Emergency Management

As part of this programme, you will explore the principles of emergency management and gain a firm grounding in both international theory and current practice. The programme will also provide you with a deep understanding of emergencies, risks, and crisis not only focusing on the response phase, but preparedness, mitigation and recovery.



The MSc in Emergency Management is the first programme of its kind in Ireland. The programme, launched in 2007 by DCU Business School, has been endorsed by the National Steering Group for Major Emergency Management, The Emergency Planning Society and Pharmachemical Ireland.



This programme will allow you to keep up-to-date with current, relevant developments in emergency management from both a national and international perceptive. You will be taught how to engage in research, evaluate information critically, and apply theories and models, in order to enhance your knowledge and advance your career.



The Programme has been endorsed by the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency and Crisis Management.

Staff and participants bring considerable professional expertise to the programme, thus allowing for interesting class discussion and peer learning. DCU Business School is accredited by AACSB, a standard reached by only 5% of business schools worldwide reflecting its established international reputation for high quality graduates.

We are always horizon scanning and adapting the content of the course to suit the emergency manager of the future. Presently, the core topics include:



· Emergency Management Theory and Practice

· Systematic Emergency Management (Risk analysis, Preparedness, Response and Recovery)

· Business Continuity Management

· Leadership and Change

· Crisis Communications

· Issues & Trends in Emergency Management Research

· Emergency Management Dissertation



The dissertation gives you the chance to specialise your study further by focusing on an area of particular interest. Students often find this 30 credit module an excellent selling point when seeking employment or promotion.



The MSc in Emergency Management programme is informed by the findings of international research, including our own academic, industry and government work.



Programme Academic Structure for 2023 - 2024, MSc in Emergency Management was:-



Part-time Programme Structure

Year 1 Core Modules:

Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category

HR5115B Leadership and Change 7.5 Year long 0 100 1

MT5136 Emergency Management Theory and Practice 10 Year long 0 100 1

MT5138 Systematic Emergency Management 10 Year long 0 100 1

MT5155 Emergency Preparedness for Large-scale Events 5 Year long 0 100 1

MT5156 Research Methods in the Sociology of Disaster 5 Year long 0 100 1



Year 2 Core Modules:

Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category

CM596 Crisis Communications 5 Semester 2 0 100 1

MT5006 Issues & Trends in Emergency Mgt Research 5 Semester 2 0 100 1

MT5139 Strategy Organisation and Innovation 10 Year long 0 100 1

MT5139B Strategy Organisation and Innovation 7.5 Year long 0 100 1

MT570 Business Continuity 5 Semester 2 0 100 1

MT5801 Dissertation 30 Semester 2 0 100 2

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.

- The programme commences with a compulsory Orientation Session, which takes place the week before the standard University commencement date.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until:

Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2024.

Closing date for non EU applicants was 1st July 2024.



Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

2 years part-time.

The programme commences in September 2024.

The field of emergency management offers a wide variety of career routes, depending on your specific interests. With this masters qualification emergency management it is possible to find work in both the public and private sectors. Our models are not only designed for enhancing your ability in emergency management, but are as well mapped to the Irish Public Appointments criteria regarding core business capabilities.



With a relevant qualification, it is possible to move into: local government; pharmaceutical firms; transport companies and businesses in the energy and security fields; international relief work; consultancy; and much more. You will also have the opportunity to develop valuable links with key persons working in emergency management and other relevant professional associations.