MSc
MSc Environmental Hazards and Risk
Join us on this dedicated MSc to explore the impact of natural events and analyse the risk they pose to environments and societies around the world.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
MSc
Program Code
L7KE09
Course length
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Typical offer
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £14,250 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £28,500 per year
Overview
Our MSc in Environmental Hazards and Risks explores the causes and devastating impacts of natural events including earthquakes, floods, drought, heatwaves, landslides and climate change and the threat they pose to environments and populations around the world. Taking a natural sciences approach, you will develop an in-depth knowledge of these global environmental hazards, and consider the extent of their physical and social impact on society, the consequences for social vulnerability and for resilience. The course is likely to appeal to those with a background in natural sciences or engineering. Offered over a year full-time and two years part-time, you will study modules that cover the understanding, managing and preventing of risk, understanding the spatial and temporal dimensions of hazards, hydro-meteorological hazards as well as learning about the theories and concepts related to risk, science and communication. There is also a module dedicated to current research in the fast-growing field of risk. You will also complete either a research-based dissertation by carrying out original independent study on a subject of particular interest or a vocational dissertation that combines external work placements with independent research. Our partnership with the renowned Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience at the University, will enable you to learn about the current thinking around risk from academics and professionals in the sector as well as participate in the Institute’s annual climate risk seminar series. The course is one of five masters programmes in the Department of Geography that form a vibrant and active postgraduate community which consistently proves to be supportive and encouraging, both academically and socially.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
MSc
Program Code
L7KE09
Course length
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Typical offer
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £14,250 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £28,500 per year
What you'll study
Core modules
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Dissertation (Research or Vocational)
The builds on your learning in core and optional modules. It offers the option to develop your independent research skills through a research dissertation in which you carry out original independent research supported by our staff. Alternatively, you can choose the vocational dissertation route which combines research with collaborations or placements with external organisations. We offer vocational dissertation partnerships and project options through our large and growing partner and alumni network, or we can support you in developing your own vocational research collaborations. Learn more about our suite of taught masters in the Geography Department.
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Hydro-meteorological Hazards
provides fundamental knowledge of hydro-meteorological hazards, with a focus on flood and drought risk, their causes and the changing environmental conditions that influence them, including projected climate change. This module will also look at the ways that such hazards might be investigated and dealt with as part of an overall management strategy.
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Risk Frontiers
is delivered by the Institute of Hazard and Risk Research. This module looks at current risk research and provides training in the generic skills of interpreting, criticising and collating the emerging research. What you learn will help meet the demands of the risk industry and associated areas such as disaster reduction, security, development and humanitarian relief.
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Risk, Science and Communication
gives you an overview of the natural, engineering and social science methods used in risk research. It provides training in the generic science, media and communication-based skills that risk research requires – in particular, written and spoken communication and the tools of public engagement.
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Spatial and Temporal Dimensions of Hazards
is a science-based module that considers issues relating to locations and timings, along with the key physical characteristics, of a variety of hazards. It offers both theoretical and practical training in how to understand and quantify such dimensions of hazards.
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Understanding Risk
provides an overview of the key theories and concepts that reflect the interdisciplinary nature of risk involving human action and environmental events. You will learn the basic concepts and terms used to describe and communicate risk, as well as studying interventions involved in managing, preventing or mitigating against risk to populations, and building an understanding of the determinants of risk and its social inequalities.
Learning
We take an active approach to learning from the start. Teaching and learning on this course take place in a supportive environment in which you will be encouraged to actively engage with tutors and peers from day one, sharing your ideas and experiences. The course is delivered using a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and practical sessions, with lectures providing key information and the seminars developing further discussion. You will have around eight hours of contact time per week during the first two terms, although this can vary from week to week. You can expect to undertake around eight hours per day of study during term time, including all assessments. Throughout your period of study, you will be supported by an academic advisor and you will also be assigned a dissertation supervisor.Assessment
Assessment will be conducted on an ongoing basis including a research-based or vocational dissertation in the final term All modules require the completion of coursework, including the traditional tools of assessment such as essays, presentations and reports but also other forms such as podcasts and portfolios featuring a compilation of work.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
£14,250 per year
International / EU Students
£28,500 per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - £7,900 per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - £15,700 per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
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The Department of Geography is a global academic centre for the study of physical and human geography. Our high-quality research and our industry connections combine to create a learning experience underpinned by the theory and practice to take on the challenges we face as a result of natural events and human activity. We provide a leading-edge environment in which to study, giving a learning experience that is tailored to suit particular interests. We offer MA and MSc degrees in Climate, Risk and Society and in Environmental Hazards and Risk, and an interdisciplinary MA degree in Risk, Security and Politics. Our academic staff are experts in their field with research activity in the Department divided into seven clusters comprising Politics-State-Space, Economy and Culture, Urban Worlds, Geographies of Life as well as Sea Level, Ice and Climate, Catchments and Rivers, and Hazards and Surface Change. The postgraduate community plays a crucial role in contributing to the Department’s research goals, by conducting original research and by learning from research-led teaching about understanding and implementing the process of turning policy into practice. An in-house conference provides the opportunity for postgraduates to present ideas. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
The Department of Geography is located on the main campus of Durham University at Lower Mountjoy, not far from the historic centre of the city with UNESCO World Heritage status. Facilities are state-of-the-art after a £1.7 million investment and our laboratories are equipped with an extensive suite of analytical and geotechnical instruments which are overseen and supported by a team of dedicated technical staff. Also available to postgraduates are a dedicated computer lab, world class library and research facilities, one of the few dedicated cartographic units in the region and field and labwork support.
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