MSc Humanitarian Studies

MHS/PGDip/PGCert

FULL-TIME: 1 year . Places now available for programme starting 9 September 2013

Programme Contact: Registry - E lstmmsc@liv.ac.uk

Director of Studies Dr Tim O'Dempsey
E: tjdod@liv.ac.uk

OPEN TO INTERCALATING MEDICS (after 4th year)

Karolina Griffiths – MSc Humanitarian Studies (2011)

Karolina GriffithsI was searching for a course I could do between my 4th and 5th year of medical school that would widen my horizons and teach me new skills in research and critical thinking. As soon as I read the syllabus on the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine website I knew the course would be perfect; the topics were wide ranging, I had the choice to pick the modules that interested me most and I could cater it to my needs. What really sealed the deal was talking to alumni students – they said it was the best year of their life, and they’re not wrong! One of the greatest aspects of doing a Masters at LSTM is all the help and guidance you receive when arranging your research project for your dissertation abroad. My time in Nepal, evaluated the outbreak response to Dengue, was absolutely fascinating. It was through this experience of collecting my data where I really got to grips with different research methodologies and met so many fascinating people as well as doing a bit of trekking in the Himalayas!

Programme Outline
The programme reviews historical and current policies and practice in humanitarian assistance, analyses the effect of war, natural disasters and the international economy on social dislocation, health and wellbeing, investigates the evidence base for current operational guidelines and explores novel approaches in responding to the challenges of today's humanitarian problems. Opportunities for in-depth study include regional and country case studies and a choice of modules addressing specific aspects of humanitarian interventions. In addition, the programme offers participants an opportunity to develop and undertake a research project, usually overseas, in an area of special interest indicated by client Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), International Organisations (IOs) or National Ministries.

Programme Aims

The curriculum has been designed to take account of current national and international priorities and policies in the field of Humanitarian Studies. It aims to:

  • Provide experienced humanitarian workers with a deeper understanding of the political economy of humanitarian emergencies including the internally displaced, refugees and migrants: the historical context; regional and country case studies; the effect of war and natural disasters and the international economy on social dislocation, health and wellbeing
  • Give participants the skills and knowledge needed to critically analyse the impact of humanitarian emergencies on health and well-being and to explore novel approaches in responding to the challenges of today's humanitarian problems
  • Provide an interdisciplinary forum in which participants from a variety of professional backgrounds can critically review and debate key issues of mutual interest
  • Give participants an opportunity to conduct an independent in-depth research study of a specialist aspect of humanitarian interventions in the field
  • Produce graduates who are experienced, committed, informed, proactive and effective professionals, capable of taking substantial and leading professional roles
  • Deliver high quality teaching that is informed by current research
  • Develop approaches to study that will enable graduates to continue to learn in the future

Entrance Requirements

  • Open to graduates with at least six months' humanitarian assistance or developing countries' professional experience
  • Non-graduates, who are suitably qualified by higher study or research, and applicants with considerable satisfactory work experience with humanitarian / development organisations and evidence of appropriate in-service training will also be considered
  • 'Field' experience is desirable but not essential
  • Available to Intercalating Medics

The programme is taught in English. Students who are not from *majority English speaking countries as defined by the UK Border Agency must provide proof of competency in English. LSTM’s current minimum requirements are:

  • TOEFL 88 iBT (With a minimum scores of 21 for Listening and Writing, 22 for Reading and 23 for Speaking); or
  • IELTS with an overall band score of 6.5 (And a minimum of 5.5 in all learning components).

Tests must be within their validity period of 2 years. The two year period is calculated from the test date to the date the CAS is issued.

*You are classed as being from a majority English speaking country if you are a national of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Granada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United states of America, United Kingdom

Partial Scholarships available - scholarship information sent out after reaching "Conditional Offer" stage in the applications process. For further details on scholarships, please visit the scholarships page - /learning--teaching/applying-to-lstm/scholarships/

Career Opportunities
Many alumni of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine hold prominent positions in health ministries, universities, hospitals and international organisations throughout the world. Graduates are competitively placed to begin PhD programmes, seek employment as research assistants, work in developing countries with a wide variety of employers, or return to previous employers with enhanced knowledge and skills with which to advance their existing careers. This programme aims to strengthen links between academic institutions and operational humanitarian organisations. The skills, knowledge and understanding of humanitarian issues gained during the programme equip graduates to practise at a senior level in NGOs, IOs and Ministries involved in the prevention of and response to humanitarian crises.