Programme structure & progression

The programme comprises 180 credits and runs in line with University term dates with modules taught in Autumn, Spring and Summer Terms. 

There are four compulsory taught modules for the MSc in International Humanitarian Affairs (MIHA) – Examining Humanitarianism, Protection and Assistance in International Humanitarian Law and Intervention, Humanitarian Response: Food and Nutrition, Shelter, Health and WASH and Research Methods in Humanitarian Affairs – which are equivalent to 80 credits in total. In addition, you have to complete a 60-credit dissertation.

Compulsory modules

• HEA00095M - Examining Humanitarianism

  • • 20 credits, Autumn term

• HEA00096M - Protection and Assistance in International Humanitarian Law

  • • 20 credits, Spring term

• HEA00097M - Humanitarian Response: Food & Nutrition, Shelter, Health & WASH

  • • 20 credits, Summer term

• HEA00098M - Research Methods in Humanitarian Affairs

  • • 20 credits, Summer vacation

• HEA00101M - Dissertation

  • • 60 credits, Summer term and Summer vacation

The remaining 40 credits are taken from the module options below. The details of these modules are correct at the date of publication and in the unlikely event that details change (eg timing or availability) this will be communicated to you via your University email account. Please note that you can only select one Optional Module from each Term.

Your choice may be limited by the timing of the modules, and you should make sure that you check the timetable summary (shown below) carefully. You should also ensure that you discuss your module options with your supervisor at the beginning of the Research Methods module. 

Optional modules

• HEA00103M - Education in Emergencies

  • • 20 credits, Autumn term

• HEA00102M - Evaluating Humanitarian Programmes

  • • 20 credits, Autumn term

• HEA00099M - Communities in Humanitarian Programmes

  • • 20 credits, Spring term

• HEA00100M - Disasters in Complex Political Emergencies

  • • 20 credits, Spring term

Modules

Each stage is made up of modules. You study and are assessed on three modules each semester and each taught module you take is worth 20 credits. You will achieve the credit for a module by passing the module assessments. Modules are assessed by a range of methods which will normally result in a numerical module mark out of 100.

If you fail a module there are two possible ways in which you might still be able to progress. These are compensation and reassessment, and are explained in more detail in the Assessment, progression and award section of the handbook.

Each module has its own Module Descriptor which includes module learning outcomes and module specific information. The Module Catalogue provides you with information about the modules running in a year of study.

Each module has its own Assessment Guideline that provides information regarding the nature of the module’s assessment. Assessment Guidelines can be found on the Student Intranet.