Masters Programmes
Studying at UCL IRDR
At UCL IRDR, we offer masters programmes with taught and research components which aim to meet the growing need for experts trained to analyse and provide solutions to complex issues. In all our Masters programmes, students explore the characterisation, quantification, management and reduction of risk and disasters, along with their associated impacts, from a diverse range of scientific, technical, socio-economic, political, environmental, ethical and cultural perspectives.
- Why study at UCL IRDR?
UCL is one of the world's leading universities, regularly featuring in the top 10 in global rankings.
The Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR), leads multidisciplinary research, knowledge exchange and advanced teaching across UCL. We have global, national and local recognition, evidenced by international attendance at our annual Academic Summit, our Annual Conference addressed by the UK Government's Chief Scientific Advisor, and our training of London Resilience's gold command. As a student, you will be encouraged to join our active seminar series, high-profile public discussion meetings and the networking events we host.
London is one of the world's great cosmopolitan cities. It is an international hub for global finance and risk management, NGOs, and engineering consultancies. The IRDR nurtures networks across London, and beyond.
- Which Masters programme? - Programme Themes
Risk and Disaster Reduction
In order to increase resilience to disasters, we need specialist knowledge gained through detailed studies. Academic research can drive changes in practice and policy by enabling evidence-based theory to underpin risk management industry. Combining a multidisciplinary approach to risk and disaster reduction with a detailed research project in your topic of choice places you in a position to become a leader in this sector. You will gain expertise in research techniques and knowledge about current practices and problems in different sectors and disciplines.
Evidence-based research
- Identifying current questions in the field of risk and disaster reduction
- Learning how to conduct research
- Using detailed studies to propose solutions
Risk, Disaster and Resilience
The disaster risk management industry needs professionalising. Academic study can underpin this, enabling you to apply evidence and research based theory to this sector. Through a multidisciplinary approach to risk and disaster reduction, you will learn to become a future leader driving policy change and innovation in order to preserve lives and sustain economies which could otherwise be destroyed or damaged by disaster. You will gain expertise in analysing complex challenges and providing sustainable solutions.
Physical and Social Science of Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards
- What is known and unknown
- Current research and uncertainties
Building Resilience
- What are the barriers to risk and disaster reduction and how do we overcome them?
- Developing a common language to communicate complex concepts in an accessible way.
Risk and Disaster Science
The global challenge of understanding risk, increasing resilience and reducing exposure to hazards has generated demand for a new type of scientist in government, business and NGOs, who can work across boundaries. In a science-led programme, you will learn how to assess and quantify risk, reduce disaster risks and manage emergencies for natural and anthropogenic hazards, humanitarian and health crises, conflict and climate change.
Science of Earth and Space Hazards
- Analyze different hazard risks: seismic and triggered events, space weather, epidemics, conflict and climate.
- Scenarios and case studies drawn globally providing breadth of experience.
Statistical and Modelling Tools
- Statistical treatment of risk.
- Catastrophe risk modelling.
Space Risk and Disaster Reduction
In an increasingly technological and globally connected world, risks to space-based communications systems and critical infrastructure are emerging threats to national security and businesses. In a programme that unites emergency response, disaster risk reduction and space technology, you will learn about satellite technology, mission design, hazards and vulnerabilities unique to outer space, disaster response, and the monitoring of hazards on Earth from outer space.
Hazards of Outer Space
- Space weather, radiation, debris.
- Learn about emerging risks and the future of disaster monitoring.
Satellite Design and Operations in Space
- Learn how to design and operate a satellite from the largest university space science department in the UK.
Cross-cutting themes across all masters programmes:
Quantifying Risk:
- What is risk and how do we measure it?
- Components of risk: hazard, vulnerability, exposure.
Understanding Vulnerability:
- From fragility curves describing damage of buildings to social vulnerability of individuals and society
Multidisciplinary Holistic Approaches - from Theory to Practice:
- Integrating scientific knowledge into disaster risk reduction
- Communicating with stakeholders
- Skills to conduct and appraise research and policy
Managing Disasters:
- How to apply plans to manage real emergencies
- Download our Prospectus
- Funding
UCL IRDR will award 4 fee reduction scholarships for UCL IRDR masters students who begin their courses in September 2020. Scholarship values will be £12,500 (x2) and £5,000 (x2), all paid towards tuition fees. Application deadline is 27th April 2020. See full call and application instructions here
The UCL IRDR MSc in Risk Disaster and Resilience is one of the eligible programmes for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme. This scholarship is available to Commonwealth citizens, refugees or British protected persons who are permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth Country. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, and air travel to and from the UK at the beginning and end of the programme. Application deadline is 18th December 2019. Further details on the CSSS here.
UCL offers a range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their studies. The searchable database can be found here.
UCL also attracts students who have received funding from their own government or other external sources, so prospective applicants are advised to check with the Ministry of Education in their own country or from the British Council for information about other potential funding opportunities.
Current and past students have received Chevening Scholarships to attend the course. The scheme is aimed at developing global leaders and is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. For further information please visit The Chevening Website.
We also welcome Fulbright Scholars. This scholarship provides full fees and living expenses for applicants from the USA. Further details here
Please note that for many external funding schemes, you need to hold an offer as part of your funding application. Please ensure that you apply at least 2 months before you need to demonstrate that you have an offer.
Relevant Links
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (UCL allocation of 10 awards)
- The UCL financial awards
- The Chevening Scholarships
- Fulbright Scholarships for UCL
- UCL IRDR Scholarships
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