Join our one-week winter school in Antwerp on crisis governance. Learn about crisis leadership, resilience and communication with experts from the field, including but not limited to professionals from the Fire Department, Brussels Airport, PM, and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
In this intensive one-week programme on crisis governance, you will explore how organisations can anticipate, manage, and learn from complex and fast-evolving crises. From high-impact disruptions like pandemics to day-to-day operational challenges, you will gain insight into how leaders maintain control amid chaos. The course blends academic theory with hands-on practice: you will dive into crisis communication, decision-making under pressure, organisational resilience, and the role of networks in crisis response. Guest speakers include crisis professionals from sectors like public safety and critical infrastructure who will share real-world insights that bring the theory to life.
Through group assignments based on realistic fictional crisis scenarios, you will learn to develop adaptive governance strategies and critically assess their effectiveness in different contexts. You will leave the course equipped with practical tools, theoretical models, and the confidence to lead with clarity in uncertainty. Whether you are aiming for a role in public administration, emergency services, corporate leadership, or research, this course empowers you to become a forward-thinking crisis professional.
Target group
The winter school is created for master's students or professionals either working in crisis management positions or aspiring to do so.
Campus
This winter school takes place at Stadscampus (Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp) of the University of Antwerp. This campus is located in the city centre.
Micro-credential and study credits (ECTS)
3 credits can be awarded upon successful completion of the programme according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Credits will be awarded by the University of Antwerp on the basis of completing a preparatory track, 100% (active) participation during the course and group work and submission of an individual paper after the course.
To include the credits in the curriculum at the home institution, participants need an agreement with the responsible person at their university.
All certificates of completion are issued as a micro-credential.
Learning outcomes
Analyser
Learn how to identify crisis situations and respond effectively by anticipating developments, managing challenges, and communicating with clarity. You’ll discover how organisations build resilience and how these insights connect to the broader field of crisis management and governance.
Coordinator
Develop the ability to apply theoretical frameworks to complex crises. Through logical reasoning and analytical thinking, you’ll practise making sound decisions and achieving practical outcomes. You’ll gain the skills to interpret situational cues and respond in ways that strengthen organisational stability.
Communicator
Enhance your ability to communicate clearly and professionally in high-pressure environments. You’ll become skilled at engaging both internal teams and external stakeholders during crises, mastering verbal and written communication that conveys complex ideas with confidence and precision.
Social programme
Antwerp Summer & Winter University offers a number of fun social activities to let participants discover the beautiful city of Antwerp and meet fellow students in a more informal way.
Examples of activities in past editions are a visit to Antwerp’s city hall, a networking reception, a guided city walk, a pub quiz, a boardgame night, and rooftop yoga. All activities in the social programme are offered free of charge.
A few weeks before the start of the winter school, participants will receive an overview of all activities available during their programme, along with the opportunity to register.