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.
Syllabus 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 |
Module breakdown
- 1
Disaster risk science and policy
Weeks 1–14Build a shared working vocabulary for disaster risk science and policy and set the standards this course expects of you.
What you cover
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind disaster risk science and policy
- Step-by-step methods and templates for disaster risk science and policy
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in disaster risk science and policy, and how to avoid them
- Applying disaster risk science and policy in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Case study discussion applying disaster risk science and policy to a local scenario.
- 2
Disaster governance, law and institutions
Weeks 15–28Work through the methods and tools used for disaster governance, law and institutions in day-to-day programme work.
What you cover
- Step-by-step methods and templates for disaster governance, law and institutions
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in disaster governance, law and institutions, and how to avoid them
- Applying disaster governance, law and institutions in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Practical task: draft one working document related to disaster governance, law and institutions.
- 3
Advanced risk assessment and modelling
Weeks 29–42Practise advanced risk assessment and modelling on realistic case material drawn from Sierra Leonean community and field settings.
What you cover
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in advanced risk assessment and modelling, and how to avoid them
- Applying advanced risk assessment and modelling in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your advanced risk assessment and modelling work
Assessed work: Group simulation using advanced risk assessment and modelling under time pressure.
- 4
Humanitarian operations and recovery leadership
Weeks 43–56Turn humanitarian operations and recovery leadership into documents, plans and decisions your team or employer can actually use.
What you cover
- Applying humanitarian operations and recovery leadership in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your humanitarian operations and recovery leadership work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind humanitarian operations and recovery leadership
Assessed work: Portfolio entry: reflect on how you will use humanitarian operations and recovery leadership in your role.
- 5
Research methods and dissertation
Weeks 57–72Review, quality-check and improve your own research methods and dissertation work with tutor and peer feedback.
What you cover
- Recording, reporting and communicating your research methods and dissertation work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind research methods and dissertation
- Step-by-step methods and templates for research methods and dissertation
Assessed work: Guided exercise: produce a short worked example covering research methods and dissertation.
Who this course is for
- • Practitioners and volunteers already working in, or moving into, this area of work.
- • NGO, government and community responders involved in preparedness and response.
- • School leavers and graduates building a first professional portfolio.
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.
How you are assessed
- • Short module tasks completed during the course.
- • 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.
Materials and 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.
Certification
This is a proposed programme. No certificate is currently issued and no enrolment is open, pending institutional and regulatory approval.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the certificate you should be able to:
- Lead disaster risk management at institutional level
- Design and evaluate disaster policy and programmes
- Conduct independent applied research
Practical component
Supervised applied research dissertation (proposed structure).
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.
Ready to start Master of Disaster Management (MDM)?
Applications for the Founding Student Intake 2026 are open. Register your interest and we will guide you to the right programme.