Department of Geography | MSc Environmental Hazards and Risk

MSc Environmental Hazards & Risk at Durham University

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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.

Our MSc in Environmental Hazards & Risk 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 & 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.

Studying in a Department with a global reputation for the quality of research, our postgraduates are well placed to continue research at a higher level or progress into a rewarding professional career.

Taught courses are designed to develop the transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers such as the ability to analyse and communicate information and make decisions, and our postgraduates are much valued in areas such as government, non-governmental organisations and the charity sector.

Other roles in which postgraduates make a real difference to people and communities include property and surveying, environmental consultancy and management, conservation, town planning, geopolitical risk, market research, development work, health, public policy, social research, logistics, youth and community work, education, energy, utilities, tourism, banking, law, PR, IT, publishing, journalism and the media.

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