What does this study entail?
The interlinked threats of climate change, war, conflict, and natural hazards such as floods and earthquakes mean that humanitarian crises are becoming more and more prominent across the world. How can public policy and management react and respond to ensure the safety of people’s lives and livelihoods? This master's programme will endow you with an interdisciplinary theoretical understanding and the practical skills you'll need to work effectively in the world of humanitarian action, whether at a (local or regional) government, UN agency, NGO, or in the private sector.
We will help you understand societies in crisis from a systems perspective: seeing each earthquake, conflict, or mass displacement as a complex and interconnected phenomenon where responses by various actors can either mitigate or aggravate the societal impacts of the crisis. By the end of this programme, you will be able to analyse the various components of crises and design targeted, effective strategies that can help respond, build back better, and prevent the worst outcomes of future crises.
This specialisation is part of the MSc in International Public Management & Public Policy. It is led by the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences and the International Institute of Social Studies. This means that you will be taught by a world-class team of scholars from the realms of political science, humanitarian studies, public administration, development studies, and international relations.
Is this the right programme for you?
This master's programme:
- Takes a systems approach to analysing humanitarian crisis, with a multilevel focus that looks at the whole of society.
- Deals with public management and policy of societies in crisis at a governmental, local, international, and non-governmental level.
- Is led by academics with practical experience, who can guide you towards a career in crisis management, humanitarian action, or governance of crisis.
- Takes a critical approach to societal questions and the background to societal or humanitarian crises.
- Links with multiple organisations in The Hague and Rotterdam, focusing on peace, justice, disasters, and humanitarian action.