Overview
Objectives
- Build your knowledge of key international security issues – both traditional and emerging - across national, regional and global contexts.
- Enhance your ability to analyse the evolution of contemporary security challenges, their interconnections, and assess the effectiveness of current policy responses.
- Strengthen your leadership skill-set within a multi-cultural and cross-sectoral environment, integrating into a wide community of experts and policymakers in international security.
Audience
Programme
- The Evolving Dimensions of Security Policy
- 21st Century Security Challenges
- A World of Regions?
- Issues and Concepts in International Security
- MAS Research Paper
Diploma awarded
Registration
Registration deadline
Fees:
CHF 17'900.-
Admission criteria
- A university degree or equivalent
- At least several years of professional experience, ideally in a security policy-related field
- Proficiency in English, the working language of the course
Application File
- Copy of passport/ID
- An updated CV
- A letter of motivation (800 words max). The letter should include 2-3 objectives you have for the programme, the number of years of experience you have working in peace and security, indicate how your fees and living costs will be covered (sending institution, third party, yourself, other)? If you have a valid, multi-entry D Schengen visa?
- A copy of relevant university degree(s) and grade transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation signed by former/current supervisors outlining their recommendation for your participation in the course
- A writing sample of 1500 words (which we will verify with an anti-plagiarism software) on either:
a) What is the purpose and relevance of reforming the United Nations Security Council? Or
b) Is the current crisis of the ‘liberal world order’ a turning point in international relations?
Cancellation Policy
Any withdrawal before the start of the programme will incur an administration fee of CHF 400.-. Fees will be payable in full once the course has begun.
Curriculum
Period
Credits
The programme, running for more than 20 years, combines academic depth from the University of Geneva’s Global Studies Institute with policy relevance from the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, offering both space for reflection and direct engagement with practitioners. Participants engage with pressing global challenges—from, for example, conflict and terrorism to geo-economics, climate and health — through a multidisciplinary lens that blends academic rigour with policy applicability. They are equipped with the analytical depth and practical tools to navigate today’s complex security landscape.
Over eight months in Geneva — one of the world’s foremost centres of diplomacy and multilateral cooperation — participants step out of their daily professional path to gain the perspective, skills, and networks needed to advance to the next stage of their careers. With over 130 international experts contributing, and a highly diverse group of participants, the MAS provides a uniquely holistic view of security in the 21st century. Modules span global, regional, and thematic security issues, alongside a research thesis that deepens strategic insight.
As a result, participants graduate not only with a University of Geneva degree, but with sharpened leadership skills, expanded global networks, and the capacity to take on greater responsibility in government, international organisations, NGOs, or the private sector.
Description
Gain a solid foundation in how today’s international system has developed, and analytical frameworks to build understanding of the current trajectory, turning points and leadership approaches. This module equips you to understand and navigate the drivers of global security policy in a rapidly changing world.
Description
Examine the critical issues shaping security today: from conflict management to the impact of new technologies, while exploring transnational threats such as terrorism, cyber risks, health crises, and climate change. You’ll strengthen your ability to analyse these challenges and assess the effectiveness of policy responses.
Description
Explore how regional dynamics influence global security. This module looks at diverse contexts — including Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, the Euro-Atlantic area, and Asia— helping you compare trends, actors, and responses across regions and multi-stakeholder settings.
Description
Deepen your conceptual and analytical skills through a series of advanced lectures. This module sharpens your ability to connect theory and practice, reinforcing the academic rigour that underpins the policy focus of the programme.
Description
Undertake an independent research project (10,000–12,000 words) that integrates academic analysis with policy relevance. This is your opportunity to produce work that speaks to both scholarly debates and real-world policy challenges, guided by expert faculty.
Pedagogical method
This intensive 8 month course engages you through academic workshops, classroom analysis, peer to peer networking, and individual skills enhancement.
Partnerships / Collaboration
Partnership
Director(s)
Prof. Catherine HOEFFLER, Global Studies Institute (GSI), University of Geneva and Dr Ivan URETA, Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)
Coordinator(s)
Steering committee
- Dr Alessia BIAVA, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva
- Prof. Catherine HOEFFLER, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva
- Dr Siobhán MARTIN, Geneva Centre for Security Policy
- Prof. Didier PÉCLARD, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva
- Dr Ivan URETA, Geneva Centre for Security Policy
Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
