Risk and Disaster Reduction

Overview

Reducing the impact of disasters globally and humanitarian crises presents a huge challenge that requires co-ordinated and collaborative action. 

Students at the Risk and Disaster Reduction programme at University College London (UCL) learn how to conduct original, cross-disciplinary and international scientific research with significant, positive societal impact within an intellectually and globally diverse student body.

There is a focus on multi-disciplinary research methods – in the laboratory, on site, talking to people, analysing documents, conceptual analysis, and others depending on the nature of the research – and employing theoretical, statistical, modelling, social survey and desk-based techniques. Students' skills in research, teaching, public engagement, communications, consultancy, and knowledge exchange are emphasised.

The foundation of your career

IRDR PhD graduates have gained employment in a wide variety of positions in London and around the world both within and outside of academia. 

The institute's extensive links and established credibility with the private sector, the non-profit sector, government, international organisations and academia provides graduates with a high-level network for winning positions, along with the skills and qualifications to apply for advertised posts and fellowships.

Employability

An IRDR PhD provides excellent networks and training for careers in research, research communication, public policy, (re)insurance, catastrophe modelling, risk management, international development, humanitarian assistance, engineering and many other fields. 

We run an annual IRDR Careers and Opportunities Fair for students and recent graduates to seek advice regarding employment, which is attended by a range of recruiters, from the financial sector to the public sector to disaster prevention and response organisations.