Pedagogies of disasters (Ref: ABCE-SECC-KC)

About the Project

Globally, the majority of higher education training that is somehow related to disasters risks, focuses on hazards as a “problem” posed by nature – something that can be “solved” through a technical solution. Little reflection is required as to the social implications of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) “solutions”, and knowledge too often remains analytical and distant from any sort of lived experience. Whilst many DRR-related subjects introduce the ideas of human-centric DRR, there is still a disconnection between technical engineering subjects and broader social science subjects. This is a missed opportunity for students acquiring technical knowledge to reflect on and engage with a wider societal context.

The aim of this PhD project is to enhance the understanding of what is being taught – and how – in higher education curricular in the context of DRR, and to explore how to engage with a kind of pedagogy that would enhance equity and well-being, while avoiding the creation of risk through development and redevelopment.

It is expected that the research would draw on the liberative pedagogies of Paulo Freire, bell hooks and others, to engage educators in collectively drawing on philosophies and practices that emphasise holistic ways of knowing and learning and encourage the broader consideration of non-technical ideas.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:

Prof Ksenia Chmutina k.chmutina@lboro.ac.uk

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. A relevant master’s degree and/or experience is desirable. The ideal candidate would have a degree in geography, development, social or political science-related disciplines, or education.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required:

No

Closing date of advert:

30th June 2026

Start date:

October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability:

Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years

Fee band:

2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)

Project search terms:

education, geography, disaster; resilience; pedagogy; disaster risk

Email Address ABCE:

abce.pgr@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk