Preparedness and Emergency Management
See study programmeThis programme in Preparedness and Emergency Management is an experienced-based masters degree programme comprising 90 ECTS and lasting for three years.
It aims to provide the candidates with substantial theoretical knowledge in preparedness and emergency management at both tactical, operational and strategic level and to develop the leadership and critical thinking skills required to choose the most effective strategies, tools and methods in emergency response operations. The programme provides knowledge about different types of threats and crises, the organizations and the operational tools established to meet these threats. Different types of management support and decision-making tools are presented. Knowledge on how to facilitate competence development within preparedness organizations is highlighted, with a special focus on training and exercises. The programme provides knowledge on media and communication strategies, and on how digital technologies can support preparedness management. The programme also offers subjects related to human and technological factors that affect the organizations ability to handle crises, including safety and preparedness in the cyber domain.
Some of the sessions will take place in the emergency and preparedness management lab at Nord University NORDLAB. The lab has simulators that provide opportunity for exercises and skills training through playing out various emergency scenarios. The students will also take part in a large-scale exercise Nord with both civilian and military resources.
Upon successful completion of the programme, the candidate:
Knowledge
- Has thorough knowledge of how public and private preparedness systems are organized and advanced knowledge of critical factors influencing preparedness and crisis response in private and public organizations
- Has thorough knowledge of and may apply theories of preparedness and emergency management
- Has thorough knowledge about organizational learning and how to plan strategic competence development measures in order to enhance organizations crisis management competences
- Has knowledge of strategic communication and media management
- Has knowledge about digital threats and preparedness
Skills
- Can analyse existing theories, methods and principles of preparedness and emergency management and convert this knowledge into practical work with preparedness efforts development in his or her own organization
- Can critically reflect upon the preparedness strategies of an organization
- Can work with strategies for competence development in preparedness management
- Can analyse research problems in the field of preparedness and emergency management and can conduct an independent R&D project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics
- Has understanding how IT-based management support tools are used in preparedness organisations
General Competencies
- Can analyse relevant research-based knowledge of management at strategic, operational and tactical level in emergency preparedness organizations
- Can discuss relevant academic issues based on his or her own experience
- Can acquire competence development knowledge within the field of emergency preparedness management and communicate this within his or her own organization
- Can contribute to the development of more innovative preparedness and emergency response systems
This programme is mainly taught in Norwegian. The programme requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree or an equivalent education of 180 credits, as well as two years of relevant work experience following graduation.