Imagine making a genuine impact in some of the world’s toughest situations. The Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI) at The University of Manchester, ranked the 6th best university in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2025), offers you exactly that chance. Through cutting-edge programmes like MSc Humanitarian Practice, MSc International Disaster Management, and the online PGDip in Global Health, HCRI equips students not just to succeed, but to lead on a global stage. Let’s explore the inspiring journeys of three alumni who turned their passion into action.
Kristina Torvik: from Passion to Purpose
Kristina Torvik is a graduate of the MSc International Disaster Management programme. She spent years seeking her professional purpose. At HCRI, she found not only direction but also invaluable practical skills. Her coursework, covering everything from drone mapping to disaster politics, prepared her extensively for her role coordinating search and rescue teams with the Norwegian Red Cross.
Kristina emphasises the real-world applicability of her studies: “At work, I have written disaster preparedness plans. I never thought I’d appreciate the 500-word essays we wrote, but they’ve taught me to communicate complex information succinctly.“
HCRI’s interdisciplinary approach provided Kristina with skills she relies on daily, from negotiation to practical disaster simulations, which now help her navigate critical real-world challenges.
Marwan Taher: Leadership in Action
Marwan Taher’s journey from dentistry to humanitarian leadership illustrates how HCRI programmes transform career paths. His MSc in Humanitarian Practice helped him secure an international leadership role with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Marwan now coordinates life-saving projects across countries including Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan.
“My time at HCRI was transformative. It gave me deep insights into humanitarian history, crucial negotiation skills, and leadership strategies for fluid and challenging environments.“
Marwan’s advice to future students is clear: “Be proactive, build your network early, gain field experience, and remain flexible and persistent, qualities essential to humanitarian success.“
Dr Lucio Jr Victor: bridging Theory and Practice
Dr Lucio Jr Victor, who completed the PGDip in Global Health online, entered humanitarian work after a career as a hospital-based doctor. For Lucio, HCRI provided comprehensive training that deepened his existing knowledge and offered a multidimensional view critical for working in resource-limited and conflict-prone areas.
“HCRI training brings further depth, breadth, and a multi-faceted perspective” Lucio says. “It prepares you to apply theory in practice, crafting durable solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems.“
At HCRI, you’re not just learning theory; you’re joining a community of leaders, change-makers, and experts dedicated to meaningful humanitarian work.
Ready to shape your future and change the world? Discover your path at HCRI and turn your passion into action.