Overview

This Societies in Crisis - Humanitarian Action and Policy Responses master’s programme from Erasmus University Rotterdam explores the critical questions:

What happens before, during, and after a humanitarian crisis?

How do communities adapt and respond?

How is international aid coordinated—and how effective is it?

Most importantly, how can we rebuild in a way that’s smarter, fairer, and more resilient?

Whether it's earthquakes, floods, armed conflict, or the fallout of global displacement, this programme equips you with the tools to analyse, respond to, and shape recovery efforts prioritising sustainability and justice. If you're driven to make a tangible impact where needed most, this programme is for you.

Career opportunities after graduation

Graduates of this specialisation are equipped to pursue impactful careers in the humanitarian, development, and public policy sectors. With a growing demand for professionals who can navigate crises and shape effective and sustainable responses, you can go off to work for international organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union, or the Red Cross; global and local NGOs; national governments; crisis management agencies; and think tanks.

Others might build careers in consultancy, research, or the private sector, especially in roles that intersect with disaster risk reduction, conflict resolution, or sustainable development. Whether coordinating emergency relief, advising on post-crisis reconstruction, or shaping humanitarian policy, this programme prepares you to make meaningful contributions where they matter most.

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Societies in Crisis : politics, actors and discourses

Humanitarian crisis and management

The Political Economy of Humanitarianism, Development, and Crisis Governance

International Humanitarian Law and Policy

Disasters, climate change and risk reduction

System approach to the praxis of humanitarianism

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , EEA/EU

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

OR

4.5

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

75

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

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Credits

60 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Disciplines

Social Work Emergency & Disaster Management Community Development View 3 other Masters in Community Development in Netherlands

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Academic requirements

Mathematics Requirements

Online Mathematics Placement Test (OMPT)

Applies to: students without alternative proof

OMPT-A
Minimum score of 70%

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

OR

4.5

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

75

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep

Trusted by 7M+ Students

Start Studying Today

Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.

Study on your own schedule
Live classes with current and ex-examiners
Accurate score assesment, always
E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!

Other requirements

General requirements

You are eligible for admission to the programme if you have obtained a relevant Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree from a research university in the following fields of study:

Public Administration

Political Science

European Studies

International Relations

Applicants must also demonstrate adequate knowledge of social science research methodology; specifically, they must have completed at least 7.5 EC courses on social science research methods.

In addition to the credentials mentioned above, the Admissions Board will also consider your academic performance, i.e. your grades, to assess whether you are eligible for admission. The general guideline is often a minimum average grade of 7.0 out of 10.0 (based on a Dutch grading system). However, slightly lower average grades can be compensated through excellence in other credentials, such as relevant working experience (CV) or an excellent motivation (letter).

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22800 EUR / year

≈ 22800 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

2771 EUR / year

≈ 2771 EUR / year

Additional Details

€2.771 (Statutory fee: Dutch / EEA students)

€15.300 (Institutional fee: Dutch / EEA students)

€22.800 (Institutional fee: non-EEA students)

Living costs

Rotterdam

Netherlands

760 - 1265 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.