CURRICULUM MASTER OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT Applicable to students enrolling in one or more of the below components of the Master of Disaster Management (MDMa) as of September 1 st 2013 The programme is delivered in accordance with Consolidated Act no. LBK 695 of 22 June 2011 on universities (Universitetsloven) Ministerial order no. BEK 1188 of 07 December 2009 on continuing education programmes (Bekendtgørelse om deltidsuddannelse) Ministerial order no. BEK 1187 07 of December 2009 on Masters Programmes (Bekendtgørelse om masteruddannelser ved universiteterne)
Contents Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Degree and title Admission requirements Programme objectives and competence profile Programme content Written assignments and Master s thesis Credit transfer Duration of the programme Language of instruction Other requirements 1
Chapter 1: Degree and title The Master of Disaster Management (MDMa) is a one-year programme totalling 60 ECTS credits. Graduates of the Master s programme are awarded the title Master of Disaster Management Danish title master i katastrofehåndtering. Chapter 2: Admission requirements Educational background To apply for the Master of Disaster Management, applicants should meet the following minimum requirements: 1) A Bachelor s degree or equivalent qualification in the field of health sciences, social sciences or another relevant field from a recognised higher education institution. 2) Proof of proficiency: International Language Testing System (IELTS/Academic) or the Test of as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score for the IELTS is 6; the minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 on the paper test, 213 on the computerized test, or 79-80 on the internet-based test or equivalent. 3) Applicants who do not meet the requirements stipulated in subsections 1) - 2) above but who are deemed to have acquired academic competences at a commensurate level may be admitted to the programme based on an individual assessment of their qualifications and experience. Applicants may be required to complete supplementary tests to gain admission. Professional experience To apply for the Master of Disaster Management, applicants should have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience following completion of their first degree. To apply for the Master of Disaster Management, applicants should also submit a statement of motivation where the applicant states how his or her educational and professional background is relevant in a Disaster Management context. Applicants to the Master of Disaster Management are also to submit a draft thesis proposal of max. 4 pages, based on a field study or on a critical review of articles referring to a relevant problem within Disaster Management. Chapter 3: Programme aim and competence profile Programme Aim The Master of Disaster Management provides research-based, postgraduate, cross-disciplinary training in the field of disaster management with the aim of fostering professionals who can formulate effective responses to complex practice and policy issues and thereby substantially reduce disaster losses. 2
Competence Profile Knowledge On completion of the Master of Disaster Management the graduates will be able to: Skills Demonstrate knowledge of international humanitarian frameworks, standards, principles and codes of conduct Demonstrate research based knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the three interrelated processes of disaster management (disaster risk reduction, response and recovery) as well as identifying scientific challenges within the areas Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the complex interrelation of stakeholders in the context of the evolving field of disaster management Critically relate the understanding of theories and practices of disaster management to the political, social, economic and cultural contexts of disasters On completion of the Master of Disaster Management the graduates will be able to: Apply appropriate research methodologies to theoretical and practical issues in disaster management Identify, analyse and assess risk capacities and vulnerabilities and design appropriate evidence-based interventions Implement and monitor integrated disaster risk reduction, response and recovery activities Communicate academic findings to an interdisciplinary audience Communicate effectively with affected populations and other stakeholders in disaster management planning and operations Competences On completion of the Master of Disaster Management the graduates will be able to: Search and critically evaluate research based literature Synthesise complex information and make flexible strategic decisions in emergencies and disaster situations Develop and maintain interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration in complex and unpredictable situations Identify and take responsibility for individual needs for further learning within the field of disaster management Learn from experience and stakeholder involvement and apply lessons learnt to build capacities, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability 3
Chapter 4: Programme content The master comprises the initial core courses, a research design module, a compulsory module, two optional courses and the thesis. Semester Module ECTS credits 1 st semester Core course 1: Disaster Risk Management - Theory and Application 10 Core course 2: Disaster Response and Recovery Research Design 2 nd semester Disaster Management and Coordination Optional courses (see annex) Thesis 10 5 5 10 20 4
Modules course title Core Course 1: Disaster Risk Management - Theory and Application ECTS 0 Semester 1 Imparted in Course admission requirements Teaching and study methods Objectives A combination of lectures, group work, case-studies, presentations and discussions in plenary. The main emphasis will be on participatory approaches. At the end of the course students will be able to Demonstrate a critical understanding of the nature, typology and dynamics of vulnerability Demonstrate a critical and practical understanding of the factors affecting and leading to vulnerability not only on a local level but those emanating from structural global processes Discuss and critically reflect upon the complex connections and interaction between hazards and vulnerabilities and how risk is contextually configured Have a command of the key concepts, theories, and principles relevant to disaster management and risk reduction Identify the main actors in risk and disaster management and understand their impact in the field Research into the issues of risk and vulnerability in a specific country or for a specific event/hazard Demonstrate knowledge of methods and tools for risk analysis and risk evaluation, including methods for identification and analysis of hazards and vulnerabilities Apply tools used for team-building and stress management and demonstrate knowledge about inter-cultural communication Identify and formulate a relevant and current research question and develop a vulnerability profile for a case study assignment Not mandatory Mandatory elements Course participation requirements 5
exam title Exam in Disaster Risk Management - Theory and Application ECTS 10 Semester 1 Exam language Exam registration requirements To achieve the maximum grade of Discuss key concepts, theories, and principles relevant 12, the student shall be able to to disaster management and risk reduction Demonstrate knowledge of methods and tools for risk analysis and risk evaluation, including methods for identification and analysis of hazards and vulnerabilities Apply tools used for teambuilding and stress management and demonstrate knowledge about intercultural communication Identify and formulate a relevant and realistic research question Exam form 4-hour written exam Grade scale 7-step grade scale External or internal examiner External Exam aids allowed All Prior to participation in the exam in Disaster Response and Recovery course title Core Course 2: Disaster Response and Recovery ECTS 0 Semester 1 Imparted in Course admission requirements Passed exam in Disaster Risk Management - Theory and Application Teaching and study methods A combination of lectures, group work, case-studies, presentations and discussions in plenary. The main emphasis will be on participatory approaches. Objectives At the end of the course students will be able to Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts within response Have a general command of theories, tools and challenges for information management within Disaster Management in order to evaluate and optimise response Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts within recovery Develop knowledge and skills of general application of recovery models Demonstrate an understanding of how approaches and decisions made during the response phase could critically impact long-term recovery and development Illustrate how chronic and pre-existing vulnerabilities 6
Mandatory elements Course participation requirements impact response efforts, how they can and should be addressed and how both response and recovery could also potentially recreate risk as well as create new vulnerabilities Practically develop response and recovery frameworks and plans for a case study assignment Not mandatory exam title Exam in Disaster Response and Recovery ECTS 10 Semester 1 Exam language Exam registration requirements Passed exam in Disaster Risk Management - Theory and Application To achieve the maximum grade of Discuss key concepts within response from a systems 12, the student shall be able to perspective. Discuss general theories, tools and challenges for information management within Disaster Management in order to evaluate and optimise Response. Understand and discuss key concepts within Recovery from a systems perspective Demonstrate knowledge of general models for how to carry out recovery activities Exam form 48-hour written assignment Grade scale 7-step grade scale External or internal examiner Internal Exam aids allowed All Prior to participation in the Master s thesis exam course title Course in Research Design ECTS 0 Semester 1 Imparted in Objectives At the end of this course the individual student will be able to: Identify and formulate a relevant and realistic research question within the field of International Health/Disaster Management Identify and formulate relevant objectives (main and specific) Choose appropriate study methods (qualitative/quantitative/desk study) conduct a relevant scientific literature search Discuss limitations and ethical issues related to the 7
Course admission requirements Teaching and study methods Mandatory elements Course participation requirements proposed study formulate a consistent and clear synopsis as a preparation for a small-scale research project Give short presentations on a proposed study, highlighting objectives, methods, ethical issues, limitations, etc. This course consists of daily 5-hour seminars (lectures and workshop sessions) and individual preparation and study time. All lectures and workshop sessions are moderated by faculty staff members. Students are expected to contribute actively to classes through own presentations and feedback to colleagues. Submission of a synopsis draft during the course Prior to participation in the Master s thesis exam exam title Exam in Research Design ECTS 5 Semester 1 Exam language Exam registration requirements To achieve the maximum grade of Identify and formulate a relevant and realistic 12, the student shall be able to research question within the field of International Health/Disaster Management Identify and formulate relevant objectives (main and specific) Choose appropriate study methods (qualitative/quantitative/desk study) conduct a relevant scientific literature search Discuss limitations and ethical issues related to the proposed study Formulate a consistent and clear synopsis as a preparation for a small-scale research project Give short presentations on a proposed study, highlighting objectives, methods, ethical issues, limitations, etc. Exam form Course assignment (max 2500 words excl. annexes) Grade scale Pass/fail External or internal examiner Internal Exam aids allowed All Prior to participation in the Master s thesis exam 8
course title Course in Disaster Management and Coordination ECTS 0 Semester 2 Imparted in Objective On completion of the course, students will be able to: Course admission requirements Teaching and study methods Mandatory elements Course participation requirements identify and discuss key components of and approaches to disaster management using a comprehensive theoretical framework explain and discuss practices in disaster response in relation to theories of leadership, decision-making, and disaster management systems critically reflect upon the inter-relationship between disaster response management and the context (social, political, economic, environmental and demographic) in which the disaster response takes place critically analyze the inter-dependencies among humanitarian actors/stakeholders in disaster situations and relate them to effective coordination of disaster response design, prioritize needs, and implement- in an interdisciplinary team environment, a disaster response plan The course explores the multi-organizational management context from both academic/theoretical and practical perspectives. The course is based on interdisciplinary teaching and problemoriented learning and seeks to draw on students' own experiences as a resource. Teaching and study methods include lectures, group work, plenary discussions, case studies, and exercises/simulation exercises. Active participation in classes is a requirement Course attestation is made on the basis of approved participation in classes Prior to participation in the Master s thesis exam exam title Exam in Disaster Management and Coordination ECTS 5 Semester 2 Exam language Exam registration requirements To achieve the maximum grade of identify and discuss key components of and 12, the student shall be able to approaches to disaster management using a comprehensive theoretical framework explain and discuss practices in disaster response in relation to theories of leadership, decision-making, 9
Exam form Grade scale External or internal examiner Exam aids allowed and disaster management systems critically reflect upon the inter-relationship between disaster response management and the context (social, political, economic, environmental and demographic) in which the disaster response takes place critically analyze the inter-dependencies among humanitarian actors/stakeholders in disaster situations and relate them to effective coordination of disaster response design, prioritize needs, and implement- in an interdisciplinary team environment, a disaster response plan Oral examination (30 minutes of preparation) upon submission of a group case assignment (max 10 pages) 7-step grade scale Internal All Prior to participation in the Master s thesis exam course title Thesis supervision ECTS 0 Semester 2 Imparted in Course admission requirements Teaching and study methods Supervision according to the Thesis Guidelines Mandatory elements Course participation requirements Not mandatory exam title Exam in Master s Thesis ECTS 20 Semester 2 Exam language Exam registration requirements Participants must have completed the Research Design module To achieve the maximum grade of On completion of the thesis, students should be able to: 12, the student shall be able to transform a relevant issue into a research question, identifying the nature of the problem, as well as the process needed to solve it; choose appropriate research methods; collect necessary data/information and critically analyse, review and interpret one's own research and the relevant literature; present well-argued and referenced recommendations as to future practice(s) in the given field; where relevant, include feedback and practical policy 10
Exam form Grade scale External or internal examiner Exam aids allowed Optional courses implications for local authorities (if research is based on local data) to contribute to improvements at the local level give a short thesis presentation, highlighting aims, main findings, conclusion and possible recommendations - as well as discussing critical questions and remarks regarding the findings and conclusions; provide critical and constructive feedback to fellow students on their theses. Participation in the thesis seminar and submission of a written report according to the Thesis Guidelines. 7-step grade scale External All Completion of the programme The Board of Studies aims at offering a range of relevant courses in the course of one year. 1) Optional courses are described in an annex published by April of any year. 2) Assessment of optional courses takes place in accordance with 16 of the General Curriculum Provisions at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. a) Learning objectives: Cf. Annex b) Course content: Cf. Annex c) Workload in ECTS Cf. Annex d) Teaching and learning methods Cf. Annex e) Semester Cf. Annex f) Prerequisites Cf. Annex 11
Chapter 5: Written assignments and Master s thesis Cf. General Curriculum provisions of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Chapter 6: Credit transfer Cf. General Curriculum provisions of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Chapter 7: Duration of the programme The MDMa is a full-time one-year programme of study totalling 60 ECTS credits. The programme may be completed on a part-time basis over a maximum period of three years. Chapter 8: Language of instruction is the language of instruction for and examination at the Master of Disaster Management. Cf. also Chapter 2: Entry Requirements. Chapter 9: Other requirements a) Board of Studies and Board of External Examiners Board of Studies: Board of Studies for the Master of International Health and the Master of Disaster Management. b) Board of External Examiners Board of External Examiners for the Master of International Health, Master of Disaster Management and Master of Science in Global Health c) Regulations pursuant to the Ministerial Order on Examinations and the Ministerial Order on the Grading Scale and other Forms of Assessment at Universities cf. General Curriculum provisions of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. d) Exemptions The Board of Studies may, in exceptional cases, offer an exemption from rules contained in the curriculum that have been laid down by the Board alone. ANNEX - ELECTIVE COURSES a. Title b. Learning objectives c. Content d. Workload in ECTS credits e. Teaching and learning methods f. Semester g. Prerequisites h. Examination form and grading 12