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Preparedness and Response to Humanitarian Crises
Be introduced to two aspects of disaster management: Preparedness and Response. You will also gain increased awareness of the nature and management of disasters, leading to better performance.
This course is a part of
Current concepts, standards, principles, methods and terminology of preparedness planning and response operations are presented.
You will be introduced to the cluster approach with extensive coverage of the most essential clusters: water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); health; shelter; logistics; food and nutrition; protection; camp coordination and management; and education.
Topics during this course include: leadership and partnerships during crises; conflicts and complex emergencies; international security; management of disaster situations; needs assessment and monitoring; legal framework for refugees and IDPs; information management and GIS; communication in emergencies; financing and donors; personal safety in the field; and project management.
Course content:
- Basic concepts related to disaster preparedness and response.
- Considerations in regional and local planning for disaster preparedness and response.
- International collaboration for preparedness and response with a focus on the Cluster System.
- Implementation of disaster preparedness and response plans and their limitations and pitfalls.
- >Health, pandemics, WASH and nutrition preparedness plans and response.
Course Director on Preparedness and Response to Humanitarian Crises
Emmanuel Raju
Associate Professor and Head of Studies
Course information about Preparedness and Response to Humanitarian Crises
Dates and examination
Course dates
29 September - 31 October 2025
(Autumn break 13-19 October)
The course is available every year.
Examination
Please find the exam dates in the exam plan.
You can find further information about the course and the exam in the course curriculum.
See an overview of all courses on Master of Disaster Management.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, you will have an overall understanding of key aspects of disaster preparedness and response and be able to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the existing international preparedness and response systems. Your ability to engage with disaster professionals across sectors and disciplines will be strengthened.
On completion of the course, you will be able to:
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Demonstrate an overall understanding of key aspects of disaster preparedness and response.
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Acquire an understanding of the complexity of the “assistance” deployment environment.
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Be familiar with coordination, information management and operations and logistics for disaster response.
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Be familiar with the concept and methodologies for conducting a needs assessment.
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Acquire the conceptual basis to appreciate the complexity of the response environment.
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Develop a Preparedness and Response Framework and Plan for a specific case study.
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Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of the existing international preparedness and response systems.
Admission criteria
You must meet the following criteria to be admitted to this course:
- Hold a relevant bachelor degree or equivalent
- Have a minimum 2 years of relevant job experience
- Be proficient in English
Find detailed information in the admission criteria on Master of Disaster Management.
Priority is given to enrolled students
This course is offered as a compulsory course in the Master of Disaster Management programme. Priority is given to students already enrolled. Once the enrolled students have been admitted to the course, the remaining seats are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tuition fees
EU/EEA citizens
Master student: 16,500 DKK
Single course student: 25,000 DKK
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Master student: 22,000 DKK
Single course student: 33,000 DKK
Place
University of Copenhagen
City Campus
Øster Farimagsgade 5
1353 Copenhagen
Denmark
Emmanuel Raju
Associate Professor and Head of Studies
Emmanuel is the Head of Studies for Master of Disaster Management and the Director of the Copenhagen Centre for Disaster Research.
He is a researcher in understanding how complex phenomenon such as disasters intersect with (un)sustainable development processes in different contexts with varying impacts.
He is an Editor of the Disaster Prevention and Management journal and a fellow at the International Science Council.
His work contributes with critical nuances to the Sustainable Development Goals.
He is one of the founders of the North European Disaster Studies Conference which has become a global annual event that has become a prominent event in the disaster research community.
He teaches on various aspects of disasters- including global policy, theoretical approaches to understanding disasters, vulnerability and risk creation, disaster recovery and livelihoods.