Pedagogies of Disasters

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

Globally, the majority of higher education training that is somehow related to disasters risks, focuses on hazards as a “problem” posed by nature – something that can be “solved” through a technical solution. Little reflection is required as to the social implications of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) “solutions”, and knowledge too often remains analytical and distant from any sort of lived experience. Whilst many DRR-related subjects introduce the ideas of human-centric DRR, there is still a disconnection between technical engineering subjects and broader social science subjects.

This is a missed opportunity for students acquiring technical knowledge to reflect on and engage with a wider societal context. The aim of this PhD project is to enhance the understanding of what is being taught – and how – in higher education curricular in the context of DRR, and to explore how to engage with a kind of pedagogy that would enhance equity and well-being, while avoiding the creation of risk through development and redevelopment. It is expected that the research would draw on the liberative pedagogies of Paulo Freire, bell hooks and others, to engage educators in collectively drawing on philosophies and practices that emphasise holistic ways of knowing and learning and encourage the broader consideration of non-technical ideas.

94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Key highlights

Investigates what and how disaster risk reduction is taught in higher education
Bridges technical engineering subjects with broader social science perspectives
Draws on liberative pedagogies of Paulo Freire and bell hooks
Engages educators collectively in holistic ways of knowing and learning
Explores teaching that enhances equity and well-being in disaster contexts
94% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

Entry requirements

Degree: 2:1 — 2:1

Scholarships

Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of fees
Alumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000
London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000
Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of fees
Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

Academic researcher in disaster risk reduction
University lecturer in disaster management
Educational developer or curriculum designer
Disaster risk reduction policy adviser
Humanitarian and resilience programme consultant

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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