Executive Education › Degree Programmes › Oil & Gas Leadership › Practical Information › Facilities › FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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Logistics 

 

Application 

 

Tuition fees 

 

Programme 

Logistics 

Does the Graduate Institute offer any on-campus housing?  

The Graduate Institute cannot provide participants with accommodation. We can advise on particular residences and hotels according to your wishes and budget. Do not hesitate to contact our office for help.

 

I am a non-Swiss resident, can I apply?  

Yes, the Graduate Institute welcomes all nationalities in its Programmes.

 

I do not speak French, is it a problem?  

Classes are taught in English, and there are plenty of English-speaking activities and services in Geneva. However, Geneva can also become the place for you to discover or improve your knowledge of French!

 

Can I bring my laptop?  

There is wireless network access for laptops in most parts of the Graduate Institute. Full details of IT services will be provided upon your arrival. Please do not forget to bring a power adapter from your country to be able to plug in your laptop.

 

Do I have to live in Geneva to attend the programme? 

No, you don't. Since courses are held over three periods of three weeks over a period of nine months, there is no need to live in Geneva to attend the Programme.

 

I am currently unemployed, can I attend the programme? 

Yes, you can. We take into consideration all motivated individuals with past working experience and a professional project related to international oil and gas.

 

Will I have time to manage my regular job responsibilities during the programme? 

Yes, you will. The programme is designed for working professionals. Aside from the three-week modules in May, September and January when attendance at classes is compulsory, participants will be expected to integrate their training with their professional responsibilities (observation of the working place, research for their final thesis). Approximately 6 hours of personal homework per week are expected during the programme. Participants are expected to participate in least 80% of the full programme in order to be awarded the diploma.

 

Can I participate through distance-learning courses? 

No, you can't. You need to attend courses in person.

 

Application  

What do I need to support my application? 

The application file is quite simple. Fill in the application form online and submit two professional letters of recommendation and copies of your academic diplomas by email to iog@graduateinstitute.ch.

 

Do I need to provide with English Proficiency test results?  

Since the programme is taught in English, applicants are expected to be proficient in the use of this language. No certificate is required, but they must fully understand courses in English and be able to write short essays.

 

Do I need to include a letter of reference with my application?  

No, you do not need to include a letter of reference, but you need to provide contact details of your referees. 

 

Are there prerequisites for the courses?  

There are generally no prerequisites. Participants are expected to have a good command of English and to hold a Bachelor or a Master degree.

 

When do I have to apply?  

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 15 November 2012. Apply early since seats are limited.

 

How is my application assessed?  

Once your application is received, it will then be considered for approval by our academic committee. Your application will be assessed within 4 weeks, unless we contact you for further information. Once accepted, you will receive a letter of admission along with a tuition fees invoice.

 

Tuition fees 

Does the Graduate Institute offer any financial aid for IOG participants?  

A limited number of partial scholarships (50% tuition waivers) is available (upon request and based on the quality of application). We can also send a letter of recommendation directly to your sponsors and/or scholarship committee upon request.

 

Can my employer cover part - or all - of my tuition fees? 

Yes. We strongly encourage candidates to enquire with their Human Resources Department whether executive education can be sponsored. We would be pleased to send reference letters in support of your fundraising.

 

When do I pay the tuition fees?  

A confirmation deposit of CHF 6'000.- is due upon receipt of your formal admission letter and invoice. You should follow the payment schedule as mentioned in your invoice.
 

Can I pay by bank transfer?  

Once accepted on the Programme, you will receive an invoice with a reference number. Payments may be made online through our online electronic system or by bank transfer to:

UBS SA, Rue du Rhône 8, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland.
Beneficiary: Fondation pour l'étude des relations int. et du développement

IBAN: CH080024024048494300D
BIC/SWIFT: UBSWCHZH80A
REF: Invoice Number

Please note payments can only be received in Swiss Francs.

 

Will I get a refund if I withdraw from the Programme?  

If you withdraw

  • before 1 December : you will receive a 95% refund of tuition fees paid by that date.

  • between 1 December and the start of the Programme: you will receive a 65% refund of tuition fees paid by that date.

Please note that no refunds will be given after the start of the Programme.

 

How do I withdraw from the Programme?  

You should immediately inform the Programme Director of your withdrawal by email. It is important that you do so as soon as possible so that we can attribute your seat to another candidate.

 

Programme 

Is IOG a full-time Master programme?  

No, it isn't. IOG uses an executive format. Our participants meet three times for intensive period of three-week seminars. IOG is designed for professionals and does not lead to a master or doctoral programme.

 

Is IOG comparable to an MBA ? 

Although IOG is dedicated to enhancing professional leadership and qualifications, it is not an MBA. Topics included in IOG are focused on global understanding and analytical thinking.

 

I have 15 years of professional experience, is IOG still for me? 

Yes, it is. Because IOG aims to help you analyse current global issues and practice your soft skills, it seeks to improve your qualifications, depending on your current professional challenges. Moreover, its aim is to bring together participants of all ages and experiences from both the public and private sectors.

 

Can I attend only parts of the Programme? 

No, you cannot choose separate modules but need to attend at least 80% of the full nine-month curriculum to succeed and be awarded the Executive Master in International Oil and Gas Leadership.

 

What will my timetable look like? 

Classes will take place from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday for four periods of two/three weeks (January, May, September-October, February)

 

Will I have full access to the library and IT facilities? 

All participants are encouraged to make full use of Graduate Institute's facilities. They will be given access to the library once they register. They will also be given a personal IT account, and internet access in the Graduate Institute's computer rooms. There is wireless network access for laptop computers in most parts of the Graduate Institute.

 

What is an Executive Master degree ?    

An Executive Master is a part-time and degree-granting programme designed for professionals which aims to combine sharp theoretical knowledge with practice-oriented courses. It is an internationally-recognised "Diploma of advanced studies" but does not lead to a Ph.D. programme. It is equivalent to 60 ECTS. It is oriented towards enhancing participants' careers and skills in their working environment.

 

Do I need to take examinations during the Programme? 

Yes, you do. Four types of assessment are required to successfully achieve the Executive Master on International Oil and Gas Leadership. 

 

When will examinations take place? 

Examinations will take place at the end of each module (on site exam or take-home essay questions). 

 

When will the final paper be due? 

Our faculty will help you prepare your research paper from the beginning of your programme. The 8'000/10'000-word paper will be due at the latest on March 1 at the end of the programme.

 

Do I get a diploma at the end of the Programme? 

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded an Executive Master in International Oil and Gas Leadership or an Executive Diploma in International Oil and Gas Leadership by the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. The diploma will specify the modules you successfully attended.  The Executive Diploma is worth 30 european credits (ECTS), the Executive Master is worth 60 european credits (ECTS).

 

I am a current graduate student, can I attend IOG ? 

Graduates with a strong interest in international oil and gas industry and some significant work experience can apply to the programme. 

 

Is there any dress code for the Programme? 

Dress code at the Graduate Institute is usually informal.

 

How much reading will I be expected to do before the course? During the course? 

Each teaching week of the Programme is accompanied by a syllabus indicating topics covered, discussion questions, learning outcomes as well as required reading. Each week, required reading will be approximately 100 pages, and will be tailored to closely fit the needs of the course. Supplementary reading will be provided as well, and participants will be strongly encouraged to explore them in an effort to enhance their learning. All reading requirements will be posted in electronic form on the password-protected section of the website. Participants should expect an approximate weekly workload of 6 hours in addition to the taught courses.

 

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