Britain's first Hostile Environment course to be offered to journalism students as part of their curriculum is already paying off, as students use their training to keep safe in places as far flung as Ethiopia and Sri Lanka.

The three-day residential course for students taking University College Falmouth's MA in International Journalism is run by former Royal Marines and includes risk assessment, conflict resolution, check point negotiation, hostage negotiation and first aid.

Student Dan Morgan was forced to take evasive action covering the G8 Summit in Germany when anarchist groups clashed with riot police.

He said: "During the G8 riots I felt I was far more aware of the potential dangers of entering such a situation. Rather than rushing into the thick of things, I considered these potential hazards first, always looking out to secure my own personal safety.

"At no point did I fear for my own wellbeing, as I always had a secure escape route."

Danielle Taaffe has been researching and interviewing in Spain for her documentary on crime.

She said: "On the Hostile Environment course, I learned how to risk assess a situation.

"This proved to be useful during the filming of my documentary, as I had to weigh up the safety of situations I was entering as I was looking into the criminal world on the Costa del Sol."

George Matheson, former international reporter and now course leader of the MA in International Journalism, said he was pleased the training had practical use.

He said: "The course gives students that vital instinct – to stop and think about the dangers while caught up in the excitement of getting a story.

"It also gives them the practical skills to avoid trouble. What's more the students all had a great time taking the course – so it's a win-win situation."