Law

MAS Executive Master – International Law in Armed Conflict 2025

This innovative and intellectually challenging online programme is designed for professionals with demanding responsibilities. Responding to the growing need for specialists, it provides the legal tools to address complex contemporary conflicts, human rights negotiations, and criminal proceedings.

Download brochure

Previous edition

Information

Period

September 2025 - October 2027

60 ECTS credits

Part-time programme.

Language

English

Format

Distance learning

Contact

Geneva Academy
+41 (0)22 908 44 88
masters-inquiries(at)geneva-academy.ch

website

Location

Online

Registration

Registration deadline

30 May 2025

Application will open on 3 February 2025

Fees:

CHF 18'000.-

Contribution to the SDGs

Objectives

Acquire specialised knowledge concerning the legal framework applicable to armed conflict
Develop analytical tools and improve expertise in international law
Understanding complexed contemporary armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies

Audience

Diplomat, lawyer, legal advisor, judge, NGO staff, human rights advocate, media specialist, professional working in emergency situations, UN staff and staff from other international organisations

Programme

The programme is structured around 4 modules and the writting of a final Paper:

Public International Law
International Humanitarian Law
International Human Rights Law (including International Refugee Law)
International Criminal Law

Director(s)

Prof. Paola GAETA, Professor of International Law at the Geneva Graduate Institute and the Director at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, a joint center of the Faculty of Law, University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute

Coordinator(s)

Ana KILIBARDA, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights

Diploma delivered jointly by

University of Geneva, IHEID

The Executive Master in International Law in Armed Conflict is an online, part-time, innovative and intellectually challenging programme designed for professionals with demanding responsibilities. It provides the legal tools to address complex contemporary conflicts, human rights negotiations or criminal proceedings responding to the growing need for specialists.

Assessment

Quiz, oral and written exams, and end of programme master paper.

Pedagogical method

Online, part-time programme
Classes in the first nine months (October to June)
World-renowned faculty and leading experts

Admission criteria

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
Colour Copy of passport
Cover letter

Number of participants

40 participants

Schedule

Courses take place at lunchtime (12:00 –14:00 CET) online.

The programme is allowing me to have a more comprehensive understanding of international law, which was, beforehand, too focused on guaranteeing the rights of victims and the reconstruction of societies that have gone through massive violations of human rights or IHL. The Executive Master has given me confidence, knowledge, and tools to analyse other topics, such as social, economic, and environmental law, International Humanitarian Law and the new International Criminal Law dilemmas. This will allow me not only to cross it with my previous knowledge, making the analysis more complex, but also to approach them individually, making new connections. (Maria Cielo Linares 2023-2025)