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Master of Science in Disaster Risk Management and Sustainable Development
Master of Science in Disaster Risk Management and Sustainable Development
Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa face frequent and severe disasters, including droughts, floods, cyclones, epidemics, and conflict-induced crises. These hazards undermine development, strain governance, and deepen vulnerability. Climate change and environmental degradation further exacerbate risks, while fragile institutions limit effective preparedness and response.
Program Rationale and Justification
Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa face frequent and severe disasters, including droughts, floods, cyclones, epidemics, and conflict-induced crises. These hazards undermine development, strain governance, and deepen vulnerability. Climate change and environmental degradation further exacerbate risks, while fragile institutions limit effective preparedness and response.
The program responds to urgent national and regional needs for highly skilled professionals capable of leading disaster risk management (DRM) and resilience-building efforts. It aligns with Somalia’s National Development Plan (NDP-9), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By training specialists in disaster management, climate adaptation, and sustainable development, this program addresses critical gaps in research, policy, and practice. It also contributes to the East African integration agenda under the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) framework.
Specific Objectives
- Provide advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in DRM and sustainable development.
- Equip students with research and technological skills (GIS, remote sensing, data analysis) for disaster risk assessment and planning.
- Develop professional competencies for designing and evaluating resilience and humanitarian programs.
- Promote inclusive approaches integrating gender, equity, and vulnerable populations.
- Strengthen governance and leadership capacity for mainstreaming DRM into development.
- Cultivate ethical, innovative, and interdisciplinary problem-solvers.
Expected Learning Outcome
- Critically analyze DRM, resilience, and sustainability frameworks.
- Apply advanced research and geospatial tools to disaster and climate challenges.
- Design and implement inclusive disaster risk reduction strategies.
- Uphold humanitarian principles and professional ethics.
- Demonstrate leadership in policy, practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Graduate Attributes
Graduates of this program will be:
- Critical Thinkers and Problem-Solvers – able to address complex disaster and sustainability issues.
- Technologically Skilled Practitioners – proficient in GIS, remote sensing, and data analysis.
- Ethically Grounded Professionals – guided by humanitarian and sustainability values.
- Effective Communicators – capable of engaging diverse stakeholders through research and policy outputs.
- Global and Context-Sensitive Citizens – applying global frameworks to local realities.
- Innovative Leaders and Collaborators – driving resilience-building and sustainable development initiatives.
Target Group
The program is tailored for:
- Government officials and policymakers in DRM, climate, and environmental sectors.
- Humanitarian and development practitioners in NGOs, UN, and civil society.
- Engineers, planners, and environmental specialists.
- Academics, researchers, and university lecturers.
- Community leaders and civil society actors engaged in grassroots resilience.
- Graduates seeking professional careers in DRM, humanitarian response, or sustainability.
Career Prospects and Employability
Graduates of this program will be equipped to take up leadership, technical, and research roles across multiple sectors, including:
- Government Ministries and Agencies – disaster management authorities, environment, water, health, planning, and infrastructure departments.
- United Nations Agencies and International NGOs – such as UNDRR, UNDP, UNICEF, WFP, FAO, WHO, OCHA, Red Cross/Red Crescent, and others.
- Humanitarian and Development Organizations – leading emergency preparedness, response, and recovery programs.
- Academic and Research Institutions – as lecturers, research fellows, or technical experts in disaster risk management and sustainable development.
- Private Sector and Consultancy – risk analysis, infrastructure resilience planning, and corporate sustainability roles.
- Community and Civil Society Organizations – grassroots risk reduction, resilience, and advocacy initiatives.
Exam Regulations
Assessment emphasizes both continuous learning and summative evaluation. Typical components and indicative weight ranges include participation (5–10%), assignments (15–20%), group projects/presentations (15–25%), case analyses (10–15%), and final examinations (20–30%). The capstone/research component is assessed independently (100% of its 6 credits). Many course outlines specify that students must pass both midterm/continuous assessment and the final exam to pass the course (commonly 60% coursework, 40% final). Progression follows successful completion of semester requirements and maintenance of satisfactory standing per university policy.
Award of the Degree
To be awarded the
Master of Science in Disaster Risk Management and Sustainable Development, a candidate must:
- Complete core, specialization, electives, and thesis with the minimum GPA required.
- Satisfy ethical and research compliance requirements.
- Demonstrate English proficiency (B2 via Linguaskill or approved IELTS/TOEFL).
- Clear all financial and administrative obligations.
Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa face frequent and severe disasters, including droughts, floods, cyclones, epidemics, and conflict-induced crises. These hazards undermine development, strain governance, and deepen vulnerability. Climate change and environmental degradation further exacerbate risks, while fragile institutions limit effective preparedness and response.
The program responds to urgent national and regional needs for highly skilled professionals capable of leading disaster risk management (DRM) and resilience-building efforts. It aligns with Somalia’s National Development Plan (NDP-9), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By training specialists in disaster management, climate adaptation, and sustainable development, this program addresses critical gaps in research, policy, and practice. It also contributes to the East African integration agenda under the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) framework.
Program Structure
Code | Course | Credit Unit |
DRM7101 | Disaster Risk Management Concepts and Climate Issues | 3 |
DRM7102 | Resilience, Adaptation and Development | 3 |
SD7101 | Governance, Integrity and Sustainable Institutions | 3 |
RM7101 | Research Methods in Disaster and Development Studies | 3 |
DRM7103 | Water Supply and Sanitation in Emergencies | 3 |
DRM7104 | Management of Disaster Humanitarian Aid | 3 |
SD7102 | Sustainable Development Policy and Planning | 3 |
SD7101 | Environmental Sustainability and Natural Resource Management | 3 |
DRM7104 | Remote Sensing and Disaster Management Information System | 3 |
SD7101 | Building Resilient Infrastructure and Systems | 3 |
DRM7104 | Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Planning | 3 |
SD7101 | Climate Change, Food Security and Livelihoods | 3 |
| Dissertation | 12 |
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Academic Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in Disaster Management, Environmental Studies, Development Studies, Geography, Public Health, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Social Sciences, or related fields from a recognized university.
- Second, Class Lower Division graduates may be considered with two years of relevant professional experience.
- Professional Background: Preference is given to candidates with experience in government, NGOs, UN agencies, or academia related to DRM or development.
Additional Requirements:
- A personal statement outlining career goals and program motivation.
- Two academic/professional reference letters.
- English language proficiency (prior study or test).
- Semester Fees: USD 475
- Tuition Fees: USD 2,850 for two years
- The school has three intakes
- January, May, September