Programme learning outcomes

Statement of purpose

This interdisciplinary Masters programme will provide you, as an active professional in the field of international humanitarian affairs or as a newcomer, with the opportunity to reflect on core debates, policy and practice issues in humanitarianism, whilst also strengthening your abilities to operate knowledgeably and decisively in regions subject to violent conflict and war, natural hazards and complex political emergencies. During the distance-learning programme, you will engage in international communities of learning and research, enabling you to share your experience and expertise with other professionals and advance the boundaries of knowledge and understanding of humanitarian practice. This course is the only online postgraduate programme in the UK that focuses on humanitarian affairs. Your learning will be supported by online platforms that provide the full postgraduate experience with a world leading University for teaching and research. As a graduate of the programme, you will have enhanced your professional capabilities enabling you to play a pivotal role in the humanitarian arena in terms of both policy­making and operations. 

Programme learning outcomes

On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate humanitarian crises, and responses to them, drawing on an advanced understanding of the dynamic relationship between humanitarian affairs theory, policy and practice (Subject Knowledge).

2. Appraise the design and delivery of humanitarian projects to improve the impact, efficiency and effectiveness of responses to humanitarian crises (Subject Knowledge and Skills and Professional Development).

3. Use strategic and innovative thinking to deal with the challenges of humanitarian crises (Skills and Professional Development).      

4. Coordinate, cooperate and communicate effectively with different cultures and organisations, and collaborate with disaster and conflict affected communities as equal partners of change (Skills and Professional Development).      

5. Carry out accurate, ethical, evidenced-based academic, policy and practice research into humanitarian affairs using an appropriate range of methodological skills and presenting the results in audience-appropriate formats (Skills and Professional Development).

6.  Operate as ethical professionals, based on knowledge of contemporary protection and legal frameworks of humanitarianism and their challenges (Management and Personal development).

7. Approach humanitarian work with humility, demonstrated through their ongoing personal reflection on practice (Management and Personal development).