Applications are now open for our two full-time Master of Advanced Studies programmes: the LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, and the Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Rule of Law. Candidates for the 2025–2026 academic year are invited to apply by 15 January 2025.
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.
Our full-time Master of Advanced Studies programmes (60 ECTS) are organised around small and intimate learning communities of around 40 students each year
In-depth discussions and exchanges between students and faculty members
Professionalising activities and events
Internships with carefully selected institutions and organisations
As an international humanitarian law and human rights hub, Geneva offers a broad range of conferences and public events featuring key experts and topics, as well as providing access to leading actors in the field
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:
This one-year full-time LLM – Master of Advanced Studies (60 ECTS) - in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights is one of the most innovative and intellectually challenging programmes in armed conflict offered today.
With a focus on armed conflicts, this Master in Advanced Studies is designed for law students seeking to deepen their expertise in the intersection of international humanitarian law, human rights law, and conflict-related legal issues. It combines rigorous theoretical frameworks with practical training, equipping students with the skills to navigate complex legal challenges in both conflict and post-conflict settings.
The programme allows students to tailor their studies according to their particular interests, with core courses providing a firm grounding in public international law, international humanitarian law, international human rights law, international refugee law and international criminal law, and optional courses allowing students to explore cutting-edge issues.
Students will gain access to world-renowned professors and leading experts in their respective fields. Through extracurricular activities, they will also benefit from direct connections with leading actors such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
FAQ about the LLM in international Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
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.
FAQ about the Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law
Both programmes include practical components to set students on the right professional path through:
Candidates should have:
Professional experience in a field related to the programme is an asset.
Tuition fees: CHF 18,000
Limited number of scholarships available
Applications open: 4 November 2024
Applications close: 15 January 2025
Learn about the application process for each programme and apply online:
Apply for the LLM - International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
Apply for the Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Rule of Law
If you would like more information about our programmes, please contact our Education Office.
You can also join one of our online information sessions:
29 November - session with alumni
13 December - session on admission + Q&A