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Climate and environmental change, increasing development and urbanisation, and mounting exposure to natural hazards are imposing growing pressure on insurers and reinsurers to seek ways of limiting exposure and reducing vulnerability. The PGCert Natural Hazards for Insurers provides students with a better understanding of natural hazards and the means by which their impacts on the market can be mitigated or avoided.
Covid-19 programme updates
Due to COVID-19, there may have been updates to this programme for the 2020 academic year. Where there has been an update, these are indicated with a red alert and a link which will provide further information.
Key information
Please note:
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the structure and delivery of this programme is currently under review, we advise that you contact the programme lead named in the contact box for more information before you apply.
Programme starts
September 2020
Modes and duration
The programme involves 10 months of study over a 12 month period.
Application dates
Tuition fees (2020/21)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website. This programme may be studied on a part-time basis only; the fee shown here is the part-time tuition fee.
The PGCert Natural Hazards for Insurers is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Students may claim one hour of structured CPD towards the CII member CPD scheme for every hour of study. Successful completion of the programme qualifies the candidate for 60 non-unit specific credits at Advanced Diploma level towards the CII exam framework. Alternatively, completion may be counted towards either associateship or fellowship of the CII.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, or three years' appropriate experience in the financial services sector.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Standard
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below.
Select your country:
About this degree
Strong emphasis is placed on developing an improved understanding and analysis of natural hazards, including relevant research, data and uncertainty, and new approaches to risk management. Content focuses on hazards of most interest to the market, such as windstorm, flood and earthquake, but also addresses geotechnical hazards that include dam and reservoir failure and hazardous wastes.
Students undertake modules to the value of 60 credits.
The programme consists of two taught core modules (20 credits each) and an independent project (20 credits).
Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Natural Hazards for Insurers.
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
- Geological and Geotechnical Hazards
- Meteorological Hazards
- Independent Project
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this programme.
Research project/report
All students undertake an independent project, which culminates in an 8,000-word dissertation and an oral presentation.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, discussions, self-directed study and problem-solving exercises. The taught modules are assessed through a combination of examination and coursework, and the independent project is assessed through an 8,000-word report and an oral presentation.
The programme requires a total of 600 hours of student study time, of which about 20% will be direct contact time with teaching staff through lectures, seminars, practical exercises and project supervision. Formal out-of-office time is limited to 23 afternoons throughout the programme.
Additional costs
Students cover the cost of preparing and presenting their independent project.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.
Brown Family Bursary
- Note:
- This scheme is now closed for 2020/21
- Value:
- £15,000 (1 year)
- Eligibility:
- UK
- Criteria:
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)
- Note:
- Applications for this scholarship are now closed for 2020/21
- Value:
- Full fees, flights, stipend, and other allowances (1 year)
- Eligibility:
- Overseas
- Criteria:
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
Why study this degree at UCL?
Top hazard scientists at UCL and other leading academic and research institutions have worked with market professionals, the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Under 35s Reinsurance Group to develop and deliver this flexible professional programme, which has been running for over 20 years.
Students benefit from our welcoming environment and world-class facilities, including the UCL Hazard Centre, which was one of the first centres of its kind in the world. They also interact with students on the MSc Geophysical Hazards, which leads to a mutually beneficial learning and knowledge exchange environment.
The programme is delivered by academics from UCL and other leading UK universities,
the British Geological Survey and industry and market practitioners.
Accreditation:
The PGCert Natural Hazards for Insurers is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Students may claim one hour of structured CPD towards the CII member CPD scheme for every hour of study. Successful completion of the programme qualifies the candidate for 60 non-unit specific credits at Advanced Diploma level towards the CII exam framework. Alternatively, completion may be counted towards either associateship or fellowship of the CII.
Department: Earth Sciences
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
There is an application processing fee for this programme of £80 for online applications and £105 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.
Who can apply?
The programme is specifically designed for insurers, reinsurers and other stakeholders in the financial sector, who require the intellectual and practical tools to make more informed decisions in their day-to-day encounters with natural hazard exposure and loss.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 2 September 2020
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Natural Hazards for Insurers at graduate level
- why you want to study Natural Hazards for Insurers at UCL
- what particularly attracts you to this programme
- how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
- where you would like to go professionally with your certificate
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
Page last modified on 13 August 2020
