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Master’s degree programme

Global Health, Crisis and Disaster Management

This Master’s degree programme focuses on global health, disaster and crisis management and leadership based on the Triple Nexus, Sustainable development and Planetary Health.

This is a blended learning programme with English as the teaching language. The next application period for this programme is 7-21 January 2027.

Degree programme

Master of Health Care / Master of Social Services

Degree title

Global Health, Crisis and Disaster Management

Extent and duration

90 ECTS, 1,5-2,5 years

About this degree programme

The Master’s Degree in Global Health, Crisis and Disaster Management is an interdisciplinary programme that prepares professionals to address complex challenges at the intersection of global health, humanitarian action, sustainable development, and crisis management. Grounded in the Triple Nexus approach, the programme promotes collaboration across humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts to support sustainable and equitable outcomes in diverse global contexts. Guided by the core values of equity, collaboration, and communication, the programme recognises that today’s interconnected challenges require inclusive partnerships and collective action.

Combining academic excellence with authentic learning experiences, the programme enables students to connect theory with practice. Through multidisciplinary teamwork, project-based learning, and engagement with real-world cases, students develop the ability to analyse complex phenomena, apply evidence-informed approaches, and create meaningful change in professional and societal contexts.

Teaching draws on the latest research, international policies, global standards, and the practical expertise of professionals working in global health, humanitarian action, disaster management, and development cooperation. Students strengthen their leadership, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, intercultural communication, project management, and research and development skills while learning to work effectively in diverse and rapidly changing environments.

Throughout their studies, students explore contemporary issues affecting the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities worldwide. Particular attention is given to health equity, migration and displacement, humanitarian crises, climate-related challenges, and resilience at community and systems levels. By examining these interconnected issues from multiple perspectives, students gain the knowledge and practical capabilities needed to promote sustainable development, strengthen preparedness, and support positive change across local, national, and international settings.

Graduates are well prepared for expert and leadership roles in public and private organisations, governmental and non-governmental organisations, international agencies, and development and humanitarian contexts. They leave the programme with the capacity to translate knowledge into action, lead cross-sector collaboration, and contribute to healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable societies.

Guided by the principles of Global Health Ethics and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the programme prepares graduates to become responsible leaders and changemakers capable of making a meaningful impact in an increasingly interconnected world.

Apply in the joint application

Daytime studies

Not available in January 2027 joint application round.

Blended learning studies

  • Global Health, Crisis and Disaster Management, Tikkurila

    Application period:

    7.1. – 21.1.2027

    Language:

    English

    Semester begins:

    09/2027

    Apply in Studyinfo

Online studies

Not available in January 2027 joint application round.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants to this Master’s programme must have completed one of the degrees mentioned below:

  • Bachelor of Health Care, Physiotherapist
  • Bachelor of Health Care, Nurse
  • Bachelor of Social Services, Social Services
  • Bachelor of Health Care, Public Health Nurse
  • Bachelor of Health Care, Rehabilitation Counselor
  • or other relevant Bachelor’s/ Master’s degree in the field of human Health Care and Social Services

Laurea may, at its discretion, also consider other relevant degrees completed at University or University of Applied Sciences or a Finnish former higher vocational level qualification (opistoasteen tutkinto). In addition applicants must have at least 24 months of subsequent work experience in the field being applied to or the field of the previous higher education degree.  

Programme structure

The Global Health, Crisis and Disaster Management Master’s Degree at Laurea University of Applied Sciences is a 90‑ECTS blended learning programme that integrates self‑paced online study, in‑person instruction, and project‑based learning.

The curriculum includes:

  • 30 ECTS of Master’s thesis
  • 10 ECTS of joint Master’s‑level studies
  • 5 ECTS for students from the social and health care fields
  • 25 ECTS of compulsory, degree‑specific studies focused on global health, crisis and disaster management
  • 20 ECTS of field‑specific complementary studies offered, allowing students to deepen their expertise according to their professional interest in global health, crisis and disaster management

Studying in the Global Health, Crisis and Disaster Management programme

In the beginning of the studies each student will construct a personal study plan draft including relevant competencies and study units, which will be accepted by the tutor of the studies. The students will confirm their complementary studies during the first semester. The student has 1,5 – 2,5 years’ time to complete the degree.

Blended learning models strengthened by diverse face-to-face and online pedagogical and learning models, such as Gilly Salmon’s evidence-based five stages and e-tivity models. Typically, students will have three days a month of contact teaching at Laurea’s Tikkurila campus. Online learning takes place on the Canvas-platform.

Career opportunities

The students will have opportunities to work as experts nationally and internationally. The graduated students have been employed in research, development and humanitarian projects, public, private and non-governmental organisations, in education and as entrepreneurs and consultants.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Non-EU/EEA area students in degree programmes taught in English are charged tuition fees.

Tuition fee: €11 000/ academic year for non EU/EEA students.

Read more about tuition fees and scholarships

More information

  • Elsi Haverinen-Mottaghi

    Senior Lecturer

    elsi.haverinen-mottaghi@laurea.fi

    +358 50 435 1866

Read about master’s degree students’ experiences

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