Since 1994, Coventry University has offered a range of courses within the fields of disaster management and emergency planning. The specific tailoring of such courses for emergency responders, including those paramedics already working in, or entering the field, has authoritatively provided for students’ learning and professional development. This article will focus upon those courses offered by the Centre for Disaster Management (CDM) at Coventry University, suitable for paramedics, and will provide a detailed breakdown of course elements, requirements and assessments. It will begin with an overview of the Centre for Disaster Management (CDM) at Coventry University, illustrating why it is one of the leading providers of such courses in its field.
The Centre for Disaster Management at Coventry University
Based upon two decades of experience, the newly-established Centre for Disaster Management is already a successful initiative, based within the Department for Geography, Environment and Disaster Management at Coventry University.
CDM has emerged from a platform of excellence based upon extensive expertise and knowledge of Disaster Management themed studies at Coventry University since 1994. CDM is one of the most popular leading providers of undergraduate and postgraduate education programmes and CPD professional training courses in the UK. CDM’s specialist applied research extends across developed and developing nations, globally. CDM offers courses of particular relevance to paramedics, and regularly has a stand at the annual Emergency Services Show.
The courses CDM offer within the disaster management and emergency planning fields cater for a whole host of students, including those straight from A-Levels, mature students, those already in employment and those looking for a change in career. Equipped to meet the needs of students with diverse backgrounds, the Centre’s staff is comprised of a range of highly experienced individuals, from both academic and practical backgrounds.
CDM, and indeed Coventry University, prides itself on the quality of support that staff provides to students. Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for the MSc in Emergency Planning and Management, Ron Mountain, worked for 15 years in emergency planning for the London Fire Brigade, and has worked in academia for nearly 10 years. Senior Lecturer, Co-Director of the Centre for Disaster Management and Course Leader for the Diploma in Emergency Planning, David Massey, has 34 years experience as an emergency responder and emergency planner, both in the fire service and a local authority, and has worked at Coventry University since 2008.
‘Disaster management courses at Coventry University have been taught for over 15 years and within the department, we are an acknowledged market leader in most of our specialist areas. We have constantly achieved excellent ratings for the quality of our teaching and we are committed to a programme of continual improvement in the content and delivery of our programmes.’ Professor Hazel Barrett, Associate Dean of Applied Research, Former Head of the Department for Geography, Environment and Disaster Management.’
CDM courses for paramedics at Coventry University
The courses that the Centre for Disaster Management offers, which are of direct relevance to paramedics, are:
Both these courses are flexible and can be completed on a full or part-time basis. The latter option meets the needs of those who are currently in employment.
coventry university
Why emergency planning?
Major emergencies in the UK, such as the London Bombings of 2005, the Buncefield Oil Depot explosion and fire in 2005, the summer floods of 2007 and the Swine flu outbreak in 2009 have reinforced the need for high levels of sustained resilience in the UK.
The implementation of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (CCA), together with the accompanying Regulations and guidance, in addition to other emergency related legislation (such as COMAH, PSR and REPPIR), all demand that practitioners in the field of ‘emergency management’ acquire and maintain high levels of knowledge, skills and understanding, in order that their organizations can effectively fulfil their legal and moral obligations, in addition to satisfying ‘public expectations’ and National Occupational Standards.
Diploma in Emergency Planning
The Diploma in Emergency Planning is specifically devised to assist practitioners to deliver those expectations, and to develop and maintain their Core Competencies.
Coventry University was the first UK University to develop and deliver emergency management as an academic discipline, with the launch of the Diploma in Emergency Planning in 2001. Since that time, the course has continually been revised in order to take account of developments in the field of emergency planning, and it is taught by former emergency planning practitioners, with considerable, relevant practical experience.
Emergency planning ensures that, when faced with a potential emergency or disaster, key individuals within organizations in the private, public and voluntary sectors will be fully equipped with the skills, knowledge and competencies necessary for an integrated and effective response.
Emergency management professionals may have different job titles depending upon their specific role and the nature of their organization.
Nonetheless, the role of the emergency manager is pivotal—not only is emergency planning and management training and education necessary to assist these key individuals to develop effective protocols and procedures, it is also key to their to their having the competence and confidence to take appropriate action throughout the stages of the ‘emergency’, from anticipation, assessment, prevention, preparation, mitigation and response through to recovery.
In the UK, the government has underlined just how important these issues are, by the Civil Contingencies Act-based regulatory regime, which addresses both continuing and developing issues, such as flooding, influenza pandemic and terrorism that have arisen in the past decade. The Diploma in Emergency Planning addresses all the requirements of the CCA and its associated Regulatory provisions and guidance.
Assessment
Assessment is undertaken entirely by coursework assignments and, in order to address the specific requirements of professional practitioners, some coursework is based around work-based assignments. Students can also access materials to support learning, online, and can expect a high level of support for each module.
Entry requirements
Candidates will be required to provide evidence that they have the potential academic ability to complete the course. Formal academic qualifications, such as GCSE, AS Level or A Level qualifications that demonstrate literacy and numeracy will be considered. Alternatively, relevant Accredited Prior Learning (APL) in a relevant field and/or demonstrable experience as a practitioner may be considered as satisfying pre-entry requirements.
Course length
The course is specifically designed to meet the needs of practitioners, or aspiring practitioners, in full-time employment. Accordingly, the course is delivered in four (five day block) modules within one academic year. The first module is delivered in the autumn term, two further modules in the spring term and the final module in the summer term.
‘The Emergency Planning Diploma is ideal for those practitioners who want to focus on UK-oriented practice, and who may not have previously studied in a university environment.’ David Massey.
Emergency Planning and Management MSc/Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate
The MSc in Emergency Planning and Management is designed to provide students with an advanced level of understanding of concepts and evolving best practice in the field of emergency planning and management. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement strategies required by the Civil Contingencies Act (2004) and other UK civil contingencies legislation.
Students examine disaster management in other countries, giving them an opportunity to consider UK policy and practice within a comparative international perspective. Students also learn how to evaluate issues in emergency planning and management, and their practical implications, with a view to improving current practice.
Future Prospects
Current concerns with enhancing resilience to emergencies in the UK, together with specific organisational duties arising from UK legislation, have created a strong demand for qualified emergency planning and management professionals. Our graduates are much sought after by a range of organizations, including local and regional government, the uniformed services, health and other public sector agencies, and many private sector companies.
The Emergency Planning and Management programme is ideal either for students seeking career advancement within the public or private sectors, or for those seeking to pursue an academic or research-oriented career. The course of study has been designed both for professionals currently working in the field of emergency planning and management, and for individuals who wish to enter into this field.
Teaching
Teaching for each module normally takes the form of one week ‘face-to-face’ contact at the university (including lectures, workshops, seminars, and exercises) followed by several weeks of directed and self-directed study, which may be undertaken off-campus. A postgraduate certificate may be awarded following completion of four modules; a postgraduate diploma would require the successful completion of eight modules; and an MSc degree would require the successful completion of an additional dissertation or, for qualifying students, an internship.
Assessment for all modules is 100% coursework. As well as satisfying the required standards for an academic research project, the dissertation allows students to focus their learning on their own particular professional development needs.
Entry requirements
Second-Class Honours degree from a relevant discipline; or other qualification (which may be an appropriate professional development qualification), along with considerable relevant work experience. An interview may be required
Course length
October start:
‘The MSc in Emergency Planning and Management takes a conceptual as well as a practical approach to the subject, exposing students from around the world to a wide range of ideas and practices.’ Ron Mountain
Recent years have seen a significant rise in the frequency and seriousness of emergencies, both within the UK and internationally. As a result of the globalisation of mass media and 24/7 news availability, ever-increasing attention is being brought to bear on emergencies, with consequential heightened expectations that effective action be taken by a wide range of organizations.
One response to these trends, within the UK, has been the establishment of the Civil Contingencies Act—this has not only placed statutory duties on a range of organizations, but has also contributed to a considerable rise in expectations for increased resilience to emergencies.
Conclusion
Coventry University’s Emergency Planning Diploma and MSc/PgDip/PgCert in Emergency Planning and Management courses have been designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for them to develop and implement the strategies required to meet the challenges that are increasingly posed these emergencies.
The courses can help students to enhance their current careers or to enter the field of emergency planning and management. The flexible nature of the courses allows busy professionals, who work full-time, to fit their studies into their work and personal schedules.
Coventry University graduates are much sought after by a wide range of organizations, and in currently difficult economic times, our courses can give professionals the competitive advantage that they may need.