Do You Want to Become a Confident Leader in Crisis Environments?
Strategic Leadership in Crisis
Learn to lead organisations, allocate resources, and make high‑stakes decisions under uncertainty in complex crisis environments.
Data‑Driven Executive Decision‑Making
Use AI, analytics, and digital tools to turn complex information into strategic insights that support management and governance.
Resilience Through Responsible Innovation
Build organisational resilience by integrating innovation, cybersecurity awareness, and ethical governance into leadership practice.
Find the Right Way to Apply for UAS Studies
We open the Rolling Admission to start your academic journey for this programme.
Rolling Admission for Master’s Degrees 1
Rolling Admission for Master´s Degrees 1 | 1 April 2026 – 30 September 2026 on Studyinfo
Study Crisis Leadership, Strategy and Organisational Resilience
The programme prepares you for management and leadership roles in complex crisis and risk environments. You will learn how to lead organisations under uncertainty, use data and AI for strategic decision-making, and strengthen organisational preparedness and resilience.
During your studies, you will learn to:
- Analyse risks, vulnerabilities, and organisational resilience
- Lead organisations and multi-actor networks in crisis situations
- Use AI, data analytics, and digital platforms to support strategic decisions
- Manage preparedness, response, recovery, and long-term resilience
- Evaluate ethics, cybersecurity, and regulation in technology-driven governance
Who Is This Programme For?
This degree is suitable for professionals who want to:
- Future‑proof your leadership skills for volatile and high‑risk environments
- Strengthen your credibility as a decision‑maker in complex, high‑stakes situations
- Understand how AI and digitalisation reshape leadership and governance
- Stand out professionally by combining strategy, crisis leadership, and innovation
- Advance into senior management, advisory, or public‑sector leadership roles
Study Structure
The scope of the studies is 90 ECTS, and the duration of the studies is about 1.5 years. The programme consists of core competence studies, supplementary competence studies, and the Master’s Thesis.
Core Competence Studies, 50 ECTS
Foundations of Disaster Risk and Crisis Resilience, 20 ECTS
- Fundamentals of Disasters and Crisis, 5 ECTS
- Resilience, Risk and Vulnerability in Disasters and Crisis, 5 ECTS
- First Aid and Caretaker Resilience, 5 ECTS
- Staying Safe: Personal Action Plans for Crisis and Disasters, 5 ECTS
Mastering Emergency Management and Resilience, 10 ECTS
- AI and Digital Tools for Disaster Risk and Crisis Decision Support, 5 ECTS
- Responsible Innovation in Crisis Environments, 5 ECTS
Advanced Emergency Leadership and Disaster Governance, 20 ECTS
- Leading Through Crisis: Theory and Practice, 5 ECTS
- Strategic Decision-Making: From Resource Allocation to Crisis Management, 5 ECTS
- Global Disaster Governance and Policy Frameworks, 5 ECTS
- Research Methods in Disaster Studies, 5 ECTS
Supplementary Competence Studies, 10 ECTS
- Supplementary competence studies, 10 ECTS
Master’s Thesis, 30 ECTS
- Master’s Thesis: Idea and Planning, 10 ECTS
- Master’s Thesis: Implementation, 10 ECTS
- Master’s Thesis: Reporting, Assessment and Presentation, 10 ECTS
We continuously review and update our programs to ensure they remain up-to-date and aligned with the needs of working life. We reserve the right to make changes.
Career Opportunities
After graduation, you will be qualified for expert and leadership roles in organisations that operate in complex, high‑risk, and rapidly changing environments. The programme strengthens your ability to lead strategically, coordinate across sectors, and make informed decisions when uncertainty and pressure are high.
The degree supports career development in roles where governance, preparedness, crisis leadership, and responsible use of technology are central to organisational success.
Possible career paths include roles in:
- Public administration, ministries, and government agencies
- Municipal and regional crisis preparedness and resilience units
- Public‑sector leadership, strategy, and development roles
- Large organisations with risk, continuity, or security responsibilities
- Consulting, advisory, and resilience planning services
- International organisations and policy‑oriented networks
- NGOs and organisations working in disaster risk reduction and resilience
This degree is also well-suited for professionals who want to strengthen their current leadership role with advanced competence in crisis management, governance, and strategic decision‑making.
You Can Apply If You Have
- Relevant Higher Degree or Post-Secondary degree completed in Finland (completed before year 2000)
- You must also have at least 24 months of relevant work experience gained after the award date of your final degree certificate.
Bring Your Own Laptop
At our university, students use their own laptops for studying. Using your own device makes studying smooth and flexible, as your computer is always available during classes, projects, and online studies.
Students are responsible for the functionality of their own device, including updates and carrying it with them, so that they have a reliable and up-to-date tool throughout their studies.
If you need more information, you can contact the school’s IT support at helpdesk@vamk.fi or your teacher.
Apply at Studyinfo
Explore additional information about the degree, admission criteria and eligibility requirements from Studyinfo.
The application process for student admission also takes place on the Studyinfo.
