Disaster Management
Master of Health Care
The degree programme provides practical skills in disaster management by integrating technology, leadership, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
You will graduate as a specialist capable of operating in disaster and crisis situations, developing sustainable solutions, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
The Disaster Management programme is designed for anyone interested in crisis and disaster management, regardless of their educational background.
Next application periods
Rolling admission from 15 May 2025 onwards
Autumn Joint Application 1.-11.9.2025
Tuition fees & scholarshpis
Master’s degrees 13 500 euros / academic year for students from outside the EU/EEA countries and Switzerland
Full-time studies
Kotka
Degree titles
- Master of Health Care and Social Services
Enhance Your Crisis and Disaster Management Skills
After completing the degree, you are capable of working as an expert in complex disaster and crisis situations, utilising technology, artificial intelligence, and strategic decision-making.
You master risk assessment, crisis leadership, and stakeholder collaboration in demanding circumstances and are able to design and implement well-founded and impactful risk management strategies.
You are able to critically analyse operations and develop the competences needed to strengthen both personal and community resilience in various disaster and crisis situations.
You possess the necessary communication skills and expertise to operate in an international environment and to develop new solutions for evolving challenges. In addition, you are able to apply research knowledge in practical development work.
You possess the necessary communication skills and expertise to operate in an international environment and to develop new solutions for evolving challenges.
- Crisis Management
- Disaster Management
- Environmental Hazards
- Human-made Hazards
- Vulnerability
- Risk Assessment
- Disaster Response
- Resilience
- Strategic Decision-making
- Artificial Intelligence in Disaster Management
- Digitalisation
- Stakeholder Collaboration
Study contents
Degree programme consist of following study contents:
Simulations and real-time crisis response training
- Engage in hands-on disaster simulation exercises and real-world training scenarios that put your emergency response and crisis management skills to the test, mirroring the challenges faced in actual disaster zones.
Interdisciplinary exploration of disaster theory and practice
- Study disaster risk management through a rich interdisciplinary lens, incorporating geography, politics, development studies, and social sciences to gain a well-rounded perspective on global disaster challenges.
Advanced disaster risk reduction techniques
- Learn cutting-edge techniques and remote sensing to map disaster-prone areas and conduct in-depth risk assessments, ensuring comprehensive disaster preparedness.
Fieldwork and practical training opportunities
- Gain knowledge about field placements with leading disaster response organisations, government agencies, or NGOs, gaining practical experience while applying your knowledge in real-time disaster management situations.
Expert-led workshops and case studies
- Gain insights from professionals in the field, learning from real-world case studies and strategies used by top global disaster management organisations.
Crisis simulation and decision-making scenarios
- Take part in immersive simulations that challenge your leadership and decision-making abilities under pressure, replicating the high-stakes environment of real disaster scenarios and thus allowing you to test strategic responses.
Student stories
A new adventure of life!
Employers value international degree certificates!
Just do it, the perfect timing doesn´t exist!
Disaster Management is conducted as full-time studies
Implementation of studies
The programme is primarily organised as contact studies (face to face) at Xamk’s Kotka campus, consisting of interactive lectures, practical exercises, guidance sessions, seminars, group work, and independent study in an online learning environment.
You are expected to commit to attending pre-scheduled teaching days and additional joint study days, which are agreed upon by students and teachers. The courses focus on interdisciplinary teamwork and various exercises, requiring you to be adaptable to group schedules and task deadlines.
In the complementary competence studies (20 ECTS), you have the opportunity to choose on-campus courses based on your personal interests. During the studies, you can also integrate your learning closely with your own work community or Xamk’s research, development, and innovation activities (RDI) through your personal study plan (PSP).
Development-oriented approach to work
Xamk has strong partnership relationships with the private, public and third sector. In terms of studies and practical training, privately owned companies, particularly in Kymenlaakso region, are considered the most important partners, but Xamk also cooperates with public sector organizations and constantly aims to expand its network of cooperation.
The degree programme is multidisciplinary, providing you with the opportunity to meet professionals from various fields during your studies. Together with your teachers, they aim to encourage critical thinking and improve your argumentation skills. As a result, you do not only gain new perspectives to your own field, but also contribute to the development of other fields.
The networks created with experts during the studies are also a considerable advantage for you after graduation. This is something that students graduating from Xamk Master School consider one of the most important aspects of the education.
The Master’s programme at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences – Xamk, offers an authentically international study environment with students and staff members coming from over 30 countries.
At Master School, you learn to retrieve and process field-specific research data and apply it to your own work. Learning is research-based, development-oriented and aimed at promoting innovation.
You can also carry out research work and other assignments as part of Xamk’s research, development and innovation (RDI) projects.
RDI specialists are an essential part of Xamk Master School, building bridges with the world of work. Among Finnish universities of applied sciences, Xamk stands out as the largest in the field of RDI activities. The total number of ongoing projects per year is nearly 300.
FAQ – the most frequently asked questions
Xamk offers you a journey of a lifetime. Read the top 5 reasons why you should study with us and choose Xamk as your perfect study destination.
Master School is a learning community for Master’s degree students at Xamk. It provides you with the opportunity to build the career path of your choice and expand your professional network.
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Further information on studies
Contact Admission Services
Xamk’s Admissions Services primarily assists with matters related to applying for degree studies. You can contact us by phone or through our online form.
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Degree education in Finnish:
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- +358 40 585 6610
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