Courses, Immersion and Mentoring

Study Plan

 

Structure

The courses are taught by faculty members (professors and lecturers) and integrate at least two disciplinary approaches from the five represented at the Graduate Institute (anthropology and sociology, economics, history, law, international relations/political science).

Dedicated tutors offer assistance and guidance to students, both to help them get the most out of their courses and to facilitate the transition to their new study environment.

Curriculum (30 ECTS)

The curriculum (30 ECTS) is composed of:

 

 

I. one substantive course

2 hours of class per course run over 14 weeks, 6 ECTS/course
 

1. THE ROLE OF LAW IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, Prof. Andrea Bianchi, International Law

International law is a discursive practice used in international relations to deal with legal claims. It is best conceived as a language used by a group of people interacting in a social practice. This basic international law course is designed to acquaint students with the main concepts and principles of contemporary public international law. It will cover, among others: the nature and function of international law; customary international law; treaties; general principles of law and soft law; the role of States, international organizations, NGOs and individuals in the international legal system; jurisdiction of States to prescribe and enforce law; foreign sovereign immunity and diplomatic immunities before municipal courts; obligations of States under international human rights law; use of force and the UN collective security system. The course will also consider the relationship between international law and municipal legal systems as well as international law enforcement mechanisms. Particular emphasis will be placed on discussing actual cases with a view to ascertaining how the main actors of international law behave. Ultimately, the goal is to train students to speak competently the language of international law and to teach them how to argue and interact in the different professional settings where the language of international law is spoken.

28 hours (2h/14 weeks), equiv. 6 ECTS

 

II. three courses at the MA-level

2 class hours/week per course run over 14 weeks, 6 ECTS/course
 

Choose three courses from a large range of themes (international law, political science, international economics, history of international relations, anthropology and sociology of development). Check out the course catalogue (some courses are subject to prerequisites)

Examples of master courses chosen by our students:

Autumn Semester

Peripheral Visions: The Birth and Evolution of Japanese Imperialism (1850-1937)
Transnational Legal Processes
Migration and Development
Political Economy of Contemporary China
Poverty and Inequality

Spring Semester

Economic Development of Resource-Rich Countries
Gender and International Affairs
Internet Governance: the Role of International Law
Medical Anthropology II: Contemporary Approaches to Biomedicine, Technology and Global Health
Global Migration Governance

 

III. immersion programme | Visits to International Organisations as well as discussions with their representatives

3 ECTS 

This workshop series features speakers from the United Nations, World Trade Organization, World Health Organization, UN High Commission for Refugees, International Committee of the Red Cross, US Mission in Geneva, Doctors without Borders, etc., to discuss current issues and present organisational challenges, including professional trajectories.

 

IV. French Language Course *

2 hours/week run over 10 weeks,  3 ECTS (from beginner to intermediate levels)

 

Supervision, Coordination and resources


An experienced team of academic and administrative staff supervise the programme and provide students will full support. In addition, advanced PhD students are also available to assist students on a daily basis.

Students benefit from multiple resources at the Institute, including various conferences and events taking place on campus. 

Immersion and Mentoring


Experience the world of international affairs in Geneva through our unique immersion programme, which combines visits of several international organisations and discussions with high-level practitioners in small groups.

 

MENTOR: DIEGO SOTO SALDIAS

PhD Researcher in International History and Politic
Spring 2025 Semester Mentor

 

 

 

 

Diego is a Ph.D. Candidate in International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute. He holds a Master in International Affairs from the Geneva Graduate Institute, and a Bachelor in Political and Governmental Sciences from the Universidad de Chile. Diego has evolved professionally as a consultant and research assistant working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile and the International Labour Organization (ILO), among other institutions. 

 

SAMPLE IMMERSION AND MENTORING PROGRAMME 

 

UNHCR

  • Activity: Discussion about working with UNHCR, focusing on the Rohingya crisis
  • Speaker: Deputy Director Division of Programme Support and Management

World Health Organisation

  • Activity: Discussion about the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children
  • Speaker: Senior Advisor Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children

World Trade Organisation

  • Activity: Discussion about the work at WTO, followed by Q&A session
  • Speaker: Dispute Settlement Lawyer

World Economic Forum

  • Activity: Discussion about the work at WEF, followed by Q&A session
  • Speaker: Delegates from WEF

Bank for International Settlement

  • Activity: Presentation of the activities of the Bank for International Settlements
  • Speaker: Administrators from the Bank

ICRC Museum

  • Activity: Visit permanent and temporary exhibitions