Thematic specialisation: Protection in Humanitarian Action
The goal of the orientation at the University of Deusto is to provide students with the appropriate tools of analysis and intervention to respond to the growing needs of protection in humanitarian action. It offers an informed and practice-oriented approach to the main challenges, current discussions and key issues around humanitarian protection.
During the second semester, students will have the opportunity to enrol in the following modules:
New trends and legal responses in protection (5 ECTS)
This module invites students to explore the core principles that guide legal responses to the protection challenges arising in humanitarian crises. Through a critical and practice-oriented approach, the course examines topics such as international protection systems, peacekeeping operations, international criminal law, and humanitarian law, all from a human rights–based perspective.
The course encourages reflection on the challenges, tensions, and limitations of the international legal framework, as well as on the contradictions and ethical dilemmas that emerge when international norms are confronted with complex realities in the field.
Humanitarian Action, Protection and Peacebuilding (5 ECTS)
This module explores the central role of protection in humanitarian action, focusing on how to safeguard the most vulnerable in contexts of conflict, displacement, and peacebuilding, with particular attention to the protection of civilians. The course examines key challenges in diverse settings such as borders, urban areas, and refugee camps, and highlights the link between protection and peacebuilding, addressing negotiation and access constraints that shape humanitarian work. This module provides the foundation for the Programming Protection module.
Designing Protection Strategies and Programmes in Humanitarian Action (5 ECTS)
The core objective of this module is to design a humanitarian protection programme. It begins with an overview of the process and then moves through the different stages of the project cycle. By the end of the module, students will be able to develop the main components and dimensions of a protection programme, following the logic of the programme cycle.
Rather than adopting a legal approach, the course takes a practical and programmatic perspective on protection in humanitarian contexts. At a time when the humanitarian community is experiencing a true “protection turn”, this module prepares students to face the current challenges on the ground.
Advanced management and strategic leadership in Humanitarian action (5 ECTS)
The objective of the module is for students to develop an in-depth understanding of the strategic management of humanitarian projects, with a focus on strategic planning, evaluation and quality management, and human resources management. The course is divided into two independent yet complementary parts:
• The first part (5 ECTS) aims to deepen students’ knowledge of key aspects of strategic management in humanitarian action, focusing on three core pillars: Human Resources Management, Monitoring & Evaluation for Results, and Humanitarian Leadership.
• The second part (2 ECTS) addresses ethical considerations within the management framework of humanitarian organisations. It explores their social purpose and integrates ethical criteria that directly influence internal management processes.
Simulation (3 ECTS)
Simulations allow participants to immediately apply newly acquired knowledge and skills in a realistic, hands-on environment. In the humanitarian sector, they are increasingly valued as tools for preparedness, capacity-building, and coordination. This module offers an immersive experience that challenges participants at the individual, team, and organizational levels. It aims to strengthen decision-making, clarify roles, and improve coordination processes in complex crisis scenarios. By revealing gaps and testing procedures, the simulation fosters reflection, operational confidence, and inter-organizational collaboration essential to effective humanitarian response.
Introduction to applied research (5 ECTS)
The module introduces students to key research methods and methodologies relevant to the field of International Humanitarian Action. It equips them with practical tools to collect, interpret, and analyse diverse data sources—ranging from online media to interviews and large datasets—essential for their research projects and thesis. Emphasising that no single approach dominates the field, the course explores a variety of traditions and techniques. It integrates research methods into the full research cycle: from question formulation and design to data collection, analysis, and writing. Practical case studies are used to guide students through methodological choices, ethics, and literature review.
Language of instruction: English
