Academic Expert Program

Strengthening Skills for the Global Disaster Management Cycle

The continuing education program in International Disaster Management and Civil Protection provides you with in-depth knowledge and practical skills for the entire disaster management cycle. You will work with international case studies on natural disasters, climate-related risks and complex crises, deepen your understanding of risk assessment, prevention, response and recovery, and study at European partner universities. The part-time program comprises 60 ECTS and is aimed at professionals who want to expand their profile in European and international disaster and risk management in the context of climate change, multiple crises and growing societal challenges.

Modules and Courses

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  • Module 1: Foundations of Risk Prevention and Disaster Management

    This module introduces you to key strategies, terminology and models of risk and disaster management. You will work with the full risk cycle, analyse developments in civil protection, and examine how climate change, natural hazards and societal challenges influence vulnerabilities. Practical exercises help you apply basic tools of vulnerability and resilience analysis in crisis contexts.

    Courses:

    • Fundamentals in Risk Prevention and Disaster Management
    • Vulnerability and Resilience: Social, Psychological and Economic Aspects
    • Trends in Disaster Risk Management and Civil Protection
    • Disaster Management – Foundations and Good Practice
    • Leadership and Complexity in Disaster Management
  • Module 2: Multi-Hazard and Risk Assessment

    You will work with methods and concepts for assessing multi-hazards, exposure and risk, including interactions driven by climate change and cascading natural disasters. You will analyse qualitative and quantitative approaches, explore data requirements and uncertainties, and use relevant databases and digital tools. You will apply your findings to decision-making processes for risk reduction in the face of multiple crises.

    Courses: 

    • Multi-Hazard Assessment
    • Exposure, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
    • Project: Applying Risk Assessment for Risk Reduction
  • Module 3: International Disaster Management: Legal, Institutional and Geopolitical Dimensions

    You will analyse the legal, institutional and geopolitical dimensions of international disaster management. The module addresses global and European standards, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and cooperation across national, sectoral and administrative boundaries. Case studies reflect how climate-driven disasters, humanitarian crises and new geopolitical risks shape international coordination.

    Courses: 

    • The International Legal Framework for Disaster Response and Recovery Activities
    • The International Legal Framework for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Activities
    • Integrated Global and Regional Disaster Management: Key Actors and the UCPM
    • Urban Search and Rescue and Host Nation Support
    • Regulation and Management of Specific Risks and New Threats in Europe
  • Module 4: Business Continuity Management and Resilience in the Geopolitical Context

    This module strengthens your ability to maintain operational capability in organisations and develop resilience strategies in increasingly unstable environments. You will work with digital technologies, hybrid threats and European security dimensions and examine how climate-related disruptions or natural disasters affect critical infrastructures. Communication and leadership under stress play a central role, particularly in complex crises and high-pressure situations.

    Courses:

    • Foundations and Practical Application of Business Continuity Management
    • Implementing Business Continuity Management
    • Security Issues and Hybrid Threats in Geopolitical Context
    • Crisis and Disaster Communication Strategies
    • Applied Leadership and Communication in Practice

Admission process

Admission requirements

To be admitted, you need a university degree or at least five years of relevant professional experience and a general university entrance qualification. Relevant academic backgrounds include geography, political science, law, security studies, environmental studies, risk and disaster management, engineering, urban and regional planning, public administration, international relations, sociology, anthropology, public health, economics and social work, as well as other related disciplines connected to disaster risk management, civil protection, climate-related risks or humanitarian aid.
As all courses are held in English, proof of English language proficiency at level B2 is required.

Application

The following application documents must be submitted via the registration form:

  • Letter of motivation (1 page)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Proof of degree or proof of relevant professional experience
  • Proof of English language skills
  • Official photo ID

Further Procedure

After the application deadline, the academic director will review all applications based on the admission requirements. If you meet these requirements, your application will be evaluated together with the course advisory board. If there are any open questions, a personal interview may be arranged. The course director will then decide on admission to the university course.