Discover our New Executive Master in Humanitarian Action!
A flexible programme built around micro-credentials
Starting in September 2026, the Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Studies introduces a redesigned Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Humanitarian Action built around stackable micro-credentials. This new programme equips humanitarian professionals with the skills to analyse interconnected crises, move beyond sectoral approaches, and design systemic responses by mobilising knowledge, partnerships, and resources across sectors.
Most humanitarian training programmes are organised around operational sectors (health, protection, logistics) or academic disciplines. In professional practice, however, the most significant challenges are not sectoral. They arise in the interactions between actors, institutions, and contexts. Training effective professionals therefore means equipping them with the tools to understand and manage these interactions.
This new structure allows professionals to learn at their own pace, combine short courses, and progressively build a full Master degree.
Why this new structure?
The reform responds to major transformations in the humanitarian sector and provides interdisciplinary learning adapted to these evolving challenges:
Analyse and navigate complex humanitarian contexts by applying systems thinking to interconnected crises
Lead and manage humanitarian action in conditions of uncertainty by making informed operational and strategic decisions in rapidly evolving crisis settings
Design accountable, inclusive and people-centred interventions taking into account responsibility and duty of care while addressing inequalities
Critically assess emerging risks and transformations shaping humanitarian action, such as climate change, digitalization, AI and evolving crisis governance mechanisms
Influence decision-making and engage strategically with diverse actors in complex humanitarian, political and institutional environments across local and global levels
Reflect critically on humanitarian practice and contribute to organizational learning by analysing dilemmas and practice-oriented knowledge
Project managers and field coordinators in the humanitarian, development or peace sector looking to increase their competencies as well as reflect and capitalise on their experiences
Policy makers, diplomats, and crisis managers from other sectors (health, military, private sector, social assistance) who wish to develop their understanding of the humanitarian sector for a potential career change
Graduate students with relevant volunteer or intern experience, looking to undertake a postgraduate programme with a view to entering the humanitarian sector
