Master of Science in Disaster Medicine - 25th edition a.y. 2026/2027

The Master aims to provide participants with a clear concept of Disaster Medicine and serves as a contribution to the global development of disaster medicine as an academic discipline. By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• understand the basic characteristics of disaster medicine;
• estimate the epidemiological impacts of disasters;
• estimate health risks in disaster situations and propose primary prevention measures;
• participate in medical surveillance and disaster planning;
• direct the medical response in disaster situations;
• manage the medical management and care aspects of specific disasters;
• organize and manage psychosocial support for victims and rescuers in disaster situations;
• organize and manage evaluation and consultation sessions;
• organize education and training for disaster medicine and disaster medical management;
• manage medical-managerial aspects in complex health emergencies;
• understand the legal, ethical, and moral aspects of disaster medicine;
• supervise, develop, and conduct innovative research on the medical aspects of disasters in multidisciplinary and applied contexts

The admission application must be submitted online according to the procedure detailed on the Master in Disaster Medicine website no later than October 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM CEST.

For foreign, EU, or non-EU students, reference is made to the national regulations on access to Italian Universities currently in force.

In particular, such candidates, if in possession of a 2nd level degree obtained in one of the signatory countries of the Lisbon Convention (https://ardi.cimea.it/), are required to provide:

• copy of the 2nd level degree certificate in the original language;
• copy of the 2nd level degree certificate translated into English (if not already issued in that language) with legalization and/or apostille by diplomatic representations abroad (for foreign persons residing abroad) or local Courts;
• statement of automatic correspondence obtainable through the “Automatic Recognition Database Italia” service;
• certificate of English language proficiency, for non-native speakers.

Candidates in possession of a 2nd level degree obtained in other countries are instead required to provide:

• copy of the 2nd level degree certificate in the original language;
• copy of the 2nd level degree certificate translated into English (if not already issued in that language) with legalization and/or apostille by diplomatic representations abroad (for foreign persons residing abroad) or local Courts;
• declaration of value or CIMEA comparability and verification certificates;
• certificate of English language proficiency, for non-native speakers.

Finally, all students must provide:

• curriculum vitae;
• a cover letter signed by a supervisor or mentor containing the motivation for the admission request;
• copy of a valid passport or identity document.

More specific indications regarding the procedures and requirements for applying for admission and subsequently for enrolling in the course are detailed in the Admission Call (Bando di ammissione) for the Master, found in the Attachments section.

Enrollment of auditors is permitted for those whose curriculum is extensively dedicated to disaster-related topics. Such enrollments are only possible if there are vacant spots not filled by applicants meeting all the regular requirements

• Master Director: Prof. Luca Ragazzoni, Associate Professor at DiSSTE, University of Eastern Piedmont.
• Email for clarifications: master.altaformazione.polovercelli@uniupo.it.

In case of further details regarding admission procedures, enrollment, and tuition fees, please contact the DISSTE Master Referent, Angelica Venturini.

• Submission of admission application: October 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM CEST
• Publication of the ranking list: October 23, 2026, by 6:00 PM CEST
• Submission of enrollment application and payment of the 1st installment: November 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM CEST
• Payment of the second installment: by March 5, 2027

The Enrollment fee is €11,032.00, to be paid in two installments:

• 1st installment: €6,032.00 (including €32.00 for stamp duty), to be paid by the enrollment deadline, November 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM CEST.
• 2nd installment: €5,000.00 by March 5, 2027.

For auditors, the enrollment fee is set at €6,016.00 (including €16.00 for stamp duty).

• Duration: Annual.
• Lecture locations: The course will take place via distance learning using an e-learning platform and in person during a two-week residential session. The period and location of the residential session will be determined by the Executive Committee and communicated to students and professors by the start of the course.
• Start of classes: November 20, 2026.
• Attendance: Attendance of at least 75% of the hours dedicated to training activities is a necessary condition for obtaining the degree.
• Hours and Credits: 1,500 hours, including 115 hours of lectures, 225 hours of practical exercises, 1,160 hours of individual study, and 500 hours for the final thesis. Completion of the Master and passing the final exam result in the acquisition of 60 ECTS (CFU).

Progression from one module to the next is possible after verifying the study of the module content and the acquisition of knowledge through evaluation tests. Failure to meet the minimum attendance requirement in "distance learning" activities (75%) may lead to non-admission to the residential session and thus exclusion from the course.

At the end of the program, candidates will undergo a final exam consisting of a multiple-choice quiz and an electronic exercise

Enrolled students who have passed the final exam and who have successfully:

• participated in the “problem-based e-learning” program;
• provided an active contribution to the residential session;
• presented a thesis that meets the requirements;
• passed the final exam; will be awarded the academic title of 2nd Level University Master in Disaster Medicine, also known as Master of Science in Disaster Medicine – (MScDM).

The Master's degree will be jointly issued by the University of Eastern Piedmont and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

Upon completion of the course, if a student has not completed it, a certificate of participation will be issued, as authorized by the Executive Committee, similar to the certificate for auditors.