Program Overview

Executive Master of Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Action

Overview

The Executive Master of Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Action is a unique blended learning postgraduate program that provides current and future humanitarian professionals with the managerial, theoretical, and practical skills needed to optimize responses to humanitarian crises.

Objectives

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the evolution of the humanitarian system, governance, and stakeholders
• Demonstrate knowledge of core humanitarian values, principles, codes, and frameworks
• Engage with major debates and critiques in the humanitarian sector
• Critically assess humanitarian contexts and complex emergencies
• Assess, monitor, and evaluate humanitarian projects
• Demonstrate key management, leadership, and accountability skills
• Develop relevant skillsets and competencies for the humanitarian sector

Audience

The program is designed for:

• Professionals in humanitarian social and development organizations who want to improve their competencies
• Professionals from other sectors who wish to deepen their understanding of contemporary humanitarian action
• Post-graduate students with internship experience who want to work in humanitarian action

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the evolution of the humanitarian system, governance, and stakeholders
• Demonstrate knowledge of core humanitarian values, principles, codes, and frameworks
• Engage with major debates and critiques in the humanitarian sector
• Critically assess humanitarian contexts and complex emergencies
• Assess, monitor, and evaluate humanitarian projects
• Demonstrate key management, leadership, and accountability skills
• Develop relevant skillsets and competencies for the humanitarian sector

Programme Structure

The Master program is a modular executive training of 60 ECTS credits composed of four parts:

1. Part One: Critical Analysis of Humanitarian Action Residential term in Geneva, September-December (Diploma of Advanced Studies: 25 ECTS Credits)
   • Module 1: Humanitarianisms
   • Module 2: Contexts, Actions, and Consequences
   • Module 3: Revisiting Vulnerability and Needs
   • Module 4: Humanitarian Governance, Norms, and Principles
   • Module 5: The Humanitarians and the Social World of Aidland
2. Part Two: Quality Management of Humanitarian Projects Online term, January-April (Certificate of Advanced Studies: 10 ECTS Credits)
3. Part Three: Executive Short Courses Online term, April-October (2 ECTS credits per course)
   • A series of short elective courses focusing on key approaches and evaluative tools of humanitarian contexts
4. Part Four: Final Dissertation (15 ECTS Credits) Online

Admission Criteria

• A Bachelors degree or equivalent from a Swiss or foreign university
• At least two years of relevant professional experience
• Excellent command of English

Fees

• Option I: MAS in 14 months CHF 15000
• Option II: MAS in 2 or 3 academic years CHF 17000
• Deposit: CHF 1'000 (upon acceptance of admission)

Registration Deadline

30 June 2025

Diploma Awarded

Once students successfully complete the Master of Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Action's full program, they obtain a degree delivered by the University of Geneva (UNIGE).

Period and Format

• Period: September 2025 - October 2026
• Format: Blended learning
• Language: English
• Location: Geneva and online

Credits and Teaching Hours

• 60 ECTS credits
• Around 1500 hours of work for the whole Master
• 200 teaching hours
• 200 distance teaching hours

Testimonials

The program has been described by past students as an "incredibly intense yet enriching experience" that challenges participants to critically analyze the humanitarian system and provides them with the skills and knowledge needed to grow professionally in the sector.