Careers
UCL Risk & Disaster Reduction equips future leaders in risk, disaster reduction & resilience with skills, networks & career support to tackle global challenges.
Our students are shaping the future of risk, disaster reduction and humanitarian response globally
We prepare leaders to address critical global challenges. Our location in central London provides unique opportunities to engage with leading practitioners and build careers that make a difference.
Why choose the UCL Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction (RDR)?
- Our strategic location in central London means we are at the heart of the international hub for finance, risk management and humanitarian action.
- Our world-leading research addresses global challenges through cutting-edge disaster resilience and risk management insights.
- Our work is multidisciplinary, which means that you learn from experts across engineering, policy, social sciences, technology, healthcare and more.
- As London’s Global University, UCL offers an unparalleled network and students connect directly with international organisations, NGOs and industry leaders.
“London itself is an unparalleled breeding ground of ideas for anyone interested in research.” – MSc Student, 2015/16
Dedicated careers support
UCL RDR provides unique and dedicated support for traditional careers (i.e., insurance, consultancy, academia, governments and NGOs) and non-traditional careers (i.e., start-ups and independent experts) in risk and disaster reduction for our masters and PhD students, and graduates.
Career support is an essential complement to our academic programmes. Students have experienced personal tutors to support bespoke career development plans. We help students to identify their career goals and get best prepared to achieve them.
UCL RDR students and alumni receive support on:
Personal development plan and advice for PhDs
Personal tutorials and advice for master's students
Volunteering for the Humanitarian Institute
- Workshops on entrepreneurship
- Workshops on consultancies and job-hunting skills
- Masterclasses from international practitioners
Seminars from industry leaders (i.e. RMS, Willis Towers Watson, Resilience Global, UK Cabinet Office, etc.)
Information hub and a wide range of careers fairs
Support for career choices and job applications
Recruit our students
Selected by rigorous criteria, our global student community can meet the most diverse recruitment needs. Taught by world-class researchers and practitioners, delivering programmes through a combination of lectures, presentations, problem-solving exercises, field trips, etc.; RDR graduates are equipped with excellent scientific knowledge coupled with practical and analytical skills. As a recruiter, you can be confident that much of the initial work has already been done for you.
We’re currently in the process of planning a field trip and I’ve found myself applying what we learned in the fieldwork training. We’ve encountered some challenges, for example, dealing with transportation providers who lack insurance or proper documentation. The training has been incredibly useful in helping me conduct a risk analysis for planning the activities. The risk assessment isn’t something required by the donor or the implementing organisation, but it’s an exercise I’ve taken upon myself to support the planning of the field trip. All the examples we discussed during the training have been helpful in identifying potential issues and putting mitigation measures in place, especially since part of the field trip involves travelling by sea."
– Magda Masquita Mckeller (Risk, Disaster and Resilience MSc, 2024)
Ways you can engage with our students
Employers: Target your opportunities, internships and placements to specific programmes. We will advertise your opportunities free of charge.
Participate in our industry insight sessions and deliver company presentations. You can get involved in these activities throughout the year.
Benefit from an independent perspective on strategic issues by harnessing the expertise of our students. We welcome projects from all industry sectors and will be happy to discuss your needs further.
Participate in our annual Careers and Opportunities fair in February, present and discuss job opportunities in your organization and meet the talents.
Our Global Humanitarian Studies BSc students are encouraged to take a four-week work placement in the summer between their second and third years. We're always looking for organisations that are willing to provide these opportunities, so please contact rdr-enquiries@ucl.ac.uk for an informal chat if you would be interested.
Employers who have engaged with UCL RDR
Commercial
Arup
AXA
Qatar Re
RMS
Willis Tower Watson
Total
EDF
National Grid
Governments
UK Cabinet Office
London Resilience
London Fire Brigade
Met Office
Embassy of Japan in London
MSB Civil Contingencies Secretariat
NGOs
Resilience Global (Rescue Global)
Save the Children
OXFAM
Doctors Without Borders
Catholic International Development Charity
London First
Resilience First
If you are an employer who would like further information on how to engage with UCL RDR, please contact the Work Placements Manager at rdr-placements@ucl.ac.uk.
UCL RDR Alumni and member network
The UCL RDR is keen to maintain the connection with its alumni and member community and hosts a number of events to strengthen the tie. Alumni are welcome to join RDR public events, masterclasses, seminars, etc.
UCL RDR alumni and network members can join our exclusive LinkedIn community which allows you to receive RDR updates, share your updates, catch up on what your fellow alumni are doing, and connect with other alumni and current students.
Some career destinations of recent RDR alumni
Business Continuity & Resilience Consultant, PwC
Business Continuity Consultant, Arup
Catastrophe Analyst, Barbican Insurance Group
Analyst, RMS (Risk Management Solutions)
Reinsurance Claims Management Executive AXA Global Re, Paris
Willis Towers Watson
Emergency Information Management Specialist, Plan Nepal
Coastal Risk Management Officer, Environment Agency, UK
Project Officer, Cairo Local Government
Disaster Risk Management Consultant, World Bank
Project Officer, Global Risk Forum, Davos
Field Delegate, Red Cross
Global Engagement Fellow, Interpeace
Resilience Technical Officer, International Medical Corps
Project Officer, Rescue Global
PhD Student, NERC London Doctoral Training Centre
PhD Student, UCL RDR
My MSc really prepared me to work in the exciting and growing space weather sector."
– Rachel Ewer, UCL RDR Alumna, 2015-16, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (Ministry of Defence)
RDR student and alumna shortlisted for CIR Business Continuity Awards 2024
