Proposed programme
Master of Disaster Management (MDM)
A proposed postgraduate programme in disaster management, currently in development and subject to institutional and regulatory approval.
Proposed / future programme — subject to institutional and regulatory approval. It is not currently open for enrolment and is not offered as an accredited degree.
View prospectus
Programme rationale
A proposed postgraduate programme in disaster management, currently in development and subject to institutional and regulatory approval. The programme is structured for learners who need practical, assessable capability they can connect to real responsibilities while continuing work or other commitments.
Programme at a glance
Around 72 weeks of guided study, typically two sessions a week plus independent work, so you can keep working while you study.
| Unit | Study block | Module |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weeks 1–14 | Disaster risk science and policy |
| 2 | Weeks 15–28 | Disaster governance, law and institutions |
| 3 | Weeks 29–42 | Advanced risk assessment and modelling |
| 4 | Weeks 43–56 | Humanitarian operations and recovery leadership |
| 5 | Weeks 57–72 | Research methods and dissertation |
Target audience & entry requirements
Target audience
- • Humanitarian, development, resilience and community practitioners.
- • Government, NGO and volunteer personnel whose roles relate to this programme area.
- • School leavers, graduates and working adults seeking practical professional development.
Entry requirements
- • Basic literacy and secondary-level education, or relevant practical work experience.
- • Access to a phone, tablet or computer for online and blended study.
- • Commitment to attend sessions and submit assignments on time.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, learners should be able to:
- Lead disaster risk management at institutional level
- Design and evaluate disaster policy and programmes
- Conduct independent applied research
Detailed modules
Each module below follows this programme’s published syllabus and contributes to the final practical work.
- 1
Disaster risk science and policy
Weeks 1–14Apply disaster risk science and policy through systematic risk identification, proportionate controls, safe documentation and escalation.
What you cover
- Hazards, exposure and professional responsibilities within disaster risk science and policy
- Prevention, control and response measures
- Inspection, recording, referral and improvement actions
Assessed work: Complete a scenario-based risk, control or referral exercise for disaster risk science and policy.
- 2
Disaster governance, law and institutions
Weeks 15–28Develop practical capability in disaster governance, law and institutions, linking roles, resources, decisions, accountability and review.
What you cover
- Roles, responsibilities and decision points in disaster governance, law and institutions
- Planning tools, coordination arrangements and documentation
- Implementation monitoring, accountability and improvement
Assessed work: Draft a usable plan, workflow or decision brief for disaster governance, law and institutions.
- 3
Advanced risk assessment and modelling
Weeks 29–42Examine advanced risk assessment and modelling as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
What you cover
- Purpose, scope and ethical considerations for advanced risk assessment and modelling
- Appropriate data sources, methods and quality checks
- Interpretation, documentation and decision-ready reporting
Assessed work: Produce and review a working analysis or evidence tool for advanced risk assessment and modelling.
- 4
Humanitarian operations and recovery leadership
Weeks 43–56Develop practical capability in humanitarian operations and recovery leadership, linking roles, resources, decisions, accountability and review.
What you cover
- Roles, responsibilities and decision points in humanitarian operations and recovery leadership
- Planning tools, coordination arrangements and documentation
- Implementation monitoring, accountability and improvement
Assessed work: Draft a usable plan, workflow or decision brief for humanitarian operations and recovery leadership.
- 5
Research methods and dissertation
Weeks 57–72Examine research methods and dissertation as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
What you cover
- Purpose, scope and ethical considerations for research methods and dissertation
- Appropriate data sources, methods and quality checks
- Interpretation, documentation and decision-ready reporting
Assessed work: Produce and review a working analysis or evidence tool for research methods and dissertation.
Practical project / portfolio
Supervised applied research dissertation (proposed structure).
Teaching & learning approach
- Tutor-led explanation and demonstration focused on the published module topics.
- Guided practice using cases, scenarios, templates or production tasks relevant to the programme.
- Individual and group feedback that helps learners improve work before final submission.
- Flexible online, face-to-face or blended participation, with evening and weekend scheduling where available.
Assessment & completion
- • Short applied tasks linked to the published modules.
- • Practical component: Supervised applied research dissertation (proposed structure).
- • A final assessment or portfolio review covering the full syllabus.
- • Participation in guided sessions, discussions and group exercises.
Learner support
- • Session handouts, checklists and templates you keep after the course.
- • Case material and worked examples based on community and field practice.
- • Tutor guidance by WhatsApp between sessions.
How this programme is delivered
Online
Guided sessions and assignments you can follow from anywhere with a connection.
Face-to-face
Classroom sessions at our Mile 91 learning centre, including weekend and evening options.
Blended
A mix of online study with periodic in-person workshops, field exercises and simulations.
Career & professional pathways
This programme supports professional development; it does not guarantee employment, promotion or entry to a regulated occupation.
- Apply the programme’s tools in field, programme, coordination or community-facing responsibilities related to humanitarian & Disaster Management.
- Use the completed project or portfolio as evidence of applied professional development.
- Progress to related SLIHSD intermediate or advanced professional learning where available.
Fees & enrolment
- • This proposed programme is not currently open for enrolment.
- • The fee is to be confirmed only after the required institutional and regulatory decisions.
- • Prospective learners may register interest by contacting SLIHSD; this does not constitute admission.
Regulatory & recognition notice
This is a proposed future programme under development. It is subject to institutional and regulatory approval, is not currently open for enrolment, and is not presented as an accredited or approved degree.
This is a proposed programme. No certificate is currently issued and no enrolment is open, pending institutional and regulatory approval.
Interested in this proposed programme?
It is not open for enrolment. Contact SLIHSD to register interest and receive future updates.