Why you should study this course
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.
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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, we have continued to develop and adapt courses as the sector, and the wider world within which we work, has evolved.
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This course is mapped against the UK National Resilience Standards, National Occupational Standards in Civil Contingencies and Charter for Humanitarian Standards.
What you'll study
This course clearly reflects today’s focus on community-practitioner engagement, sustainability, disaster risk reduction and resilience.
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.
Year one
In your first year with us you will be introduced to the key terms, models and frameworks in disaster and emergency management and planning, reviewing established practice and academic literature. You will consider a varied range of pivotal disaster and emergency case studies, both from the UK and overseas, to illustrate the interaction of factors that influence hazards, threats, vulnerability and risk.
Modules
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DISASTER! - 30 credits
This module considers the building blocks of disaster. The module will introduce key terminologies for considering disaster beginning with hazard, risk, vulnerability, capacity etc. Means of differentiation between different disasters will be debated.
Compulsory
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Disaster Management and Humanitarian Practice - 30 credits
The module aims to introduce you to key knowledge and skills for meaningful engagement with disaster/emergency response and humanitarian work.
Compulsory
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EMERGENCIES! - 20 credits
The aim of the module is to provide an introduction to the management of emergencies. The module will emphasise approaches to response in the UK, but also make comparison to other countries such as the US.
Compulsory
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Organisations and Management in Disasters - 20 credits
The aim of the module is to provide an introduction to management principles and to organisational structures, cultures, leadership theories, and behaviour both generically and in the context of emergency and disaster organisations.
Compulsory
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Independent project - 10 credits
The aim of the module is to enable you to further develop your skills as an independent learner and to provide an opportunity for in-depth study of a topic area related to the course that particularly interests you.
Compulsory
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Add+vantage – 10 credits
You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.
Compulsory
Assessment: coursework, exam
Year two
The second year of the course provides you with the opportunity to analyse ways in which risk can be mitigated, reduced, and prepared for. Processes and practice are considered from both higher and lower income contexts.
Modules
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Preparedness - 20 credits
The aim of the module is to enable you to analyse the statutory duties, and statutory and non-statutory guidance relevant to emergencies and planning approaches in comparable systems.
Compulsory
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RISK! - 20 credits
This module attempts to address 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.
Compulsory
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Organisational Resilience - 20 credits
This module will, with the use of relevant case studies, examine and define a deeper understanding of the principles, practices, terminologies and theories associated with incident command, business continuity and crisis management from both national and international perspectives.
Compulsory
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Multi-disciplinary / Collaborative Project - 20 credits
This module provides the opportunity to conduct an extended study of a given context where issues relating to disasters/emergencies need to be considered and propose a holistic solution to the issues present.
Compulsory
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International Fieldwork - 10 credits
The prime purpose of the module is to enhance your professional, academic and cultural awareness by undertaking studies relevant to your discipline in a non-UK setting.
Compulsory
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Mitigation and Sustainability - 20 credits
Through the investigation of a simulated scenario, you will develop an understanding of the process for assessing a site in terms of its ground and environmental conditions, any risks to the built environment and how they can be mitigated, water supply and flood hazard mitigation, public health and sanitation issues.
Compulsory
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Add+vantage – 10 credits
You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.
Compulsory
Assessment: coursework, exam
Following your second year, you will have an option to apply for a one-year professional work placement or to study abroad*. Many of our students choose to do this, and it is a great opportunity to put into practice all the skills and knowledge you have acquired on your course so far.
If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year, you will take either the Professional Placement module or the Study Abroad module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are normally able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year. However, we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements.
Students opting for either the professional placement or study abroad module will be registered on a non-credit bearing module. Whilst the modules do not bear credits, they do require completion of marked activities reflecting on your placement/study abroad or work placement experience. Following successful completion of the activities, the module selected will appear on your final academic transcript. Students will thus graduate with 360 credits in total, assuming successful completion of their final year.
Final year
The final year of the course provides you with the opportunity to consider higher-level theoretical perspectives and their application to practice. In addition, you will evaluate the strategic, policy and governance challenges to mainstreaming disaster risk management and resilience holistically and sustainably in a rapidly changing world.
Modules
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Building Resilient Communities - 20 credits
This module aims to evaluate the chronological development of our understanding and use of the terms ‘community’ and ‘resilience’ and relate it to concepts and practice in community preparedness, recovery and reconstruction.
Compulsory
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Global and Comparative Field Studies - 20 credits
This module aims to give students in disaster management and linked disciplines the opportunity to extend fieldwork skills, methodologies and techniques by field study in a non-UK setting.
Compulsory
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Global Futures, Safety and Security - 20 credits
This module critically examines current threats and emerging risks posing the potential to collectively undermine the fundamental stability and functioning of inter/national political, societal, environmental, and technological systems.
Compulsory
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Research Dissertation – 30 credits
The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your research skills by conducting primary or secondary research focused on a specific problem of relevance to your discipline.
Compulsory
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Ethics, Governance and Resilience - 20 credits
The module aims to equip you with knowledge around governance systems associated with emergencies and humanitarian response.
Compulsory
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Add+vantage - 10 credits
You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.
Compulsory
Assessment: coursework, exam
