SECOND CYCLE ACADEMIC STUDIES: SECURITY RISK MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL DISASTERS

SECOND CYCLE ACADEMIC STUDIES: SECURITY RISK MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL DISASTERS – 300 ECTS

Purpose and Objectives

The Second Cycle studies in “Security Risk Management of Natural Disasters” at the Faculty of Security Sciences, University of Banja Luka, represent the first program in the Republic of Srpska dedicated to the issue of natural disasters, as well as the Faculty’s inaugural second-cycle study program.

The purpose of this Master’s program is to ensure that, upon graduation, students possess advanced knowledge of civil protection, security sciences, and related disciplines. They are expected to understand key theoretical frameworks regarding emergencies caused by natural disasters, as well as the processes and actors involved in protection and rescue operations. Students will be equipped to describe, classify, and interrelate major phenomena and challenges in the field; master fundamental methods for data collection, systematization, and analysis; and become capable of independently expanding their expertise and mentoring others. Finally, the program provides clearly defined pathways for further scientific advancement, particularly in third-cycle (doctoral) studies, and for tracking scientific breakthroughs in security and criminology—all aimed at developing a high-quality scientific and educational profile for security and criminology roles in the broadest sense.

The objective of the Master’s degree program is to educate experts within the narrow scientific field of Security and Criminology. These graduates will be qualified for complex managerial roles and further scientific research. The program seeks to strike a balance between theory and practice, ensuring education is evidence-based yet practice-oriented. It aims to facilitate lifelong learning and produce personnel capable of monitoring, analyzing, and interpreting disaster-related phenomena and response mechanisms. Furthermore, the program fosters creative thinking and the mastery of specific practical skills required for modern security systems.

Ultimately, this program improves the state of protection and rescue by elevating the efficiency and success rate of personnel in security and leadership positions within civil protection systems. The primary goal is to achieve a higher degree of safety for individuals, property, the economy, and society as a whole, while enhancing the organizational and functional expertise of civil protection staff. Consequently, this study program significantly contributes to the overall increase of highly educated citizens in the population.