Natural Hazards

Increasing urbanization, growing wealth concentration, climate change and environmental degradation are rapidly raising exposure to natural hazards in the developed and developing world. Growing numbers of stakeholders are thus seeking ways of reducing the risk from natural hazards. UCL's Natural Hazards PG Cert offers students a better understanding of natural hazards and the means by which their impacts on people, communities and business can be mitigated and managed.

Strong emphasis is placed on developing an improved understanding of natural hazards – the nature of available data, the conclusions we can draw from them, limitations and relevant cutting-edge research. Content focuses on the highest impact hazards - windstorm, flood and earthquake - but also addresses geotechnical issues such as dam and reservoir safety, radioactive waste disposal and energy resource issues.

Students undertake modules to the value of 60 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (40 credits) and an individual research project (20 credits).

Core modules

• Geological and Geotechnical Hazards
• Meteorological Hazards
• Independent Project

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent project, which culminates in an 8,000-word independent report and an oral presentation.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, discussions, directed reading, and problem-solving exercises. Student performance is assessed through a combination of examination and coursework in the form of essays, reports and exercises. The independent project is assessed through an 8,000-word report and an oral presentation.