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Why should I choose the Geneva Academy?
What career opportunities are available after I complete the programme?
Can I do a PhD after I complete the programme?
Does the programme offer distance-learning courses?
Can I get in touch with current students?
What are the criteria for admission to the programme?
If my application is not successful, can I reapply next year?
Can the admission fee be waived for me?
I have been admitted to the programme. Can I defer my offer to next year?
Is it possible for me to be exempt from the English test?
Do I need to have a C1 level of English before the application deadline?
What does a strong candidate look like?
Do both recommendation letters need to be academic?
How competitive is the application process?
What are the advantages of living and studying in Geneva?
What are the costs of living in Geneva?
Is it possible to work while I study?
I am applying for a scholarship, do I have to pay the application fee?
If I get admitted as a scholarship student, when do I receive the scholarship?
Can I apply for the scholarship track and the regular track simultaneously?
The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, established in 2007 as a joint centre of the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute, has acquired a global reputation for excellent teaching and research, attracting exceptional students to its master’s programmes.
Located in the heart of Geneva, an international city and humanitarian hub, we are able to interact closely with international organisations, NGOs, experts, governments and the private sector. We also actively participate in global discussions on international humanitarian law, human rights, international criminal law and transitional justice.
Transitional justice is a well-established, multidisciplinary field of academic inquiry and practical policy-making. It examines how societies that emerge from periods of civil war or oppressive government can deal with the legacy of human rights (HR) abuses.
In theory and practice, it focuses on practical measures and mechanisms such as criminal prosecutions, truth commissions, reparations and institutional reform, including post-conflict rule of law building (See, for example, the UN Secretary General’s report on the rule of law and transitional justice).
This one-year full-time Master of Advanced Studies (60 ECTS) in transitional justice, human rights and the rule of law is one of the very few programmes dedicated to transitional justice and human rights worldwide.
Designed for law students and focused on post-conflict human rights violations, this Master in Advanced Studies equips students to consider and understand the holistic nature of transitional justice, namely the mutual dependence of each pillar (truth, justice, reparation and guarantee of non-recurrence).
With core courses providing a firm grounding in human rights, transitional and criminal justice and optional courses exploring cutting-edge issues, students can tailor their studies according to their particular interests. Combining theoretical and practice-oriented perspectives, students will gain understanding of processes and mechanisms related to transitional justice, accountability mechanisms and justice reform in post-conflict situations and countries in transitions.
Students will gain access to world-renowned professors and leading experts in their respective fields and through extracurricular activities, they will also benefit from direct connections with leading actors. They will explore the relationship between state duties, victims’ rights, and the strategic goals of societal transformation. As transitional justice is an evolving field, the programme covers various processes, strategies, and dilemmas faced when designing and implementing these initiatives.
The main distinction between the Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law and the LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights is that the Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law is dedicated to post-conflict human rights violations, while the LLM focuses on armed conflicts. Students enrolled in either of the programmes have common optional courses and can participate in the Jean-Pictet Competition.
The Executive Master, on the other hand, is designed for high-level professionals and provides them with practical tools to apply international legal frameworks in contemporary conflicts.
Our alumni can be found globally, working in humanitarian or human rights hubs such as Geneva, in the field or working for organisations in their countries of origin. Their initial roles typically include positions in law, human rights, research. They typically work for:
The Geneva Academy does not offer PhD programmes. However, the Advanced Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law is recognised by the Law Faculty of the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies as diplomas accepted to enter the PhD programmes. A number of graduates have been accepted in PhD programmes at other universities. In such cases, you may need an additional master’s degree beyond the LLM or Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) from the Geneva Academy.
This is a full-time programme and no distance-learning courses are offered.
A Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law (60 ECTS credits), awarded by the University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies.
We are unable to put you in direct contact with our students, but you can read some of their testimonials on our website here.
While core courses provide a firm grounding in human rights and transitional justice, optional courses allow students to explore cutting-edge issues. The programme therefore enables students to tailor their studies according to their particular interests.
Through this master's programme, students will also gain access to world-renowned professors and leading experts in their respective fields. They will also benefit from direct connections with leading actors in fields related to the programme through the various extracurricular activities that we offer.
The Spring Term (February to June) is dedicated to furthering students' understanding of establishing, operating, and participating in accountability mechanisms addressing gross human rights violations and international crimes through core courses and practical/professionalising activities, including a compulsory internship. This term will put students on the right professional path, equipping them with the necessary tools to distinguish themselves in the job market and set them on the right career path. In order to develop the necessary skills and gain practical experience, we offer students the following:
Candidates should have:
• A full degree in law (received by June at the latest) of 4 years minium and enabling the applicant to sit the bar exam in the relevant country or a Master in a relevant field for the programme
• A strong academic record
• An interest in the subject areas of the programme
• Proven proficiency in English (level C1)
Professional experience in a field related to the programme is an asset.
You may apply during the final year of your degree, but you must receive your diploma by June 2025 at the latest. We will consider and assess your application based on your current transcript and grades obtained so far. Note that admission will be conditional in this case.
Previously unsuccessful candidates can reapply. This will not have a negative influence on the selection process.
We do not offer waivers for the admission fee. However, in cases of financial hardship, you may contact us to arrange payment in instalments. If you choose to pay in instalments, the full amount must be paid by 15 January 2025.
Deferrals are possible in exceptional cases and may be granted solely for the next academic year following the original admission offer.
Candidates with degrees other than law, in a field relevant to transitional justice (such as international relations or political science), and with significant training in public international law and courses related to our programme (e.g. international human rights law, international criminal law), may be accepted to the programme upon examination of their application.
Yes, if (1) your mother tongue is English, (2) you have completed an English-taught bachelor's or master's degree, or (3) you have at least two years of professional or academic experience in an English-speaking environment. Please upload proof of this with your application form.
Yes, during your application, you need to provide us with proof of your level of English. This cannot be sent after the deadline.
All applications are different, and there is no bespoke model for strong applications. All requested documents are carefully examined.
One academic reference letter is required. The second can be professional.
The application process is competitive, and we only admit 40 students per programme. This creates an exceptional learning environment where some of the most experienced and academically qualified students from around the world can meet.
Geneva offers an outstanding quality of life, consistently ranked among the top ten cities worldwide in international quality of life indices.
As the European headquarters of the United Nations (UN) and a global hub for multilateral diplomacy, Geneva hosts dozens of international organisations, over 250 NGOs, and 174 state representations, employing more than 29,000 people in this sector.
Each week, events organised by the Geneva Academy, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, the University of Geneva, international organisations, and NGOs feature leading experts in international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights (HR). These events often directly address topics covered in the LLM.
The city is clean, safe, and benefits from high-quality public facilities. Getting around is straightforward, whether by bicycle or public transport.
A multicultural city with more than 180 nationalities, Geneva boasts a vibrant cultural scene, offering a wide array of music concerts, festivals, dance performances, opera, films, art galleries, theatres, and museums. Many of these cultural activities are accessible to English speakers.
Students of the Geneva Academy have access to the University of Geneva’s sports and cultural facilities.
To meet living costs, students will need a minimum of about 1,600–2,000 Swiss Francs per month if they live in a student's residence and 1,900–2,100 Swiss Francs per month if they live in a private residence.
Our students receive a residence permit on arrival, which allows nationals from the EU to work up to 15 hours a week. It is possible to work full-time (40 hours a week) during official holidays.
Non-EU students, however, are not allowed to undertake paid work for the first six months of their stay. After six months, they can work up to 15 hours a week, except during official holidays when it is possible to work full-time (40 hours a week).
As this is a full-time intensive programme, we would not advise our students to find intensive employment that might interfere with their academic performance.
We offer a limited number of full scholarships (covering tuition fees and the cost of living) for citizens from specific countries.
Scholarships are awarded to outstanding candidates. We consider the application in its entirety, and we refer to our donors for the final decision. The donors select the recipient(s) of the scholarships based on merit and their own specific criteria.
Yes, the application fee also applies to scholarship applicants.
The tuition fee will be paid directly to the Geneva Academy. Starting September, you will receive a monthly payment for ten months to support your cost of living. Please note that you need to pay for your own transportation to Geneva and other costs you might have before September.
No, you must choose one of the two options. If you apply for the scholarship track, you cannot be considered for the regular track at a later stage.
