Post Graduate Diploma in Humanitarian and Development Studies

Humanitarian disasters will continue to occur around the world, and there is a continuous need for skilled humanitarian workers. In addressing humanitarian crises, the international community has long understood the need to extend beyond providing immediate relief, and to engage with long-term recovery activities and the prevention of similar crises in the future. However, this continuum from short-term relief to rehabilitation and development has often proved difficult to achieve. This course aims to shed light on the continuum of humanitarian crisis management, particularly from the viewpoint of major bilateral donors and agencies. Focusing on cases of armed conflicts and disasters, the course describes the evolution of approaches and lessons learnt in practice when moving from emergency relief to recovery and prevention of future crises. The programme responds to the need for qualified workers in disaster relief and development, in government and non-government agencies involved in humanitarian operations and development practice; addressing challenges and opportunities associated with various forms of national and international migration; public health programming, preparedness and response; and building the resilience of vulnerable populations. The purpose of the programme is for the practical application of specialized theoretical knowledge in humanitarian and development contexts.