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MSc Humanitarian Studies

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

United Kingdom, Liverpool

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Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

United Kingdom , Liverpool

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines11-Sep-2023

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 20,000 / year

Next Intake 11-Sep-2023

MSc Humanitarian Studies

About

Programme Overview

The programme reviews historical and current policies and practice in humanitarian assistance and explores novel approaches in responding to the challenges of todayâ€™s humanitarian problems. It is responding to the need for a professional, integrated, accountable and ethical approach to humanitarian interventions in which humanitarian workers are often called upon to operate in complex and demanding environments.

Opportunities for in-depth study include regional and country case studies and 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, international organisations or national ministries. Alternatively, participants may undertake a desk-based research study of a specialist aspect of humanitarian interventions or they may undertake and document a placement / internship with an appropriate non-governmental or international organisation (NGO/IO).

From a studentâ€™s perspective, the programme follows a path from general introduction to the world of humanitarian action, to examining key settings and the management of relief operations, cumulating with the research project or placement, allowing students to incorporate both the practical and theoretical trends of the programme. At the same time, the programme follows a coherent path towards a research project/internship, starting with general introductions to research and progressing, via the Scientific and Professional Skills, to look at specific skills useful for the student.

LSTM education courses are taught within a dynamic environment by staff working at the cutting-edge of research in tropical medicine and global health. They are designed to enable the professional development of the student, to be relevant to students from both the UK and overseas and to promote approaches to study that will enable students to continue their learning into the future.

This course aims to:

Produce graduates who are committed, informed, proactive and effective professionals, capable of taking substantial and leading professional roles in humanitarian interventions and activities.

Enable students to gain a deeper understanding of the history and political economy of war, disasters, and humanitarian action, with particular attention to the relief operations and the health and well-being of individuals and populations

Give participants an opportunity either to conduct an independent in-depth field-based or desk-based research study of a specialist aspect of humanitarian interventions or to undertake and document a placement / internship with an appropriate NGO / IO.

Provide an interdisciplinary forum in which participants from a variety of professional backgrounds (e.g.health, political and social sciences, engineering, agriculture, development, international humanitarian law, human rights, administration and media) can explore differences and highlight shared approaches in humanitarian relief.

Facilitate high quality learning that is informed by critical analysis of current research related to the humanitarian sector

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements:

Open to graduates with at least a Second Class Honours Bachelor's degree or overseas equivalent, although each application is judged on its own merits and exceptions to this entry requirement may be made. We will consider graduates from all disciplines as the programme is interdisciplinary. Evidence of 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.

Recognition of prior learning:

All programmes of study will permit entry with credit attributed to previous certificated study up to a total of one third of the credits required to be awarded a MSc Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Award.

Work experience:

Non-graduates with considerable satisfactory work experience and evidence of appropriate in-service training will also be considered. Field experience 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 2 years. Other English Language Tests and country specific English Language qualifications are also accepted - a full list with details of levels required can be found on the LSTM website (http://www.lstmed.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements).

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

English Program Requirements

You must ensure that you meet LSTM’s English language entry requirements so that you have the skills to pursue your chosen course of study successfully and can participate in all aspects of academic life.

LSTM will reimburse the cost of a valid English language test certificate to students who successfully register on a campus-based MSc and Postgraduate research programmes. Terms and conditions apply.

Career

The MSc Humanitarian Studies (MHS) aims to strengthen links between academic institutions and operational humanitarian organisations. The skills, knowledge, and understanding of humanitarian issues gained during the programme, help prepare graduates to practise at a senior level in organisations involved in the prevention of, and response to, humanitarian crises. Past students have gone on to take a wide variety of positions, including Head of Policy and Strategy for MSF (Doctors without Borders), through to country director roles, with project placements all over the world. Many have also gone into other fields such as the public sector in the UK NHS (intercalating medics), social enterprises, law, social work, Political Advisor in the British Parliament.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 20,000 / year

How to Apply

You can apply for all our courses online via MyLSTM.

To register for a MyLSTM account, or to log into your existing MyLSTM account, go to: mylstm.com/apply (link is external)(opens in a new tab)

By registering for a MyLSTM account, you will be able to:

Apply for courses at LSTM
Upload supporting documentation
Save your draft application.
Accept an offer to study at LSTM
Keep your account information up to date

If you can’t access the system, please email us on [email protected] (link sends e-mail) so we can help.

For users on low bandwidth or continued trouble accessing MyLSTM, paper application forms are available upon request.

Transferring to LSTM from another Institution

If you want to transfer to LSTM from another institution, our normal admissions criteria and processes will apply. Please check the individual programme requirements and contact details listed under the programmes(opens in a new tab) here. General enquiries can be directed to [email protected] (link sends e-mail)

If you are currently on a programme at another institution you should check with them about any internal procedures before applying to LSTM. If you have a funding agreement, including any Student Loan, you should seek advice from your funder before applying.

Please note that Tier 4 visas are specific to the institution at which you were originally registered. Overseas students on Tier 4 visas should seek advice from their institution’s International Support Team and refer to the information on the UK Government website (link is external)(opens in a new tab).

Transfers to taught programmes are usually only permitted if we have sufficient places available and are completed within the first semester of studies. If you are applying to transfer part-way through an academic year, you may be offered a place for the subsequent academic year.

Transfer of Postgraduate Research Students can normally only be facilitated via LSTM’s Visiting Research Student Process(opens in a new tab). PGR candidates or supervisors seeking advice on PGR student transfers should contact the Early Career Researcher Support team via [email protected] (link sends e-mail)

If you want to transfer from LSTM to another institution, it is your responsibility to make yourself aware of any rules in respect of your funding. In the first instance, you should contact [email protected] (link sends e-mail) to discuss your plans. Please note that Tier 4 visas are specific to the institution at which you were originally registered. Overseas students on Tier 4 visas should seek advice from [email protected] (link sends e-mail) and refer to the information on the UK Government website (link is external)(opens in a new tab).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is a process which allows students to apply for exemption from particular entry requirements, or from some parts of a programme, by recognition of their learning from previous experiences and achievements. For further information, including how to apply for RPL, please check the individual programme requirements and contact details listed under the programmes here. You can also contact the admissions team here: [email protected] (link sends e-mail) or by phone on +44 (0)151 702 9590.