Practical information

Degrees

The UNIGE offers degree programmes in 12 fields, in French and in English.

These programmes are primarily aimed at graduates of universities and universities of applied sciences and arts, with relevant professional experience. Some programmes are open to individuals who do not hold a university degree but who can demonstrate they hold equivalent qualifications and proven professional experience. Click here for more information on admission requirements.

The degree programmes provide either comprehensive or more focused training in specific areas, giving participants the opportunity to update their knowledge, specialise in specific areas and upskill, or re-train when considering a change of career.

 

 
COS – Certificate of Open Studies / Certificat d'études ouvertes
  • Duration: 1–3 years
  • 6 ECTS credits
  • At least 150 hours of study (classes and individual work)

A Certificate of Open Studies (COS) are certified programmes open to everyone, especially migrants and refugees in emergency settings, regardless of academic background. The teachings are generally online, while the examinations take place at an approved exam centre.

 

 
CAS – Certificate of Advanced Studies / Certificat de formation continue
  • Duration: Up to 1 year
  • At least 10 ECTS credits
  • Between 250 and 300 hours of study (classes and individual work)
  • A written assignment
A Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) are short degrees. They provide participants with specific knowledge in a given field and an additional university-level qualification for their profession.

 

 
DAS – Diploma of Advanced Studies / Diplôme de formation continue
  • Duration: 1­–2 years
  • At least 30 ECTS credits
  • Between 750 and 900 hours of study (classes and individual work)
  • A written assignment
A Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) provide thorough training in a specific field and lead to an additional university-level qualification that is directly related to the participant’s profession and can open up new career opportunities.

 

 
MAS – Master of Advanced Studies / Maîtrise universitaire d’études avancées
  • Duration: 1–3 years
  • At least 60 ECTS credits
  • Between 1,500 and 1,800 hours of study (classes and individual work)
  • A written assignment
  • Possibly a work placement
A Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) offered in Switzerland enables participants to obtain an additional university-level qualification. It provides comprehensive training in a highly specialised field that is directly related to the participant’s profession and can expand career opportunities. In Switzerland, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), and a Master of Laws (LLM) are considered equivalent to a MAS.

 

 
DAPS – Doctorate of Advanced Professional Studies
  • Duration: 3–4,5 years
  • 80 ECTS credits
  • At least 2,000 hours of study (classes and individual work)
  • A thesis

A Doctorate of Advanced Professional Studies (DAPS) is a doctoral degree for experienced professionals who wish to undertake a programme that is applied in nature and of practical value to their career. It is based on applied research of real world problems.

 

 Additional programmes that lead to other qualifications are also offered.