IFRC-TISS CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Welcome!
Dear Participants,
Welcome once again. This note explains the rhythm of the teaching-learning process and also provides details
of the academic structure. It might be of interest for you to know that the curriculum was developed in
partnership with IFRC Geneva and has been revised periodically based on the needs of the humanitarian sector
and the developments taking place, globally in the sector. The programme has a multidisciplinary approach as
the content of each module reflects the rich experience of experienced faculty members, as also of
professionals working globally in the humanitarian sector. The material developed is gleaned from this
experience and also captures contemporary debates in the sector. Here are a few details and suggestions that
will help you organize yourself and get ready for the coursework.
Do plan your study time and reach out:
For many of you this may be the first time you have enrolled for an on-line programme. We understand that
most of you are working professionals with a busy schedule. Considering that, please make time in your daily
or weekly schedule for study. We release the Academic Calendar in advance which will help you plan your
schedule. We will try our best to ensure that you have a smooth ride, but whenever you experience any
bottlenecks, please feel free to reach out to us. If you have any queries, or if you feel that you are stuck and
need clarification or any assistance, feel free to send us a mail /message or you may even call (In India we
follow the IST and the time zone converter can be obtained from here:
[Link]
Credit Structure:
This Certificate programme has a total of 8 Modules. A module broadly equivalent to courses that one would
do in regular classes. Together they carry a total of 22 credits. The total credits number is 22 and conforms to
the UGC (Ministry of Education) requirements in India. There are 6 taught Modules, each carrying 2 or 4 credits.
The 22 credits include a Field Practicum of 4 credits and a Term paper (a mini research paper) of 2 credits.
IFRC-TISS Disaster Management Programme
Jamsetji Tata School for Disaster Studies
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Sion Trombay Road
Deonar, Mumbai: 400 088, India
The Structure of Study Material:
The course content will be in the form of session notes, short video links, power-point presentations, podcasts and
reading material. We understand that continuous internet may be a limited resource for many of you. The file size
of most study material has been kept small, so that you can download the material at your convenience and read
and study in your own time. Each session note carries “Essential Readings” and “Suggested Readings”. The latter
provides additional knowledge and from experience we know that some participants seek to engage further in a
given topic. Essential readings are mandatory and will also help in working on assignments or even contributing to
the “discussion forum”.
A module is divided into 4 to 6 Units which offer thematic sessions contained in session notes developed by the
faculty members. Each session will offer notes of under 2500 words. And you would take less than 2 hours to study
these session notes. Besides, sessions may carry links to shot videos from the internet which are helpful to simplify
some of the ideas. Do keep aside weekly time to read through the session notes.
Schedule:
The Certificate programme is approximately of 52 weeks, and each module runs through 5 to 10 weeks depending
on whether it carries 2 or 4 credits. The work on the Term paper starts around the 45th week. Timelines of the entire
programme are shared at the start of Module 1 and you will be informed about the dates of assignment
submissions, well in advance by the faculty member anchoring each module.
Assessment:
At the end of each Unit within a module, an assessment will be carried out to ensure that the study material is well
understood. Some of this will be graded evaluations. So, each Module would carry some or all of the following-
session notes, power point presentations, video content and assignments. These need to be completed within the
given time frame, and generally before you move on to the next module. Keeping this discipline and not permitting
the assessments to pile up, is very useful to keep pace with the programme. Upon successful completion of all the
assessments, at the end of the programme you will be awarded a Certificate. It can be mailed to you or you may like
to receive it in person at a convocation ceremony at TISS, Mumbai!
Programme Staff:
IFRC-TISS Disaster Management Programme
Jamsetji Tata School for Disaster Studies
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Sion Trombay Road
Deonar, Mumbai: 400 088, India
Besides faculty members from the School of Disaster Studies, a team of 4 provide full time support to the
participants. Ms. Saumya Kumar is the Senior Programme Manager and also Assistant Professor. She is supported
by Ms. Suranjana Mullick, Programme Associateand Ms. Aruna Chavan is the Academic Assistant. This is the IFRC-
TISS Programme Team that will be connected with you throughout the year and will help you navigate the
programme.
1. Ms. Saumya Kumar
Senior Programme Manager
[Link]@[Link]
+91 9784716030 2
2. Ms. Suranjana Mullick
Programme Associate
[Link]@[Link]
+91 98360 80765 4
*Available for call or WhatsApp message from 10:00 am to 6:00pm IST
Welcome all, once again!
Wishing you the best!
Janki Andharia, PhD Professor and Dean,
JTSDS Programme Director,
IFRC-TISS Certificate Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Mumbai: India
IFRC-TISS Disaster Management Programme
Jamsetji Tata School for Disaster Studies
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Sion Trombay Road
Deonar, Mumbai: 400 088, India