Overview
Objectives
At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Map information landscapes across different humanitarian settings and geopolitical contexts
- Identify the mechanisms behind disinformation, rumours, propaganda, fake news, information warfare
- Develop response strategies to reputational attacks against humanitarian organisations
- Formulate coherent messages and adapt communication channels in polarised environments
- Arbitrate between transparency, security, dignity and acceptance
- Manage images, testimonies and sensitive data in hostile contexts
Audience
• Communication and public affairs officers, advocacy advisers, spokespersons;
• Field coordinators and programme managers;
• Community engagement, accountability and protection officers;
• Security, risk and conflict analysis specialists;
• Digital media and crisis communication specialists;
• Journalists and media practitioners in crisis settings
• Field coordinators and programme managers;
• Community engagement, accountability and protection officers;
• Security, risk and conflict analysis specialists;
• Digital media and crisis communication specialists;
• Journalists and media practitioners in crisis settings
Programme
- Part 1: Humanitarian communication under attack: from media relation to information battles
- Part 2: The new media ecology as a threat environment
- Part 3: Strategic mapping of audience and information ecosystems
- Part 4: Crisis communication and ethics in hostile information environments
- Part 5: Managing rumours, fake news and information warfare
Registration
Registration deadline
10 May 2026
Fees:
- Full price: CHF 1'700
- Partner rate (ICRC, MSF): 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
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a Swiss or foreign university
- At least three years of relevant professional experience
- Excellent command of English*
*Documents and language requirements for Executive Short Courses
Number of participants
The number of participants is adapted to the chosen pedagogy.
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.
Cancellation Policy
Please consult our cancellation policy.
Curriculum
Period
1 June 2026 - 12 June 2026
Credits
2 ECTS credits
Teaching hours
50 distance teaching hours
Director(s)
Prof. Karl BLANCHET, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, a joint Centre of the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID), Geneva
Coordinator(s)
Dr Valérie GORIN, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies
Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
