⇒ The IMAS is an Executive Education MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) for mid-career professionals (not to be confused with the 2-year Bologna Master).
⇒ The “international” dimension of this MAS is reflected both in the cooperation between institutions in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America and in the teaching which is delivered by faculty from each of these four continents. Furthermore, all participants in the IMAS are themselves from one of these four continents.
⇒ The IMAS is a nine-month course, divided into three distinct phases, which takes place over a one-year period; it is worth 60 credits under the European Credits Transfer System (ECTS). It also includes the completion of a dissertation based on a field study.
⇒ The first phase of the course (introduction to the concepts and methods) lasts 9 weeks, with an additional week set aside for preparatory reading. It takes place simultaneously in Vietnam, Peru and Mali, in collaboration with the AITVN, DESCO and ISTA respectively, all partner graduate institutions. The second phase, which lasts 17 weeks, consists of a field study, and takes place in the country of residence of the participants. Finally, the third phase, which lasts 9 weeks (and is devoted to consolidation of knowledge and sharing of experience), takes place in Geneva; it includes one distance-learning module.
⇒ The IMAS programme is managed by a Director, who is assisted by an Executive Committee which includes regional managers, representatives of partner institutions and administrative staff.
⇒ A Consultative Committee, composed of members of the Institute, representatives of partner institutions, experts from other academic and professional institutions and financial partners, provides input to the strategic orientation of the programme.
⇒ The partner institutions play an integral part in the administrative and logistical coordination of this course. They are also closely involved in the pedagogical development of the course (participation in designing course content and tutoring students), particularly during the first two phases of the course. As far as the teaching is concerned, there is also close collaboration with regional universities, bilateral agencies, NGOs, public administrations and international organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organisation WHO), the World Bank, etc.
⇒ Teaching and transmission of knowledge is conducted through presentations and using virtual tools (electronic platforms). Teaching staff from the Institute and partner institutions are actively involved in teaching in three of the regions and in Geneva.
⇒ Assessment: The successful transition from one phase of the course to the next is subject to a set of specific conditions that are laid out in the Study Regulations.
⇒ Languages of instruction: the languages of instruction during the first phase of the course are English (Hanoi), French (Bamako) and Spanish (Lima). During the third phase, which takes place in Geneva, French is the primary language of instruction. Simultaneous interpretation and translation will be provided for all three languages. However, in order to facilitate communication among participants during the third phase of the course, they should have a basic understanding of at least two other languages in addition to their own.
⇒ Participant recruitment is carried out on all four continents; however, priority is given to certain regions:
- The Sahel in Africa;
- the Andean region in Latin America;
- the Greater Mekong in Asia;
- Switzerland as well as other European countries and North America.
Twelve candidates are accepted from every region (Africa, Asia and Latin America).
Participants from Switzerland, Europe and North America (6 in total) join one of the three groups from Africa, Asia and Latin America for the first phase of the course. They may, however, should they choose to do so, undertake their field study in the North (second phase).
⇒ Conditions of admission: a university degree and professional experience in the field of development or a combination of training and relevant professional experience – a position of responsibility in the not-for-profit, private or public sector – knowledge of IT and languages – the support of a host institution – preferred age: between 25 and 40 years.
⇒ Admission is decided by the Executive Committee. There is no automatic right of admission. In addition to the conditions outlined above, the Committee’s choice will also be guided by the necessity to ensure regional representation, gender balance, a suitable range of training and professional experience, and the chosen dissertation topics. The latter must be approved by the Committee.
⇒ Deadline for applications: 31 January 2011.
⇒ Course costs:
- Admission fees CHF 2,000.–
These are to be paid by all successful candidates upon receipt of confirmation of admission.
- Tuition fees for the 2011-2012 academic year: CHF 28,000.–
- Variable costs have been estimated at CHF 12,000.–
Board, lodging, insurances, airline tickets: 1st and 3rd phases
⇒ Funding options: There are several funding options and a small number of IMAS grants are also available.
⇒ Dates of the three phases are as follows:
Phase 1 from 1 August to 30 September 2011
Phase 2 from 3 October 2011 to 3 February 2012
Phase 3 from 6 February to 5 April 2012
⇒ Please note that successful completion of the IMAS does not automatically confer the right to enrol for a PhD.
