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    Humanitarian Action
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    University College Dublin

    Humanitarian Action

    University College Dublin

    University College Dublin

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    Ireland, Dublin

    University RankQS Ranking
    127

    Key Facts

    Program Level

    Master by Course Work

    Study Type

    Full Time

    Delivery

    On Campus

    Credit point

    90 Points

    Campuses

    Main Site

    Program Language

    English

    Start & Deadlines

    Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026
    Apply to this program

    Go to the official application for the university

    Duration 2 year(s)
    Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

    Humanitarian Action

    About

    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.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    • 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.

    English Program Requirements

    International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

    Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

    Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

    IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

    Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

    Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

    Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

    TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

    Duolingo Test of English (DET)

    UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
    An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

    Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee

    EUR 0 

    Application Fee

    EUR  
    University College Dublin

    Humanitarian Action

    University College Dublin

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    Ireland,

    Dublin

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