Switzerland: The Executive Master in International Law in Armed Conflict

The programme is structured around four modules that provide a solid theoretical and practical knowledge of the law that applies to armed conflicts. Modules are complemented by a five-day intensive extracurricular seminar, Leading in the Human Rights Council, and the writing of a master’s thesis.

Module 1: Public International Law

This module comprises courses on the sources and subjects of public international law, sanctions in public international law, and the rules that govern the use of force in international law and the ‘Responsibility to Protect’.

Module 2: International Humanitarian Law

This module comprises courses on the basic principles of international humanitarian law (IHL), the protection of persons and property in international armed conflict, the classification of armed conflicts and the law of non-international armed conflicts.

Module 3: Human Rights in Armed Conflict

This module comprises courses on international refugee law, the interplay between IHL and human rights and peacebuilding in post-conflict situations.

Module 4: International Criminal Law

This module comprises courses on international criminal law and the International Criminal Court and tribunals.

Five-Day Intensive Seminar: Leading in the Human Rights Council

This extracurricular seminar, ahead of the main session of the Human Rights Council, allows participants to develop their network and acquire the necessary skills to lead and perform effectively in this major forum for human rights diplomacy.

Master’s Thesis

One of the core outputs of the Executive Master is a master’s thesis written under the guidance of a faculty member. Participants are not required to remain on campus or in Geneva to write their thesis.

The Faculty

Participants in the Executive Master have the opportunity to be taught by leading academics in the fields of international law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must have:

• Work experience in a relevant field
• A bachelor's degree
• Proficiency in English: candidates whose mother tongue is not English must provide a certificate to prove their knowledge of English or a statement highlighting their solid background in English
• A valid visa or residence permit (only applicants who require a visa to enter the Schengen area)

A straightforward Online Application

You can apply for the Executive Master in International Law in Armed Conflict via a straightforward, online form.
If you encounter problems with your application, do not hesitate to contact us.

Please read the information in this section carefully before starting an application, as it will help ensure a quick and smooth application process.

Three Simple Steps

The online application is divided into the following three steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Attach the required documents
3. Submit your application

Retrieving your Information

If you do not complete your application form in one go you have the following two options:

1. A cookie will allow you to retrieve all the information you have provided, only if (1) you work from the same computer; (2) you haven’t refused the use of cookies when accessing the Geneva Academy website for the first time; (3) you haven’t refused cookies by adjusting the settings of your web browser.
2. You can copy and paste or bookmark the URL found at the bottom of the online application form. When you paste this URL into your web browser you will retrieve all the information you have entered on the form, even if you are working from a different computer.

Confidentiality

The information you provide in the application form will be treated in the strictest confidence and will only be used by the Admissions Committee.

Required documents

All the documents required are specified in the online application form and have to be attached to your online application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The documents you have to provide with your application are:

• An application letter in English (no longer than two pages)
• Your curriculum vitae in English
• Proof of competence in English
• A copy of your passeport
• A valid copy of your visa or residence permit (only candidates who need a visa to enter the Schengen area)

Please do not send original documents, as all submitted materials become the property of the Geneva Academy upon receipt. Documents cannot be returned to the applicant nor forwarded to other schools or agencies.