Emergency Management

Why Do This Course?

Crises and disasters, both local and international, have made headline news over the past number of years. The impact of natural disasters, such as the Tsunami on the Far East and Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans, is still being felt in those regions. The impact of human initiated disasters, such as the Twin Towers collapse and the Madrid and London bombings, has had an enormous impact on security systems and world travel. Biologically based disasters such as SARS and bird flu similarly have had worldwide impact. In Ireland the many horrific traffic disasters that occur annually, natural disasters such as storms and floods, and recent epidemics such as the foot and mouth outbreak have had huge impact on people’s lives. As a consequence of these disasters, the areas of preparedness for emergency, response to emergency, business continuity and post-disaster recovery have become significantly important in a global context and also locally in Ireland.



The delivery mode is part-time by block release over two days once a month. Assessment of each module will be by competency test, continuous assessment (including project work), terminal examination, or a combination of these elements. The nature of assessment and the percentage of marks allocated to the various elements of the assessment will depend on the module.

For admission to the MSc in Emergency Management candidates must hold –



- A 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent professional qualification and at least 3 year’s relevant work experience (relevant experience includes working in the PRAs, the Defence Forces, or in a risk, crisis, emergency or general management role).

- Applicants who have achieved a 2.2 Honours degree may still obtain a place. This will depend on availability of places and on obtaining high grades in relevant modules on their undergraduate programme.

- Exceptional candidates who do not meet these requirements may be considered for entry, based on their work experience and other relevant achievements, subject to interview.

- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL.

2 years part-time.

The programme commences in September 2026.

With the ever increasing emphasis on emergency management, there will be important roles for talented and qualified individuals. You will find work in all areas of the public and private sector where there are risks of disaster or crises. These include local government, pharmaceutical firms, transport companies and businesses in the energy and security fields.