The Postgraduate Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance provides specialized training for professionals responding to emergencies and crises caused by conflicts, disasters, and displacement. The course equips learners with practical knowledge and tools to design, manage, and evaluate humanitarian interventions that are timely, ethical, and effective. Emphasis is placed on international standards, coordination mechanisms, and the protection of affected populations.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this program, participants will be able to:
Understand the foundations of humanitarian action and key global actors.
Plan, implement, and monitor emergency relief operations.
Apply humanitarian principles and standards in field operations.
Navigate legal and ethical challenges in complex emergencies.
Coordinate multi-sector responses in disaster and conflict settings.
Prioritize protection, inclusion, and accountability to affected populations.
Course Outline
Course Content:
Principles and Practice of Humanitarian Action
International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
Coordination, Communication, and Leadership
Public Health in Complex Emergencies.
The food, water and sanitation requirements of populations
Emergency and Disaster Management
The Humanitarian Arena
Humanitarian action and humanitarian law
The special needs of maternal and child health
The common consequences of “natural” and man-made disasters
Security issues – complex emergencies & conflict
The roles of governments, international organisations, non-government organisations and the military in humanitarian crises