Overview

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 writing of a final Paper:

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

 

Registration

Registration deadline

30 May 2026

Fees:

CHF 18'000.-

Detailed fees

The fee covers all reading materials, access to the online platform, live sessions, exams and supervision of the final research paper. No discounts or scholarships for this programme are available, but payment in installments / payment plans can be arranged if required.

Admission criteria

Admission is open to candidates holding a master’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, a bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences, or a qualification deemed equivalent as well as more than 3 years of relevant work experience in a field related to the programme.

Each application is carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Number of participants

40 participants

Application File

Applications are submitted online. Required documents:

  • A cover letter (in English) explaining your interest in and potential contribution to the programme
  • A curriculum vitae (in English)
  • Proof of English proficiency via a recognized test (if not your native or working language)
  • A colour copy of your passport
  • Copies of relevant degrees and diplomas (with certified translations if not in English or French)

Curriculum

Period

September 2026 - October 2028

Credits

60 ECTS credits

Schedule

All courses take place online, Wednesdays to Fridays (12:00–14:00 CET) to accommodate participants working full-time. Recordings are available for those unable to attend live sessions due to professional commitments.

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.

Pedagogical method

  • Online, part-time programme
  • Online courses at lunchtime (12:00 –14:00 CET), from Wednesday - Friday
  • World-renowned faculty and leading experts

 

Assessment

Quiz, written exams and end of programme master paper

Partnerships / Collaboration

Diploma delivered jointly by

University of Geneva, IHEID

Testimonial

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)

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

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development
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