This is a wide-ranging module that consolidates learning in relation to the concepts and practicalities of disaster risk assessment, preparedness planning including:

• Techniques for assessing disaster risks and developing strategies for risk reduction and resilience.
• Developing comprehensive disaster preparedness and response plans including resource allocation.
• Strategies for building resilient communities and involving stakeholders.
• Sustainability and climate change – exploring the connections between climate change and disaster risk

See Appendix 1 for detail.

Assessment 1: Students will complete a blog that reflects on the connections between climate change and disaster risk and the relevance of sustainability in building resilient communities. This will assess learning outcomes 1 and 2.

Assessment 2: Students will complete a comprehensive written disaster risk assessment, preparedness and response plan linked to their professional practice or a chosen sector of industry/public service. This will assess learning outcomes 3 and 4.

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, and practical exercises. Specialist guest speakers may be invited to provide insights and real-world examples. Students will engage in teamwork, sharing cross-discipline knowledge through group discussions, peer review, and communication exercises. There will be regular sessions of formative assessment and academic support/tutorials will be available throughout the module. Students will also have access to online resources and guidance for academic writing, data visualization, and digital communication.

Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of sustainability and climate change and its application to disaster risk assessment and preparedness. Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis, Problem Solving, Reflection


Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the strategies for building resilient communities and stakeholder engagement. Knowledge and Understanding


Demonstrate the ability to communicate complex information to a variety of specialist audiences and stakeholders through the formulation of a comprehensive disaster risk assessment, preparedness and response plan. Learning, Communication, Application


Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation of techniques, technologies and methodologies for assessing and reducing disaster risk. Enquiry, Analysis

Please see the library reading list links on EVision and the Blackboard VLE for the most up to date reading list and links.
The following texts are recommended reading for this module:
• Alexander, D. (2002) Principles of emergency planning and management. Harpenden: Terra.
• Alexander, D. (2016) How to Write an Emergency Plan. Edinburgh: Dunedin Academic Press Ltd.
• Burling, W.K. and Hyle, A.E. (1997) ‘Disaster Preparedness planning: Policy and Leadership issues’, Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, 6(4), pp. 234–244. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/09653569710179075.
• Cabinet Office (2012) Emergency preparedness, GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/emergency-preparedness (Accessed: 20 June 2024).
• Cabinet Office (2013) Preparation and Planning for emergencies: Responsibilities of Responder Agencies and Others, GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/preparation-and-planning-for-emergencies-responsibilities-of-responder-agencies-and-others (Accessed: 20 June 2024).
• Coppola, D.P. (2020) Introduction to International Disaster Management. Amsterdam: Butterworth-Heinemann.
• Fagel, M.J. (2014) Crisis Management and Emergency Planning : Preparing for Today’s Challenges. London: Routledge.
• Garingan, E.G. (2021) ‘Community Based Disaster Preparedness: Need for a Standardized Training Module’, International Journal of Disaster Management, 4(1), pp. 11–22. doi:https://doi.org/10.24815/ijdm.v4i1.20544.
• Wentworth, J. and Stock, M. (2021) ‘Evaluating UK Natural hazards: The National Risk Assessment’, post.parliament.uk [Preprint]. Available at: https://post.parliament.uk/research-briefings/post-pb-0031/ (Accessed: 20 June 2024).

Blackboard VLE
MS Teams
University library and associated online learning materials.
Live streaming/recording equipment/software.

The Disaster Risk Assessment and Preparedness module is your gateway to mastering the techniques and methodologies essential for assessing and reducing disaster risks. This comprehensive module covers the development of disaster preparedness and response plans, emphasising the critical connection between sustainability, climate change, and disaster risk.

Throughout the course, you will learn to critically evaluate advanced risk assessment technologies, formulate detailed strategies, and communicate complex information to diverse specialist audiences. You will also explore strategies for building resilient communities and engaging stakeholders effectively.

This module will teach you the skills needed to develop and implement robust disaster risk reduction plans, ensuring you are well-prepared for a career in disaster management. This is crucial for those aspiring to lead in the field, providing you with the knowledge and tools to make a tangible impact in creating safer, more resilient societies.