Preparing for, Responding to, and Recovering from Organizational Crises
The Department of Crisis Management at Harvard College UK addresses the growing need for professionals who can help organizations navigate unexpected threats and disruptions. Our programs examine crisis phenomena across contexts—from corporate reputational threats and operational disruptions to natural disasters and public health emergencies. We develop leaders who can design resilient systems, make effective decisions under pressure, and guide organizations through turbulent situations while protecting stakeholders and organizational value.

The curriculum covers crisis typologies, risk assessment methodologies, business continuity planning, emergency response protocols, and post-crisis recovery strategies. Students learn crisis communication techniques, decision-making psychology in high-stress situations, and the legal and ethical dimensions of crisis management. The program examines crises across sectors including corporate, governmental, healthcare, and humanitarian contexts, and addresses emerging challenges such as cyber crises and misinformation outbreaks.

Learning utilizes case studies of historical crises, simulation exercises, and scenario planning workshops. Our industry connections with risk consulting firms, emergency services, and organizational resilience departments provide practical insights and placement opportunities. London’s concentration of global headquarters and its experience with various crises offers rich case material. Graduates pursue careers as business continuity managers, risk consultants, emergency planners, crisis communication specialists, and resilience officers in organizations ranging from multinational corporations to government agencies and international NGOs.