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Global Humanitarian Studies BSc

London, Bloomsbury

The Global Humanitarian Studies BSc equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex humanitarian crises. This multidisciplinary programme combines theory and practice, preparing students to assess threats and vulnerabilities, analyse risks and develop evidence-based responses to global challenges including disasters, climate change impacts, forced displacement and conflict.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£9,535
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£27,500
Programme starts
September 2026
Application deadline
14 Jan 2026
UCAS course code
LL80
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
ABB
Subjects
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Contextual offer information

Grades
BBB more about contextual offers
Subjects
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Points
34
Subjects
A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.

Contextual offer

Points
32 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction, 12 credits at Merit and 3 credits at Pass in the Level 3 units.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016) with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction.

Pass at grades D3, M1, M1 in three principal subjects.

ABB at Advanced Highers (or AB at Advanced Higher and BBB at Higher)

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

Humanitarian crises impact millions of people every year, disrupting economies, destroying communities and threatening lives. The Global Humanitarian Studies BSc explores how humanitarian systems, governments and people respond to these challenges, combining academic theory with real-world application. It prepares students for diverse careers in the humanitarian sector and beyond.

Based at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus in central London, students benefit from proximity to leading humanitarian organisations, think tanks, international businesses and policy institutions. The programme offers opportunities for fieldwork and hands-on research projects, and there is support available to help you find optional internships between Years 2 and Year 3. We host an annual careers discovery evening and monthly events led or attended by practitioners, providing students with opportunities to build their professional network throughout their studies.

What this course will give you

You will study crises caused by natural hazards, climate change, forced displacement and systemic inequalities, with the opportunity to examine the intersection of humanitarianism and policy, technology, law, culture, health and economics. You will learn a range of skills, bringing together approaches from different disciplines, to better understand humanitarian crises from a range of perspectives and build a multi-disciplinary approach to reducing and managing crises.

The Global Humanitarian Studies BSc is delivered by the Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction (UCL RDR). Our staff come from diverse backgrounds, and teaching is delivered by academics with extensive field experience, ensuring that learning is informed by real-world insight. The programme also includes guest lectures from industry, academia and the policy arena. We conduct research across six key areas: climate change and adaptation; conflict and migration; health and social risks; inclusion and politics, and warning, resilience and finance – so students are exposed to a broad range of topics across these core areas throughout their studies.

In line with our mission to develop humanitarian and disaster risk reduction leaders, the programme embeds practical application in various ways. Through case studies, scenario-based examples, teamwork, a range of assessment types and applied research, you will gain knowledge and skills to support future careers in the humanitarian sector and beyond.

In addition to learning, you will have the opportunity to engage with UCL’s vibrant community through the student-led Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarianism (DRRH) Society which organises events throughout the year including a winter ball and student conference.

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Global Humanitarian Studies.

Modules

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. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Core modules cover core themes including the current debates shaping contemporary humanitarian action, climate and natural hazard risks, the history of humanitarianism, geospatial data analysis and the international frameworks that shape crisis management and response.

More advanced core modules introduce humanitarianism through lenses including economics, law, programme management and policy.

You can select a range of optional modules that will provide both breadth and depth in areas such as digital science, management science, global health, economics, anthropology and social science. Optional module topics include migration law, international relations, water security, microeconomics and technology for humanitarian action. Please note the balance of optional modules will depend on space restrictions.

In Year 3, you will undertake an independent research project. UCL has extensive links to the sector and to practitioners and researchers who may support students in their research projects.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Compulsory modules








Optional modules










Compulsory modules








Optional modules




Global Health Policy




Compulsory modules




Optional modules








Your learning

You will learn through a balance of lectures, seminars, tutorials, computer practicals, problem-based learning with group and peer learning (group work), policy and visual analysis, student presentations, fieldwork (involving quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches) and independent reading and research to action. Teaching involves delivery by leading researchers, practitioners and policymakers. 

You will have the opportunity to hear from experts, and learn quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches in optional fieldwork in the UK. These may include the fundamentals of conducting social surveys or making environmental measurements. Recent fieldwork includes a guided tour of the Oxfam Supply Centre in Bicester and water testing on the River Thames.

We will help facilitate an optional four-week summer placement in the UK or internationally between Years 2 and 3 to help you connect your academic learning with skills in the humanitarian workplace. We have an extensive network of humanitarian organisations, consultancies and enterprises we can connect you with.

Contact hours typically range from 8-10 hours per week during term time, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and computer practicals. This may vary depending on the year of study and module selection, with Years 1 and 2 generally having more contact hours than Year 3.

Students should expect to spend approximately 25-30 hours per week on independent study, including reading, assessment preparation, research and group work.

In your final year, contact hours may be reduced as you work on your independent research project, which includes regular supervision meetings.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a mix of practical exercises, essays, reports, oral presentations, posters, written examinations, visual outputs, group work, and a final-year project report, designed to equip you with relevant skills needed for careers in the humanitarian sector.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Global Humanitarian Studies BSc (AM)

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This online event is a great chance to find out more about your chosen course, the department and studying at UCL. You'll have the opportunity to hear from academic staff and ask any questions you might have about life at UCL.

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Global Humanitarian Studies BSc (PM)

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This online event is a great chance to find out more about your chosen course, the department and studying at UCL. You'll have the opportunity to hear from academic staff and ask any questions you might have about life at UCL.

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Mathematical and Physical Sciences student Q&A (AM)

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This event is a great chance to hear from current students from the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. You'll have the opportunity to ask them about studying in the Faculty, student life in London and why they chose to study at UCL.

The foundation of your career

Our graduates pursue diverse and impactful careers across the humanitarian and related sectors, with many of them building on the internships and research placements undertaken during their studies. Current students and recent graduates have worked with organisations such as the United Nations, the British Red Cross, the Aga Khan Foundation, Action for Stammering Children, Healix, and the Crisis Response Journal. Some graduates have continued their studies in specialist areas, with one pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law and another taking up a master’s in Islamic studies and Humanities on a fully funded scholarship. Graduates have won postgraduate places at Cambridge, the London School of Economics and other international universities.

To support career progression, students have access to dedicated careers support and training, and networking events with expert speakers from across the sector. These initiatives ensure that our students leave UCL well-equipped to make an impact in their chosen fields.

Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017/2018-2021/22 cohorts.

Employability

The Global Humanitarian Studies BSc curriculum was designed in consultation with international employers to ensure students are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of successful careers. Within the humanitarian sector, students can aim to work with international humanitarian agencies; local or national Government departments; non-government organisations focused on resilience, sustainable development, climate action or humanitarianism; and a range of private sector companies including humanitarian and security-focused consultancies.

Organisations increasingly seek professionals with practical, interdisciplinary skills. In addition to in-depth subject knowledge, you will develop transferable skills in key areas required for a career in the humanitarian sector. These include critical thinking and analysis skills; experience in using qualitative and quantitative research methods; strategic planning and project management skills; communication and presentation skills; an understanding principles and ethics; and leadership and teamwork skills and experience.
 

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £9,535
Tuition fees (2025/26) £27,500

Fees are for Undergraduate 2025/26 entry and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases and are subject to the passing of secondary legislation. Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2025/26 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

There are no mandatory additional costs for this programme. UCL RDR covers all costs for compulsory field trips incorporated within modules.

  • Optional field trips: Optional modules may include UK-based fieldwork, and the department will reimburse any expenses on travel and lunch.
  • Optional internships: Students may choose to undertake optional UK-based or international internships which will incur additional costs, including travel, accommodation and meals. These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement. For certain international locations, students may need to pay for a visa application.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

UCL RDR may have scholarships available for students. See the department website for more information and application instructions.

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

RDR students come from all over the world. We seek applicants with diverse backgrounds across the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, geography, mathematics, business studies, economics and technology. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong interest in global humanitarian and social, development and sustainability issues; an analytical mindset prepared for critical enquiry; and a desire to develop practical humanitarian leadership and policy expertise.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

All applicants are invited to attend a UCL open day or a virtual open day. Our campus-based open days include a discussion session led by members of the staff sharing key information and highlights of our BSc programme, student-led discussion, a tour of UCL, optional interactive workshop (e.g. virtual reality), a chance to talk with researchers and practitioners and watch sample lectures illustrating the breadth of topics covered in the programme. We also welcome parents and carers to visit our campus or join our taster events. Offer holders are invited to our monthly and annual events. These events are designed to give you a taste of the programme before you start. When we assess your application, we would like to learn why you want to study in the humanitarian field and where you would like to go professionally with your degree. Applicants with a different prior learning but with relevant professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Optional Modules

Please note some modules in other departments have a cap on student numbers, pre-requisites, or timetable restrictions and therefore may not be available for all students.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction
Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction

rdr-education@ucl.ac.uk

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