Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience – 30 credits

This module builds on previous discussions around community and resilience. Learn concepts of recovery and reconstruction with a focus on future development and sustainability. Recovery and sustainable reconstruction come with challenges. These will be highlighted using a variety of case studies from across the world. Reconstruction methods, approaches and the involvement of communities in construction design and delivery will be examined. Sustainability is key to the success of recovery and reconstruction for longer-term resilience. This concept will be integrated throughout the module.

Compulsory

The Future of Disaster and Emergency Management – 30 credits

This module draws together key concepts of Disaster and Emergency Management (DEM) that will impact the sector both now and in the future.

Learn to evaluate and analyse key concepts and debates regarding governance systems associated with emergencies and humanitarian response. Gain the necessary knowledge and skills for policy formulation and development to be able to critically assess issues relating to systems for emergency preparedness and humanitarian response in a range of contexts, including the UK and middle-income and developing countries.

Gain the analytical skills necessary for policy formulation, decision-making, inter-agency cooperation and coordination. Familiarise yourself with macro factors that have been instrumental in shaping the practice and direction of travel for disaster organisations and agencies.

Compulsory

International Field Study – 30 credits

Extend your fieldwork skills using methodologies and techniques in a non-UK setting.² Investigate a field study location, underpinned with a knowledge of health and safety issues while in the field. Understand emergency planning systems, disaster mitigation and prevention techniques, recovery and reconstruction strategies.

The country and region of study, as well as the methodologies to be used, will be studied in preliminary lectures. This will involve data collection, critical debate and group work to investigate selected themes.

The module aims to enhance your academic, professional, cultural awareness, language skills, and personal adaptability – all of which are highly valued by employers.

Compulsory

Undergraduate Research Project – 30 credits

Develop your research and investigative skills by scoping, designing and conducting an independent research dissertation under the supervision of academic staff experienced in the field.

Module content aims to improve your understanding of problem identification, reviewing literature and research design, and the development and implementation of appropriate methods. You will be supported to conduct research independently and to plan, manage, and conduct research within an appropriate context.

This includes the development of an understanding of:

research design and methodology
ethical considerations of research
health and safety concerns (including, where appropriate, risk assessments)
research methods for technical, scientific and social science investigations
project management
data collection, interpretation and analysis
report writing.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 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 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

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:

phase tests
essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
exams
individual assignments
laboratories.

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:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC
GCSE	GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	29 points
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

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.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

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.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
International	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £20,800 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the table above for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits 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 the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

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) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

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. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

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) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

*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.

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

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

Your studies will be centred in high-specification learning environments that benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, industry-standard equipment, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of courses.

Take a virtual tour

Two students wearing lab coats using geotechnics lab facilities

Geotechnics Laboratory

This specialist lab contains triaxial cells, direct shear box apparatus, a dimensional compression oedometer, California Bearing Ratio apparatus, soil classification equipment and Marshall test apparatus for asphalt mixes.

Simulation Centre

Our Simulation Centre uses an interactive screen and real-life scenarios to create a ‘virtual’ training environment. Role-play exercises are part of the course to help prepare you for situations in the workplace.

Informal Study Areas

You will have access to a range of informal study areas. These include hot-desk computers, with access to specialist software you may need for studying, and bookable spaces where you can meet with academics or work in small groups.

Facilities are subject to availability⁴. 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

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 demonstrate the capabilities required by international relief and development organisations, private sector consultancies, national government, local authorities and United Nations agencies operating around the world; namely, the ability to make difficult decisions whilst being culturally sensitive, ethical and compassionate.

Where our graduates work

Recent graduates have gone on to work for the public sector, for example, in the emergency services, the NHS, The Environment Agency, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Cabinet Office, Department for International Development, as well as sectors such as high-risk manufacturing, energy and aviation companies; the military; consultancy with PricewaterhouseCoopers; financial risk, insurance and banking; as well as international disaster risk and response agencies, such as the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center; RedR, India; Oxfam GB and the Catholic Overseas Development Agency (CAFOD).

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.

Further study

You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

You can now register and start your application in your UCAS Hub. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
EESU101

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree 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 6565

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University, 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

Some 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 notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

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. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

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 the 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 annually 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 (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

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 2025/26 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. 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 applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.