This programme in Preparedness and Emergency Management is an experienced-based masters degree programme comprising 90 ECTS and lasting for three years.

It aims to provide candidates with substantial theoretical knowledge in preparedness and emergency management at both tactical, operational and strategic levels and to develop the leadership and critical thinking skills required to determine the most effective strategies, tools and methods to apply by different actors in preparedness and response operations. Such operations may include various emergencies like search and rescue, mass evacuation, firefighting, oil-spill recovery operations as well as violent action and counter-terrorism. Preparedness and response actions to different types of emergencies face the challenges of managing people and resources from a broad range of institutions involved in emergency preparedness. Therefore, this programme addresses the most important issues of emergency management and challenges that organizations may face. The programme¿s content includes knowledge of crises and change process management, knowledge of the international organisation of crisis response and of how to facilitate competence development measures needed for handling various crises.

The programme further focuses on the role of the leader for the various actors involved, as well as the main operational patterns of their emergency response actions. The programme further includes attention to strategies on how to manage media communication and on how digital technologies can support preparedness management. The programme also offers subjects related to human and technological factors that affect the organization¿s ability to handle crises.

The program is session-based. Some of the sessions will take place in the emergency and preparedness management lab at Nord University. The lab has simulators that provide opportunity for skills training through playing out various emergency scenarios.

Upon successful completion of the programme, the candidate:

Knowledge

• Has thorough knowledge of how public and private preparedness systems are organized and advanced knowledge of critical factors influencing preparedness and crisis response in private and public organizations.
• Has thorough knowledge of theories of preparedness and emergency management
• Has thorough knowledge of how to plan strategic competence development measures in order to enhance organizations crisis management competences
• Has knowledge of strategic communication regarding both media management and digital technology support.

Skills

• Can analyse existing theories, methods and principles of preparedness and emergency management and convert this knowledge into practical work with preparedness efforts development in his or her own organization.
• Can critically reflect upon the preparedness strategies of an organization
• Can work with preparedness plans and strategies for competence development measures
• Can analyse research problems in the field of preparedness and emergency management and can conduct an independent research project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics.

General Competencies

• Can analyse relevant research-based knowledge of management at strategic, operational and tactical level in emergency preparedness organizations
• Can analyse relevant research and practical issues related to task-force management in different environments
• Can discuss relevant academic issues based on his or her own experience.
• Can acquire competence development knowledge within the field of emergency preparedness management and communicate this within his or her own organization
• Can contribute to the development of more innovative preparedness and emergency response systems

Higher Education Entrance Qualification

English language proficiency

View general admission and documentation requirements

This programme is only taught in Norwegian. The programme requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree or an equivalent education of 180 credits, as well as two years of relevant work experience following graduation.

Coursework and exams are assessed and graded based on the Norwegian system using letters A to F, in which A is the best/highest grade and F equals fail or not passed. Work may also be assessed based on a passed/not passed or approved/not approved basis.

http://www.nord.no/en/about/rules-regulations/Pages/default.aspx">We further refer to the legislation, regulations and guidelines applicable.