Overview
Objectives
At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Analyse existing evidence on the effects of climate change on health, health systems and population displacement
- Apply a planetary health lens to analyse links between climate and other environmental hazards, health risks, and vulnerability in a selected healthcare or humanitarian context
- Define a clear organisational problem statement and map key pathways, stakeholders, and leverage points
- Formulate an evidence-informed intervention logic and a communication plan tailored to a target audience
- Implement key economic principles and approaches linking planetary boundaries and human well-being, including alternatives to continued GDP-focused growth
- Make trade-offs explicit using a sufficiency/planetary boundaries lens (what scales up, what shifts, what stops)
Audience
Professionals in the humanitarian, development, or social sector who want to strengthen their skills in health-related work and planetary health action
Professionals from other sectors (e.g., policy, donor agencies, government, or the health sector) who want to improve their understanding of how health and humanitarian systems can respond to climate and other environmental risks
Graduate students with relevant volunteer or internship experience who wish to undertake a postgraduate short course as preparation for work in the humanitarian sector
Professionals from other sectors (e.g., policy, donor agencies, government, or the health sector) who want to improve their understanding of how health and humanitarian systems can respond to climate and other environmental risks
Graduate students with relevant volunteer or internship experience who wish to undertake a postgraduate short course as preparation for work in the humanitarian sector
Programme
- Week 1: Planetary health foundations and problem mapping
- Week 2 : Evidence-based interventions and plans for advocacy
Registration
Registration deadline
6 September 2026
Fees:
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Full price: CHF 1’700
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Partner rate (MSF, ICRC): CHF 1’360 (20% discount)
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Special Rate: CHF 850. Available exclusively to nationals or staff from local/national NGOs, CBOs, government, INGOs, or IOs in low/middle-income countries (OECD DAC list) with salaries aligned to local living costs. Proof required.
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No scholarships are available.
Admission criteria
- University qualification (bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
- At least three years of relevant professional experience
- Excellent command of English
- Notivation working in the humanitarian sector
Application File
- CV (Resume)
- Cover letter (explaining what is the reason why you apply for this course and how will the acquired skills help you in your career)
- Employer’s funding agreement, if applicable
- Partial tuition fee waiver form, if applicable
- Highest educational qualification obtained
- Work certificate or official document of your current job position
- Proof of English language competence to be dated less than 2 years (see details below)
- Portrait photo (ID format)
- Scanned copy of the passport
More information about the application process is available on our admissions page.
Curriculum
Period
28 September 2026 - 9 October 2026
Credits
2 ECTS credits
Teaching hours
50 distance teaching hours
Director(s)
Prof. Karl BLANCHET, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, University of Geneva
Coordinator(s)
Prof. Karl BLANCHET, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies
Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
