Degree Information:

Crises and disasters, both local and international, continue to make headline news. Consider the Asian Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, or the human initiated disasters, such as 9/11 and the Madrid and London bombings, or biologically based disasters, including SARS and bird flu. Closer to home, horrific traffic disasters, natural disasters such as storms and floods, and recent epidemics, such as the foot and mouth outbreak, have had a huge impact on people's lives.

These types of disaster will continue to prompt new ways to prepare and respond to such crises, with the goal of ensuring business continuity and post-disaster recovery.

The M.Sc. in Emergency Management is the first programme of its kind in Ireland. It has been endorsed by the National Steering Group for Major Emergency Management, The Emergency Planning Society (Republic of Ireland Branch) and Pharmachemical Ireland as being suitable for improving the emergency management skills of individuals in both the public and private sectors.

In recent years emergency planning and emergency management have moved up the Irish Government's priority list significantly. In 2006, a Framework for Major Emergency Management document was produced by an inter-agency review group supported by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This M.Sc. offers students excellent opportunities to fulfil the needs of these bodies.

Aims and Objectives:

The primary aim of the programme is to produce students who can deliver excellence in the practice of emergency management, as well as to:

• Instill a comprehensive understanding of the major theories of emergency management including planning, problem structuring, human aspects and communications, and how these are applied in practice.
• Utilise networking skills across agencies as a means of extending the knowledge base and facilitating best practice, in order to become an agent of change and reconciliation within professional settings.
• Understand the impact of information and communications technologies in emergency management and demonstrate a capacity to use these technologies.
• Take a rigorous approach to research design and implementation so that findings can illuminate practice and provide the foundation for models of excellent practice in the field.

Programme Structure:

This two year, part-time programme is delivered by block release on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, once a month.

Assessment is by competency test, continuous assessment (including project work), terminal examination, or a combination of these elements.

While the programme is designed for you to achieve a Masters qualification, covering 90 credits, there is an exit route at Graduate Diploma level (60 credits).

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

• First and only programme of its kind in Ireland.
• Restricted class size to ensure participation and teamwork.
• The Programme has been endorsed by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Pharmachemical Ireland and the Emergency Planning Society, the professional body for all those working in Emergency and Crisis Management.
• Programme delivered by expert staff from across DCU and external bodies.
• Staff and participants bring considerable professional expertise to the programme, thus allowing for interesting class discussion and peer learning.

Career Prospects:

With the Government's increasing emphasis on planning and emergency management, there will be important roles for talented and qualified individuals. You will find work in all areas of the public and private sector where there are risks of disaster or crises. These include local government, pharmaceutical firms, transport companies and businesses in the energy and security fields.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants should hold an honours primary degree or an equivalent professional qualification. A small number of students who do not meet the normal entry criteria may be considered for admission to the programme on the basis of their work experience and other relevant educational achievements.
Applicants will be expected to have at least three years' experience in the broad area of emergency management/disaster planning. Selection of applicants may include an interview.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2013

EU Applicants
Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 31st July 2013.
Non-EU Applicants
Apply online the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 31st July 2013 documentation to PAC.

Queries on Completed Applications
Queries on completed applications can be made by e-mail to Catherine.Gallagher@dcu.ie

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Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)