School of Graduate Studies · Environment & resilience
University of Hargeisa
Master of Science in Disaster Risk Management and Food Resilience Systems
Develop the knowledge, analytical skills and practical competencies to reduce disaster risks and strengthen resilient livelihoods and food systems.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Study structure
- 4 semesters
- Credits
- 40
- Study mode
- Full-time
Programme profile
The MSc in Disaster Risk Management and Food System Resilience prepares professionals to assess hazards, reduce vulnerability and strengthen preparedness, response and recovery. The programme addresses the links between disasters, climate change, livelihoods, food insecurity and sustainable development, with particular attention to Somaliland and the Horn of Africa.
Students combine specialist coursework with practical learning in early warning, agricultural and environmental risk management, policy, GIS, remote sensing, research methods and statistical analysis. A graduate seminar and an independent master’s thesis develop research and communication skills.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree (BA/BSc Honours or equivalent) from a recognised university in a relevant discipline.
- Relevant backgrounds include agricultural sciences, natural resource management, earth and environmental sciences, engineering, disaster or humanitarian studies, social sciences, development, management and health sciences.
- A satisfactory academic record meeting the minimum GPA or equivalent standard established by SGS.
- Fulfilment of the University’s general postgraduate admission requirements, including any entrance assessment or interview where applicable.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the University of Hargeisa postgraduate admission system. Applicants must complete the application form and upload the required academic and supporting documents before the published deadline. Application dates, tuition fees and document requirements should be confirmed in the current SGS admission announcement.
What you will learn
- Assess disaster risks, vulnerabilities and capacities using appropriate tools and evidence.
- Design prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery strategies.
- Analyse the links between climate risks, livelihoods, food security and resilience.
- Use GIS, remote sensing, early warning systems and statistical software for risk analysis.
- Evaluate disaster management policies, institutions and humanitarian coordination.
- Conduct ethical, independent research and communicate findings to policy and practice audiences.
Programme content
Explore the course outline below.
Year 1 Semester 1
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Drmfs 5111 | Fundamentals of Integrated Disaster Risk Management | 3 |
| Drmfs 5131 | Agricultural Risk Management | 3 |
| Drmfs 5141 | Environment Risk Management | 3 |
| Drmfs 5321 | Advanced Research methods & tools in DRM and FSR | 3 |
Year 1 Semester 2
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Drmfs 5122 | Early Warning & Emergency Management Systems | 3 |
| Drmfs 5212 | Livelihood, Food security and Food System Resilience | 4 |
| Drmfs 5312 | GIS and RS application in DRM and FSR | 3 |
| Drmfs 5212 | Policies, Strategies and Institutions in DRM & FSR | 3 |
Year 2 Semester 1
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Drmfs 5323 | Advanced Statistics and Software Application | 3 |
| Drmfs 5233 | Sustainable Development: Theories and Practices | 3 |
| Drmfs 6413 | Graduate Seminar | 3 |
Year 2 Semester 2
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Drmfs 6424 | Thesis | 6 |
Contact SGS for the confirmed course schedule.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching combines lectures, group discussions, presentations, problem-based learning, case studies, fieldwork, laboratory and computer-based exercises, and supervised research. Digital resources, GIS and statistical software support applied learning. Assessment includes assignments, quizzes, mid-semester and final examinations, practical and field reports, seminar presentations and a written thesis with an oral defence.
Career opportunities
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Disaster risk management or emergency preparedness specialist
- Food security, livelihoods or resilience programme officer
- Humanitarian response and recovery coordinator
- Climate adaptation or risk assessment adviser
- GIS, early warning or disaster information analyst
- Researcher or lecturer in disaster risk management and resilience
Questions about the programme
Speak with the School of Graduate Studies about entry requirements, fees and application dates.
School of Graduate Studies · Environment & resilience
University of Hargeisa
Master of Science in Disaster Risk Management and Food Resilience Systems
Develop the knowledge, analytical skills and practical competencies to reduce disaster risks and strengthen resilient livelihoods and food systems.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Study structure
- 4 semesters
- Credits
- 40
- Study mode
- Full-time
Programme profile
The MSc in Disaster Risk Management and Food System Resilience prepares professionals to assess hazards, reduce vulnerability and strengthen preparedness, response and recovery. The programme addresses the links between disasters, climate change, livelihoods, food insecurity and sustainable development, with particular attention to Somaliland and the Horn of Africa.
Students combine specialist coursework with practical learning in early warning, agricultural and environmental risk management, policy, GIS, remote sensing, research methods and statistical analysis. A graduate seminar and an independent master’s thesis develop research and communication skills.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree (BA/BSc Honours or equivalent) from a recognised university in a relevant discipline.
- Relevant backgrounds include agricultural sciences, natural resource management, earth and environmental sciences, engineering, disaster or humanitarian studies, social sciences, development, management and health sciences.
- A satisfactory academic record meeting the minimum GPA or equivalent standard established by SGS.
- Fulfilment of the University’s general postgraduate admission requirements, including any entrance assessment or interview where applicable.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the University of Hargeisa postgraduate admission system. Applicants must complete the application form and upload the required academic and supporting documents before the published deadline. Application dates, tuition fees and document requirements should be confirmed in the current SGS admission announcement.
What you will learn
- Assess disaster risks, vulnerabilities and capacities using appropriate tools and evidence.
- Design prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery strategies.
- Analyse the links between climate risks, livelihoods, food security and resilience.
- Use GIS, remote sensing, early warning systems and statistical software for risk analysis.
- Evaluate disaster management policies, institutions and humanitarian coordination.
- Conduct ethical, independent research and communicate findings to policy and practice audiences.
Programme content
Explore the course outline below.
Year 1 Semester 1
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Drmfs 5111 | Fundamentals of Integrated Disaster Risk Management | 3 |
| Drmfs 5131 | Agricultural Risk Management | 3 |
| Drmfs 5141 | Environment Risk Management | 3 |
| Drmfs 5321 | Advanced Research methods & tools in DRM and FSR | 3 |
Year 1 Semester 2
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Drmfs 5122 | Early Warning & Emergency Management Systems | 3 |
| Drmfs 5212 | Livelihood, Food security and Food System Resilience | 4 |
| Drmfs 5312 | GIS and RS application in DRM and FSR | 3 |
| Drmfs 5212 | Policies, Strategies and Institutions in DRM & FSR | 3 |
Year 2 Semester 1
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Drmfs 5323 | Advanced Statistics and Software Application | 3 |
| Drmfs 5233 | Sustainable Development: Theories and Practices | 3 |
| Drmfs 6413 | Graduate Seminar | 3 |
Year 2 Semester 2
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Drmfs 6424 | Thesis | 6 |
Contact SGS for the confirmed course schedule.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching combines lectures, group discussions, presentations, problem-based learning, case studies, fieldwork, laboratory and computer-based exercises, and supervised research. Digital resources, GIS and statistical software support applied learning. Assessment includes assignments, quizzes, mid-semester and final examinations, practical and field reports, seminar presentations and a written thesis with an oral defence.
Career opportunities
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Disaster risk management or emergency preparedness specialist
- Food security, livelihoods or resilience programme officer
- Humanitarian response and recovery coordinator
- Climate adaptation or risk assessment adviser
- GIS, early warning or disaster information analyst
- Researcher or lecturer in disaster risk management and resilience
Questions about the programme
Speak with the School of Graduate Studies about entry requirements, fees and application dates.