MSc Humanitarian Studies
    Go to Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

    MSc Humanitarian Studies

    Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
    Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
    United Kingdom
    United Kingdom, Liverpool
    Go to Official Website
    Duration1 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 33,086 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 14, 2026

    MSc Humanitarian Studies

    About

    As a planet we are facing some of the most extreme challenges of modern times. Poverty, inequality, displacement, conflict, natural disasters and climate change are all contributing to complex and demanding circumstances that jeopardise livelihoods and lives on a massive scale.

    Humanitarian intervention is often a lifeline – saving lives and supporting communities to thrive in the face of adversity and catastrophic conditions. The MSc in Humanitarian Studies will give you the skillset to become part of a professional, integrated and ethical response to today's humanitarian problems, and make a real difference.

    What will I get out of it?

    • Covering a range of key global issues, you will gain a deeper understanding of the history and political economy of war, disasters and humanitarian action. You will focus on relief operations and the impact on the health and wellbeing of populations.
    • You will apply your knowledge to real-life regional and country case studies, working with humanitarian experts and drawing on up-to-date research.
    • Working with people from a variety of disciplines and professional backgrounds will broaden your world view and enrich your professional practice.
    • Our strong links with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other international organisations will help you build your professional network and provide exciting options for projects, placements and future opportunities.

    Is Humanitarian Studies for me?

    If you are committed and proactive and want to get out there and make a difference, this MSc will give you the focused knowledge and specialised skills you need to create change and lead. Whether you have a background in health, political and social sciences, engineering, agriculture, development, law human rights or administration and media, you can be part of the solution.

    Why LSTM?

    1. Long-standing links with NGOs and international organisations will enhance your learning experience and provide placement opportunities abroad.
    2. Our international and interdisciplinary community enables you to share and exchange diverse views and thrive personally and professionally.
    3. By combining historical context and theory with real-life case studies and practical application, you will develop critical capacities to benefit your career.

    Meet Course Director Imri Schattner-Ornan.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Entrance Requirements
    Academic requirements:

    Applicants should have at least a second-class honours bachelor's degree or the overseas equivalent. Each application is, however, judged on its own merits and exceptions may be made for the right candidates.

    As a multidisciplinary programme we welcome applications from graduates from any discipline. Engagement with the humanitarian or voluntary sector is desirable, but not essential.

    Medical students who have completed at least three years of study and wish to intercalate are also accepted onto the programme. Read more about intercalating on our Intercalate at LSTM page.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    All programmes of study allow entry with credit attributed to previous certificated study. Previous study of up to one third of the credits required to be awarded an MSc, PGDip, PGCert or postgraduate award will be recognised.

    Work experience:

    Non-graduates with considerable relevant work experience, and evidence of appropriate in-service training will also be considered. Experience in the field is desirable, but not essential

    English language requirements:

    The programme is taught in English. Applicants whose first language is not English must normally provide evidence of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all learning components, or a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 88 for the Internet-based Test (iBT), with minimum scores of 21 for listening and writing, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

    Tests should be within their validity period of two years.

    Other English language tests and country specific English language qualifications are also accepted, and a full list can be found on our English Language Requirements page.

    Applicants who have recently completed a degree level qualification taught in a majority English speaking country (as identified by UK Visas and Immigration UKVI) may also be accepted at the discretion of the Director of Studies.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 62
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 88

    English Program Requirements

    English language requirements:

    The programme is taught in English. Applicants whose first language is not English must normally provide evidence of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all learning components, or a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 88 for the Internet-based Test (iBT), with minimum scores of 21 for listening and writing, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

    Tests should be within their validity period of two years.

    Other English language tests and country specific English language qualifications are also accepted, and a full list can be found on our English Language Requirements page.

    Applicants who have recently completed a degree level qualification taught in a majority English speaking country (as identified by UK Visas and Immigration UKVI) may also be accepted at the discretion of the Director of Studies.

    Career

    Careers

    An MSc in Humanitarian Studies can lead to a variety of careers and professional pathways within, and beyond, the humanitarian world.

    The expert skills you will gain from the programme will prepare you to work at a senior level for global organisations working to help prevent and respond to humanitarian crises. You will benefit from our strong working links with humanitarian organisations across the world, and graduate with a professional network that opens opportunities for your next steps.

    In the humanitarian world, past Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine students have gone on to positions as country directors in international NGOs or UN agencies, working directly with local governments and rebels, or to other field management roles, managing activities in disaster and conflict areas. Others are working with marginalised communities like migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in the UK and beyond. Our alumni are also working in advocacy, fundraising, media relations or as technical experts and specialists with NGOs and development agencies. We have alumni in many organisations such as Medicins San Frontieres (MSF), Save the Children, War Child, Plan, Trocaire, International Medical Corp, International Rescue Committee and the United Nations.

    Our alumni also find employment in other fields. Medical students who have intercalated in the programme continue their qualifications but remain interested and engaged with humanitarian health. Many alumni have worked in management and leadership roles in the private sector and government agencies such as the NHS. Others continue their studies undertaking research on humanitarian and health-related topics.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    33,086 / year

    MSc Humanitarian Studies

    Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

    Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Liverpool

    Go to Official Website