MSc Specialization - Societies in Crisis: Humanitarian Action and Policy Responses
Are you interested in how societies around the world experience and respond to crises? Do you want to take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding affected communities, international aid and policy responses?
The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) and the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB) are jointly offering a new MSc specialization: Societies in Crisis: Humanitarian Action and Policy Responses.
This specialization is co-led by both institutions, bringing together a world-class team of scholars in political science, humanitarian studies, public administration, development studies and international relations.
About the programme
In a world shaped by climate disasters, conflict and displacement, this programme equips future professionals to respond with insight and integrity. You will explore questions such as:
- What happens before, during, and after a crisis?
- How do affected communities adapt and recover?
- How is international aid coordinated and how can it be improved?
Through a systems-based approach, you’ll examine how governments, NGOs and communities navigate crises from policy design to post-crisis reconstruction. Taught by experts in humanitarian action, development and public management, the programme blends theory with hands-on learning and connects you to organisations working in peace, justice and disaster response.
At the end of the 12 month course, you’ll receive an MSc in Public Policy & International Policy Management, with a specialization in Societies in Crisis: Humanitarian Action and Policy Responses.
How can this MSc help your career?
When you graduate from this specialization you are equipped to pursue an impactful career in the humanitarian, development, or public policy sector. With a growing demand for professionals who can navigate crises and shape effective and sustainable responses, you can go off to work for international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, or the Red Cross; global and local NGOs; national governments; crisis management agencies; and think tanks. Others might build careers in consultancy, research, or the private sector, especially in roles that intersect with disaster risk reduction, conflict resolution, or sustainable development.
Application and requirements:
For information on how to apply and the requirements, please visit the ESSB website.
A note on location
All classes for this specialization will take place at the campus in EUR Rotterdam and the ISS campus in The Hague. The Hague is home to a large number of multilateral institutions including NGOs, UN bodies, and the International Court of Justice. The city is known as ‘The International City of Peace and Justice’!
