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• Module 1: Foundations of Risk Prevention and Disaster Management

  This module introduces you to the key models, concepts and terminology of risk and disaster management. You will develop a systematic understanding of risk prevention, the full disaster management cycle and different forms of vulnerability and resilience. Climate-related hazards, natural disasters and societal challenges are integrated into the analytical framework. You will work with relevant data sources and apply basic analytical tools in practical exercises.

  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 learn to assess hazards, exposure and risk in dynamic environments shaped by climate change, extreme weather events and interacting crisis drivers. The module covers qualitative and quantitative methods of multi-risk analysis, dealing with uncertainties and using databases and analysis tools. You apply these methods to risk reduction planning and decision-making in the context 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 international legal and institutional frameworks for disaster management and apply them in case studies. The module examines global and European standards, including the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and reflects on geopolitical, normative and climate-related influencing factors. Case discussions address disaster response in natural disasters, crises and climate-related emergencies.

  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 teaches strategies for maintaining operational processes in crisis situations. You will work with business continuity management concepts, examine hybrid threats and reflect on the role of digital technologies, including AI. You will analyse how climate change, natural disasters and societal challenges affect continuity planning and the resilience of organisations. Leadership, communication and resilience under stress are key learning components.

  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
• Module 5: Disaster Management in Practice

  During an excursion, you apply scientific and methodological content in real-world contexts. You analyse institutional structures on site, reflect on challenges in civil protection, natural disaster response and crisis coordination, and deepen your professional and intercultural skills.

  Course:

  • Disaster Management and Civil Protection in Practice
• Module 6: Electives

  You choose two elective modules worth 5 ECTS credits each to deepen your individual skill set. Topics include

  • Climate Change and Global Transitions - Challenges for Disaster Management
  • Logistics in Disaster Management and Civil Protection
  • Recent Topics in Disaster Management and Civil Protection
  • Game-Based Learning in Disaster Preparedness
  • AI in Disaster Risk Management and Civil Protection
  • Protection of Cultural Heritage
  • Emergency Medical Aid and Mass Fatality Management
  • Legal and Ethical Challenges in Disaster Contexts
• Module 7: Capstone in Applied Disaster Management

  You reflect on your professional environment, connect your experience with the theoretical framework of the programme, and present an application-oriented project. Climate-related risks, crisis dynamics and resilience strategies can be integrated into your project work.

  Course:

  • Capstone in Applied Disaster Management
• Module 8: Academic Research and Writing

  You will learn scientific working methods, literature research, scientific writing and how to use peer review formats. These skills form the basis for your Master's thesis, which may address climate risks, natural disasters, crisis response or societal challenges.

  Courses:

  • Academic Research and Writing I (scientific work, e.g. literature research, evaluation, writing texts, etc)
  • Academic Research and Writing II (planning, implementation and writing of the scientific master's thesis)
  • Master’s Thesis Seminar