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.
Get more details
Visit programme websiteProgramme Structure
- The MSc programme consists of both theoretical and skill-based components, arranged across four blocks.
- The MA programme “Societies in Crisis: Humanitarian Action and Policy Responses” is a one-year programme that prepares students to contribute to responding to complex societal crises, including climate change, natural hazards, war, or mass displacement. The course will empower you to take a holistic approach to humanitarian crises, promoting response and recovery efforts that prioritise sustainability and justice.
- Each core course consists of lectures and workshop-like sessions that will both explain and explore key theoretical and empirical insights, whilst providing ample space for discussion and dialogue. Assessment may include exams, papers, (poster) presentations, and other (group) assignments. All will be grounded in the real-world examples that the teaching team has worked in and researched across their careers!
Check out the full curriculum
Visit programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Full-time
- 12 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before , International
- Apply before , EEA/EU
-
Language
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Credits
Delivered
Campus Location
- Rotterdam, Netherlands
Disciplines
Social Work Emergency & Disaster Management Community Development View 7 other Masters in Social Work in NetherlandsExplore more key information
Visit programme websiteWhat students do after studying
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
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- Trusted by 300k learners
- 98 accuracy using real exam data
- 4.9/5 student rating
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).
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit programme websiteTuition Fees
-
International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents21000 EUR / year≈ 21000 EUR / year -
EU/EEA Applies to you
Applies to youEU/EEA Nationals2694 EUR / year≈ 2694 EUR / year
Additional Details
- €2.694 (Statutory fee: Dutch / EEA students)
- €14.800 (Institutional fee: Dutch / EEA students)
- €21.000 (Institutional fee: non-EEA students)
Living costs
Rotterdam
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Check for any work restrictions
Visit programme websiteIn order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.
Scholarships Information
Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Societies in Crisis - Humanitarian Action and Policy Responses.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
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