The master's in Risk Analysis has a unique focus on the societal, health, safety and environmental (not financial) aspects of risk. Gain knowledge and understanding of: social science theories, concepts, techniques and organisational approaches to risk assessment, management, governance and communication. Career prospects for graduates are excellent in this rapidly developing field.
KEY BENEFITS
- Unrivalled location that allows students access to experts in the field of risk analysis.
- Potential for three week internship with leading public and private sector organisations.
- Close links with, and speakers from, government and industry gives students insights and up-to-the-minute knowledge of the subject area.
- For further programme details visit the MSc Risk Analysis website.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Risk management, assessment, communication and governance are new, expanding fields. Graduates are able to work in industry, consultancies, governmental and non-governmental agencies. The career prospects for graduates are excellent in this rapidly developing field.
Programme leader/s
Dr Henry Rothstein
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
Location
Strand Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Social Science and Public Policy
Department of Geography
Closing date
None.
Intake
Approximately 25 FT/PT.
Fees
PT Home: £3950 (2013)
PT Overseas: £8125 (2013)
FT Home: £7900 (2013)
FT Overseas: £16250 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Centre for Arts & Sciences Admissions (CASA)
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 1977 / 7203
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Email
Website
PURPOSE
The MA/MSc Risk Analysis programme aims to provide an advanced foundation in risk studies. It provides an interdisciplinary education in risk, enabling students to undertake further research or enter into careers as risk specialists in the private and public sectors. It aims to develop and nurture the intellectual and analytical skills of each student to allow them to critically conceptualise risk problems, analyse information, evaluate risk governance and management options, and develop reflexive communication strategies.
DESCRIPTION
This programme has a unique focus on the societal, health, safety and environmental (but not financial) aspects of risk.
The programme provides knowledge and understanding of:
- Social science theories of the role and treatment of risk in a wide range of public policy, organisational and societal settings;
- Techniques and approaches to the assessment, management, governance and communication of risk across many sectors;
- Opportunities for a three week internship with leading public and private sector organizations;
- Ethical issues to be considered in research on risk.
EXTRA PROGRAMME INFORMATION
Students can undertake research within a public or private sector by choosing the Risk Internship module as an option.
For further programme details visit the MSc Risk Analysis website
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Core module (MA & MSc pathway: 60 credits):- 7SSG5125 Dissertation in Risk Analysis (60 credits) (must Take and Pass)
Compulsory modules (MA & MSc pathway: 80 credits):
- 7SSG5002 Practising Social Research (20 credits)
- 7SSG5119 Risk Governance (20 credits)
- 7SSG5120 Risk Management (20 credits)
- 7SSG5123 Risk Communication (20 credits)
Compulsory module (MSc pathway: 20 credits):
- 7SSG5122 Risk Assessment (20 credits)
Indicative non-core content
Optional modules (MA pathway: 40 credits; MSc pathway: 20 credits):
- Any Level 7 (Masters) modules offered in the Geography Department, including 7SSG5122. Please click here for a full list of the modules offered in the 2013/14 academic year.
- 7SSWM023 Responding to Terrorism (20 credits), subject to availability in the War Studies Department and permission of the module leader.
- Up to 20 credits of Level 7 modules from any KCL Departments or Institutes outside of Geography.
Please note that the above programme structure is subject to formal approval.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Specialist taught modules assessed mainly by written coursework, oral presentations, lab work and practical sessions. The three-month written dissertation is compulsory and is based upon work conducted overseas or in the UK.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7SSG5002
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
This module enables students to derive a greater understanding of the relationship between methodology and method and the related notions of epistemology and ontology. The module is a mix of lectures and tutorials and enables students to develop skills in the appropriate use and application of quantitative and qualitative methods, which will have been worked through in tutorial sessions. The module lays the conceptual groundwork for the design of the dissertation and enables students to appreciate the connections between epistemology and the students particular programme of study.
Module code: 7SSG5123
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of risk communication. The first section of the module focuses on how the field of risk communication was developed with a number of classes discussing the psychology of risk. The second half of the module provides an overview of the conceptual theories and ideas prevalent in the area of risk communication such as social amplification of risk and trust, and ends with a discussion on the future of risk communication.
Module aims:
- To provide the students with a history of the risk perception literature with a focus on both natural and technological hazards;
- To develop an understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of risk communication;
- To examine the successes and failures of risk communication programmes in both Europe and North America; and
- To develop an understanding of how regulators, policy makers and industry use risk communication techniques in every day policy making.
Module code: 7SSG5125
Credit level: 7
This course aims to develop a critical understanding of the application of risk analysis theory to a risk problem, issue or concept. It aims to:
- Develop the students ability to identify and justify topics worthy of further investigation,
- Develop the students ability to identify, define and elaborate research questions,
- Further students understanding of designing research strategies in relation to their research questions,
- Develop understanding and application of data gathering methods,
- Develop understanding and application of data analysis tools and techniques.
- Develop the application of risk theory to the analysis of empirical data, and
- Develop the ability of the student to analyse empirical data within the theoretical and conceptual framework of risk.
Module code: 7SSG5119
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
This module examines the governance of risks to human health and safety and the environment in a wide range of governance settings. The module develops conceptual understanding of the mechanics and dynamics of risk regulation regimes and examines a range of explanatory approaches to risk governance.
Specific aims are to:
- develop understanding of the variety of ways in which risks to human health and safety and the environment are governed;
- develop understanding of the concept of risk regulation regimes as a tool for describing and analysing risk governance variety;
- develop understanding of the range of factors that shape risk governance regimes, how they succeed and why they fail;
- develop understanding of trends in the reform of risk governance regimes and the related impacts of reform.
Module code: 7SSG5120
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
This module explores the emergence, practices and problems of risk management. It will help the student develop both a conceptual and practical understanding of risk management from a range of institutional, social theoretic and practice orientated perspectives.
Specific aims are to:
- develop understanding of risk concepts and the emergence of risk management;
- develop understanding of the character and diversity of risk management practices across the private and public sectors;
- develop understanding of a range of social theoretic critiques of risk management;
- develop understanding of the organisational factors that shape risk management practice, success and failure;
- to help the student critically evaluate and address risk management problems in a range of institutional settings.
Module code: 7SSG5122
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of risk assessment and its uses. It examines the conceptual approaches to the assessment of risk, the models and methodologies used in the technical assessment of risk, the uses of risk assessment in decision-making and policy and critiques current risk assessment models. It examines human health risk assessment, environmental risk assessment and site-specific risk assessment.
Module aims:
- To develop understanding and knowledge of risk assessment concepts and tools;
- To develop understanding and knowledge of the uses of risk assessment in government and industry;
- To develop understanding of the application of risk assessment concepts and tools to human health, environmental and site-specific hazards;
- To evaluate the ability of risk assessment tools to achieve their objectives; and
- To develop understanding of the role and function of risk assessment tools in decision-making.
Module code: 7SSWM023
Credit level: 7
The module aims to provide students with an appreciation of the theoretical and empirical links between organisational and community responses to the phenomena of terrorism; facilitate an understanding of the impact of responses to terrorism on both health and government systems; facilitate an understanding of the impact of terrorism on both an individual (mental/physical health/behaviour) and community level; enable students to develop a critical awareness of the role of organisations in countering terror and increasing resilience in society, as well as the problems encountered by organisations responsible for responding to terrorism; enable students to understand the different information needs and concerns of emergency responders, healthcare providers, and members of the public for a variety of terrorist attacks, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents; encourage critical reflection on counter terrorism approaches, the public acceptability of counter terror technologies, and the way in which strategic interventions that incorporate public perceptions of risk and effective risk communication help reduce vulnerability to terrorist acts, and facilitate greater governmental, organisational and community engagement in responding to the threat of terrorism.
Module code: 7SSG5124
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn); Semester 2 (spring);
This module aims to develop a critical understanding appropriate of how theoretical risk analysis is operationalised by industry and government. This practical module will provide students with experience working with selected industrial, government or regulatory actors (e.g. multinational companies, national and European government policy-making departments and arms-length regulators) involved in risk analysis, management and governance in the UK and Europe. The module will enable students to validate and question risk theories and assumptions explored elsewhere in the degree. It will also provide vital practical experience for future employment.
Course aims:
- To gain understanding of the development of risk policy;
- To evaluate techniques for rational decision-making on risk issues;
- To develop understanding of risk management decision-making based upon different deliberative approaches such as epistemological, reflective and participatory discourses;
- To develop knowledge and understanding of risk governance structures; and
- To develop understanding of risk regulation regimes.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Minimum standard is a 2:1 degree or international equivalent, e.g. GPA of 3.25 from a US University. Candidates who do not achieve a 2:1 but have professional or voluntary experience will also be considered. Mature candidates will be considered favourably.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
We run a rolling admissions system. We aim to process all complete applications within four weeks; during February and March and over holiday periods, applications may take longer to process. There is no set deadline.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Please include a personal statement that demonstrates your interest in Risk Analysis (for example, you could discuss particular issues or ideas within the broad field of risk analysis that you wish to explore further).
FUNDING
Varied including Research Councils, University of London Scholarships, departmental bursaries and career development loans. For overseas students Chevening Scholarships are available from the British Council.
For further information on funding, including conditions of eligibility, please consult the Postgraduate Funding Page on the master's section of the Geography Department's website -
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/geography/study/masters/funding.aspx
Related programme student profile
Environmental Monitoring, Modelling & Management MSc
I wanted to study in London because of its vibrant atmosphere, numerous attractions and multitude of work opportunities. What made King’s stand out was that everyone - from the staff in my department and the International Student Support team, to the Admissions team and Accommodation Services - made me feel special from the outset.
My course is very stimulating and presents incredible opportunities. Within a year, I have been able to pursue my interests in conservation and climate change, and completed internships at institutions such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the BBC World Service Trust. I am currently working on a dissertation project offered by my department in partnership with the University of Cambridge, the United Nations Environmental Programme and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre.
Alongside my studies, I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as a Student Ambassador and editor of the monthly newsletter. I have also written for the Students’ Union publication ROAR, and participated in events organised by the French Society and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
I am based at the Strand Campus. The facilities available here coupled with the fact that it is very close to the Maughan library, all contribute towards making this campus a dynamic learning hub. Its central location ensures that there is no dearth of things one can do around campus: having a pint in the Waterfront bar, taking in the wonderful view of London from Waterloo Bridge, talking a stroll around Trafalgar Square or even shopping in Covent Garden!
King’s offers a very well-structured accommodation system. Living in a graduate residence with a very international feel allowed me to make friends from all over the world. I also saved a lot on commuting expenses as my residence was minutes away from my campus. Plus, being able to see the London Eye and the Big Ben from my room was simply out of this world!
Living in London can be very expensive, but a number of schemes exist to help students. The student Oyster photocard can save you money on tube or bus travel within London; a 16-25 railcard provides discount on train fares; and an NUS Extra card gives you discounts at a number of stores. Student deals are rife in London, and making the most of discounts means that you will not have to part with more money than is necessary.