Advanced Courses
The GCSP offers a series of courses of longer duration that provide a more comprehensive approach to developing your knowledge, skills and networks. These courses are uniquely positioned to enhance your effectiveness and prepare you for decision-making positions in government, the private sector, international institutions, and other agencies engaged in international peace and security policymaking. Our approach to these advanced courses harnesses the latest thinking on blended learning by combining residential and digital modules to ensure that you benefit in the most effective way in your life-long learning journey with the GCSP.
Leadership in International Security Course (LISC) / Master of Advanced Studies in International Security (MAS)
International Security in the 21st Century: Building a Resilient Future
This eight-month course in international security is designed for high-performing professionals seeking to enhance their careers and effectively respond to the world’s most pressing security challenges.
Our approach is comprehensive and multifaceted. This course will not only update your knowledge, but will build your skillset and toolset to better prepare you for dealing with our unpredictable international security environment.
During the eight-month course you will have the opportunity to learn from and network with over 120 members of the GCSP’s global expert community, including high-level practitioners from governments, international institutions, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and civil society.
You can also gain a Master of Advanced Studies in International Security (MAS) degree through our concurrent programme jointly run with the Global Studies Institute of the University of Geneva.
European Security Course (ESC)
Examining Global Security Challenges Relative To Europe
The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) launched the European Security Course (ESC) in 1995, originally named the European Training Course in Security Policy (ETC). As one of GCSP’s longest-running programs, the ESC is designed to deepen the expertise of mid-career professionals by addressing the complex security policy challenges facing Europe today.
This eight-week intensive course offers a valuable opportunity to develop a broad and nuanced understanding of European security issues within the wider international context. Participants will engage with current trends and challenges across both hard and soft security sectors, gaining insight into the strategic interests and influence of European states and the European Union. The course also provides an in-depth examination of Europe’s regional security architecture, including key institutions such as the EU, NATO, and OSCE, as well as critical state actors. Additionally, it explores Europe’s relationships with other regions and major global players in the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, and Asia.
Key transnational challenges, such as migration, climate change, terrorism, and cybersecurity, are also thoroughly analyzed to equip participants with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving security environment effectively. The course weaves skill enhancement and networking throughout to ensure a comprehensive approach that can be immediately applied in professional contexts.
New Issues in Security Course (NISC)
Mapping and Responding to Today’s Security Environment to Shape a Better Future
The New Issues in Security Course (NISC) focuses on new and re-emerging security challenges arising from a rapidly changing global environment. The course examines the evolution of security, with a special focus on human security, the interlinkages among security-related issues, and the value of adopting a more forward-looking approach to security. It also shows why it has become increasingly important to understand today’s and tomorrow’s global security landscape in order to be able to proactively respond to new challenges and opportunities and shape a better future.
The NISC will help deepen your understanding of contemporary threats to prepare and empower you to have greater strategic impact in all domains. This eight week course also offers you a unique opportunity to interact with a diverse group of participants and experts from a wide range of sectors (government, international organisations, civil society, the private sector and academia).
