Taking the LEAP into humanitarian practice – student experience

Blog 25 Sep 2020
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LEAP students

The LEAP programme in Humanitarian Practice is a Masters degree for humanitarian professionals. It was designed by a unique partnership between LSTM, The University of Manchester’s Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI) and humanitarian medical non-governmental organisation Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders.

Since launching in 2019, the programme has welcomed over 130 students, from 50 countries. Delivered in a blended learning format, the programme enables students to critically reflect on issues arising in both their work, the wider humanitarian agenda, as well as develop the skillset needed to become the humanitarian leaders of tomorrow. LEAP is specifically targeted towards humanitarian professionals working in the field, with learning both useful and critical to their work.

“Apart from the future career opportunities it will create, the course has given me a new mindset in the area of humanitarian work. It has shown me that in the world of humanitarianism, one is not limited to just one approach.”

Ira Johnson,
LEAP student and MSF Liaison Officer in Sierra Leone

In the video below we spoke to a number of students to find out more about the programme about how it complements their work in the humanitarian sector.

“Many students have highlighted how the LEAP programme helps them better reflect on their practice, make more informed choices and empower them in their decision making. This is extremely valuable, and we can see already how students in the field are using evidence and critical perspectives in their daily activities.”

Imri Schattnner-Ornan,
Senior Lecturer in Humanitarian Studies
LSTM’s Director of Studies for the LEAP Programme

Find out more:

Applications to the LEAP programme are open all year round, with entry points in September and January.
For more information about the programme, please visit the LEAP webpages.