Humanitarian & Disaster Management
Vulnerability & Risk Assessment Methods
Methods for identifying hazards, exposure and vulnerability to guide preparedness decisions.
Syllabus at a glance
Around 12 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 1–2 | Hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capacity concepts |
| 2 | Weeks 3–4 | Participatory vulnerability and capacity assessment |
| 3 | Weeks 5–6 | Risk mapping and data sources |
| 4 | Weeks 7–8 | Risk analysis, scoring and prioritisation |
| 5 | Weeks 9–12 | Turning assessment into preparedness action |
Module breakdown
- 1
Hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capacity concepts
Weeks 1–2Build a shared working vocabulary for hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capacity concepts and set the standards this course expects of you.
What you cover
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capacity concepts
- Step-by-step methods and templates for hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capacity concepts
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capacity concepts, and how to avoid them
- Applying hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capacity concepts in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Case study discussion applying hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capacity concepts to a local scenario.
- 2
Participatory vulnerability and capacity assessment
Weeks 3–4Work through the methods and tools used for participatory vulnerability and capacity assessment in day-to-day programme work.
What you cover
- Step-by-step methods and templates for participatory vulnerability and capacity assessment
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in participatory vulnerability and capacity assessment, and how to avoid them
- Applying participatory vulnerability and capacity assessment in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Practical task: draft one working document related to participatory vulnerability and capacity assessment.
- 3
Risk mapping and data sources
Weeks 5–6Practise risk mapping and data sources on realistic case material drawn from Sierra Leonean community and field settings.
What you cover
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in risk mapping and data sources, and how to avoid them
- Applying risk mapping and data sources in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your risk mapping and data sources work
Assessed work: Group simulation using risk mapping and data sources under time pressure.
- 4
Risk analysis, scoring and prioritisation
Weeks 7–8Turn risk analysis, scoring and prioritisation into documents, plans and decisions your team or employer can actually use.
What you cover
- Applying risk analysis, scoring and prioritisation in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your risk analysis, scoring and prioritisation work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind risk analysis, scoring and prioritisation
Assessed work: Portfolio entry: reflect on how you will use risk analysis, scoring and prioritisation in your role.
- 5
Turning assessment into preparedness action
Weeks 9–12Review, quality-check and improve your own turning assessment into preparedness action work with tutor and peer feedback.
What you cover
- Recording, reporting and communicating your turning assessment into preparedness action work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind turning assessment into preparedness action
- Step-by-step methods and templates for turning assessment into preparedness action
Assessed work: Guided exercise: produce a short worked example covering turning assessment into preparedness action.
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: Community risk mapping fieldwork with an assessment report.
- • 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
Learners who complete all assessments receive an SLIHSD professional certificate of completion. This records completion of an SLIHSD short course and is not presented as an accredited academic award.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the certificate you should be able to:
- Run a participatory vulnerability assessment
- Produce a community risk map
- Prioritise risks and recommend actions
Practical component
Community risk mapping fieldwork with an assessment report.
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 Vulnerability & Risk Assessment Methods?
Applications for the Founding Student Intake 2026 are open. Register your interest and we will guide you to the right programme.