3U M.SC. Humanitarian Logistics And Emergency Management

Course details

The international community and the EU in particular, have been calling for improvement in the process of delivering aid aiming at enhancing the ability of aid organisations to react efficiently and effectively to the increased occurrence of disasters. The significance of disasters is increasing due to variables such as population growth, climate change, urbanisation and global connectivity. The impact of natural disasters such as the Tsunami on the Far East and Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans is still being felt in those regions. Human initiated disasters such as the Twin Towers collapse and the Madrid and London bombings have had an enormous impact on security systems and world travel. Biologically based disasters such as SARS and bird flu similarly have had worldwide impact.

The MSc in Humanitarian Logistics and Emergency Management is a unique programme and is the first in the world to combine the academic disciplines of humanitarian logistics and emergency management. The programme builds on the established strengths and reputation of Ireland and in particular Irish Aid, in delivering humanitarian assistance to those in need.

The organizations providing the first phase of disaster response need the capacity and capabilities to deliver goods and services quickly to those impacted by an event. This is often under difficult circumstances in foreign locations and across cultures. The organisations involved in delivering the aid also need to be responsive in order to quickly provide resources required for the basic necessities of survival in the critical period immediately after an event in order to reduce further loss of life. This programme is a multi-disciplinary programme that provides high quality academic education and professional competencies for personnel working in or intending to work in the area of humanitarian relief to deal with the matters outlined. The programme will provide humanitarian professionals with the competences to work effectively and efficiently in challenging environments.

The programme aims to contribute to the development needs of future managers and employees in public, private sector organizations and nongovernmental organisations. Providing graduates with disciplinary expertise with an additional set of management and business tools will significantly enhance their employment potential.

The programme is designed to meet the requirements of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Irish Aid) and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for practitioners in the management of humanitarian disasters and major emergencies. It is aimed at practitioners in public, private and voluntary sectors who are engaged in Humanitarian Logistics & Emergency Management. The programme has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Emergency Planning Society (EPS).

It is aimed at practitioners in public, private and voluntary sectors who are engaged in Humanitarian Logistics & Emergency Management.

• Some quotes from the Minister Joe Costello TD, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for Trade and Development:
• “I am delighted to be here to launch this new and innovative course which will prepare graduates to address the humanitarian emergencies of the future, crises that will be more demanding and challenging than ever before.”
• “This programme will provide graduates with the disciplinary expertise and management tools to meet the many challenges that are encountered in the field of humanitarian relief and emergency management.”

Some quotes from students:

• The practical nature of the workshop is of great benefit in placing the sort of pressures on the participants which is lacking in the academic nature of university courses and of great benefit to those who have not experienced such pressure environments before.
• The Coordination simulation exercise was extremely interesting. I found this to be very useful. It is an effective way to understand why a well planned, organised coordination of NGO's on the ground is vitally important to the beneficiaries. The pressure of the Donor agendas and their requirements, public scrutiny, publicity and personality clashes demonstrate the need for a cohesive unit, able to perform 'together' under extreme pressure. •Carrying out practical application of the theories learned during the lectures reinforces these in a way that academic research and study cannot.
• I found the day informative, challenging and enjoyable. The sharing of the lecturers from the field together with the use of visually strong material, open and honest comments included in the inside disaster video was extremely insightful into the difficulties faced by aid workers.
• The lecturer encourages discussion and participation which I feel is of benefit to me as a student.
• I find this course extremely interesting, I always feel satisfied that I am learning something useful in this class.
• The case study w as a very interesting and challenging exercise. It required a lot of research by the group to build our understanding of how a supply chain is established in a major humanitarian crisis. We meet as a group before the class to brainstorm the case study, this exercise w as team building and thought provoking.
• Very stimulating class. The material was available prior to the class which allowed us to digest it as a group and understand the main points of the lecture.
• Reviewing the current situation in the Philippines and comparing this with the crisis in Syria was excellent. The comparison of two level 3 emergencies, how they developed over different time scales with total different responses to each crisis reinforced earlier presentations on the pace at which natural disasters happen in comparison to civil or manmade disasters.
• I would like to express how much I have really enjoyed this programme. The programme has shown me that education at this level does not have to be boring and all theory but can be challenging, interactive and entertaining.
• The lectures are interesting because we are encouraged to engage in discussion on the topics being covered. I think the slides are very well presented and easy to understand and there’s a good balance between media content and discussion. Reading content in relation to lecture is posted on Moodle in advance and this gives me every opportunity to prepare for lecture.
• Completing the UN service mindset training for logisticians and receiving the certificates for same as part of the programme is an excellent initiative.

Entry Requirements

Candidates should have a minimum 2.2 grade, honours (level 8) degree or equivalent in any discipline. In exceptional circumstances consideration will be given to candidates who do not hold a primary degree, but who do have at least 10 years relevant work experience. International students for whom English is not their first language, an English language exam certificate showing IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required.