- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the humanitarian principles, and the ethical, legal and emancipatory rationales for humanitarian action
- Established competence in the theory, policy and discourse of humanitarian action as it relates to a range of related disciplines, including programme management, international law, geo-political science, public health and social anthropology
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the international humanitarian system, the main stakeholders that comprise this system, together with the main challenges faced by the system in addressing global humanitarian need
- Apply research knowledge and analytical skills that support evidence-based humanitarian action
- Critical analysis of humanitarian action to optimise local engagement and support ‘people-centred humanitarian action’
- Demonstrate an understanding of and capacity to work in a humanitarian context (Field Visit)
- Design and develop an appropriate research study to strengthen resilience in a humanitarian context
This course is available through the following application route(s)
The MSc Humanitarian Action has evolved over a 25-year period and is distinguished by its inter-disciplinary, inter- sectoral and international nature.
The COVID19 pandemic has impacted societies globally. It has exposed the vulnerabilities and fragility of our existence. Unfortunately, it has emerged at a time when the International Humanitarian System is already challenged to address the effects of other disasters. We are living in an era of unprecedented humanitarian need brought about by climate change, complex political emergencies resulting in conflict, global migration, and protracted conflicts. Before the pandemic emerged, an estimated 72 million people were displaced from their homes due to conflict, an estimated 180 million people were in need of immediate humanitarian assistance, and almost a billion were under-nourished globally. Needless to say, the devastation of COVID19 will vary considerably across societies.
This MSc provides high quality academic education and professional competencies for those working or intending to work in the area of humanitarian action and related areas. The programme aims to provide students with a broad foundation in the area of international humanitarian action, in which both critical thinking and research skills are emphasised. The goal is to deliver high level, committed, interdisciplinary trained personnel who can function with enhanced professionalism in the broad field of humanitarian relief, and are informed by their theoretical insights and humanitarian principles. The programme design integrates professional and research orientation that is intended to bridge the gap between academic research and the humanitarian work-field.
The programme supports students to build suitable networks for research and internships. This masters programme has a long tradition of attracting students from diverse backgrounds with varying degrees of experience in the humanitarian sector and related fields.
This MSc Programme is closely aligned to the UCD Centre for Humanitarian Action (UCD-CHA) and NOHA, both of which are well recognised as key global institutional stakeholders in Humanitarian Studies.
The programme provides a dynamic classroom based learning environment, involving a variety of teaching methods such as lectures, simulations and field-trips. Students have the opportunity to explore specific themes through second trimester specialisations and a minor thesis. The MSc in Humanitarian Action brings together experts from academia and the field to lecture on the different modules.
About This Course
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
HACT40110 | Legal Dimensions of HA | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
HACT40120 | World Politics and HA | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
HACT40130 | Social Anthropology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
HACT40140 | Public Health | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
HACT40150 | Management in HA | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
HACT40230 | Intensive Humanitarian Action | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
HACT40010 | Evidence-based Community Resilience: Applied Research Design | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
HACT40020 | Linking Localisation with Humanitarian Management | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
HACT40100 | Addressing GBV in Emergencies | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
HACT40200 | Minor Thesis | Summer | 30 |
Bernard Mendy, Nutrition Specialist, World Food Programme
My time on the MSc Humanitarian Action programme at UCD was very productive and fulfilling. The faculty were wonderful and always available for students. Their interactive teaching methods and ability to allow and encourage students to discover knowledge beyond the prescribed material must be acknowledged. A highlight of this programme for me was the range of international
students. This enriches student learning and exposes you to different perspectives, enabling you to see situations from many angles. The UCD Centre for Humanitarian Action prepared me well for humanitarian and development work, which I have been undertaking since 2016. I have worked as a health and nutrition specialist for UNICEF and WFP in seven different countries over the past four years. I cherish the skills I acquired from the masters programme as they have been invaluable in the work that I do. I made a fantastic decision in choosing to study the MSc Humanitarian Action at UCD.
MSc Humanitarian Action (D062) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 9930
nonEU fee per year - € 26250
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 9930
nonEU fee per year - € 26250
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.
- Applicants must hold a minimum of an upper second class degree, or international equivalent, in a cognate subject.
- Knowledge of languages of the place(s) of study is an asset. Practical experience in the area of humanitarian action and / or development is valued.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language profi ciency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
- Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
Humanitarian action is regarded as a boundary discipline, occupying a space on the margins of several academic disciplines. The MSc Humanitarian Action is an inter-disciplinary programme welcoming students from a diverse range of backrounds including management, politics, public health, international law, social anthropology, agriculture, science and engineering.
The inter-disciplinary, inter-sectoral and international nature of this Masters programme benefits from a diverse stakeholder mix amongst both instructors and students engaged in the programme.
- Inter-disciplinary: Engaging with a range of disciplines as they relate to humanitarian action and strengthening societal resilience, including management, politics, public health, international law and social anthropology.
- Inter-sectoral: Partnering the full stakeholder mix including The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement, INGOs, Government Representative and the Private sector to engage with academics to enrich the learning experience for graduate students
- International: Attracting students from a diverse range of nationalities, educational cultures and professional experiences to challenge contemporary theory, policy and practices. The international dimension is typified by the field trip to Wolaita, Ethiopia as part of the third trimester of the programme.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Humanitarian Action:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | D062 Humanitarian Action Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |
* you can change options at the top of the page