ExMas Applications Open Banner

Apply to Our Online Executive Master - MAS in International Law in Armed Conflict

Applications are now open for our online Executive Master – Master of Advanced Studies in International Law in Armed Conflict. Candidates for the 2025–2027 programme are invited to apply by 30 May 2025.

In Brief

 

  • Master of Advanced Studies (60 ECTS)
  • Part-time programme over two years, entirely online
  • Focus on all rules applicable to armed conflicts, and their interrelation
  • Live online classes (12:00 to 14:00 CET) to promote discussions and interaction
  • All sessions are recorded and made available online
  • E-learning platform to facilitate learning and engagement
  • Small cohort of participants
  • Privileged access to world renowned professors, practitioners and experts
  • Knowledgeable teaching assistants to support participants in their learning

Who We Are

 

The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, established in 2007 as a joint centre of the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute, has acquired a global reputation for excellent teaching and research, attracting exceptional students to its Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programmes.

Exceptional Learning Environment

 

  • Small learning community with only 40 participants selected each year
  • Engaging discussions and exchanges between participants and faculty members

Moving Your Career Forward

 

Diplomats, lawyers, legal advisers, humanitarians, NGO staff, human rights advocates, media specialists, professionals working in emergency situations, UN staff and staff from other international organisations share expertise, discuss pressing concerns and reflect on the application of international law to their work. By providing the necessary tools to apply the international legal framework in complex contemporary conflicts, our programme equips high-level professionals with the relevant skills and knowledge to take on additional responsibilities or advance their careers.


Programme

 

This innovative and intellectually challenging part-time programme, offered entirely online, is designed for professionals with demanding jobs and responsibilities. The 60 ECTS Executive Master – Master of Advanced Studies in International Law in Armed Conflict provides the legal tools needed to address complex contemporary conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, human rights negotiations, and criminal proceedings, meeting the growing demand for specialists.

Through this programme, participants will gain access to world-renowned professors and leading experts in their fields. They will also benefit from direct connections with key actors in the field and have the opportunity to engage with fellow participants from an array of different legal backgrounds and perspectives.

Course Structure & Delivery

 

Courses are conducted online over nine months, with live sessions held at lunchtime (12:00-14:00 CET). If participants are unable to attend a session due to professional commitments (e.g., missions, travel, conferences), they can access the recorded lectures afterward.

A user-friendly online platform facilitates direct interaction with professors, fellow participants, and teaching assistants. It also provides access to course materials and readings, enables exam submissions, and allows participants to view their grades.

After completing the exams, participants must write a research paper under the guidance of a faculty member. The programme concludes with an official graduation ceremony held in person in Geneva. Alternatively, participants can attend the ceremony online and receive their diploma by post.

Learn more about the programme.

Admissions

 

Candidates who apply should have:

  • Work experience relevant to the programme
  • A bachelor’s degree
  • Proficiency in English

Tuition Fees

 

Tuition fees: CHF 18,000

Key Dates

 

Applications open: 3 February 2025

Applications close: 30 May 2025

Programme starts: September 2025

Programme ends: October 2027

How to Apply

 

You can apply on our website here. 


Documents required for application are:

  • A cover letter in English explaining your interest in and potential contribution to the programme
  • Your curriculum vitae in English
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • A colour copy of your passport

LEARN MORE

 

FAQ about the Executive Master – Master of Advanced Studies in International Law in Armed Conflict

If you would like more information about the programme, please do not hesitate to contact Ana Kilibarda at:

masters-inquiries@geneva-academy.ch

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Rubina Paparelli News

Executive Master of Advanced Studies in International Law in Armed Conflict: What Alumni Say

8 April 2025

Rubina Paparelli, Head of Syria Support at the International Committee of the Red Cross, tells about her experience taking our Executive Master of Advanced Studies.

Read more

ICRC Conference Booth News

Challenging Preconceptions About International Humanitarian Law

13 November 2024

At the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, we hosted a booth with Geneva Call and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.

Read more

Warzone Event

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

25-29 August 2025, 09:00-17:30

Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.

Read more

Event

Strengths and Challenges of Inter-State Applications Before the European Court of Human Rights

12 May 2025, 18:30-20:00

In this Geneva Academy Talk Judge Lətif Hüseynov will discuss the challenges of inter-State cases under the ECHR, especially amid rising conflict-related applications.

Read more

Screenshot of the RULAC webpage Project

Rule of Law in Armed Conflicts (RULAC)

Started in May 2007

The Rule of Law in Armed Conflicts project (RULAC) is a unique online portal that identifies and classifies all situations of armed violence that amount to an armed conflict under international humanitarian law (IHL). It is primarily a legal reference source for a broad audience, including non-specialists, interested in issues surrounding the classification of armed conflicts under IHL.

Read more

Iraq, Mosul. View of the west bank after the war. Project

IHL in Focus

Started in January 2024

As a yearly publication, it keeps decision-makers, practitioners and scholars up-to-date with the latest trends and challenges in IHL implementation in over 100 armed conflicts worldwide – both international and non-international.

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2023

published on July 2024

Read more

Cover of Report Publication

Artificial Intelligence And Related Technologies In Military Decision-Making On The Use Of Force In Armed Conflicts: Current Developments And Potential Implications

published on May 2024

Anna Rosalie Greipl, Neil Davison, Georgia Hinds

Read more