Master of Advanced Studies in International Security (MAS) 2026-2027

Apply now for the UNIGE-GCSP MAS in International Security Oct 2026-May 2027

The 21st Master of Advanced Studies provides you not only with space for academic reflection and knowledge, but the skills and networks that can readily be turned into action once back in national and international structures. 
You will benefit from the exceptional academic resources of the University of Geneva’s Global Studies Institute (GSI) and the internationally recognised executive education expertise of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP). 
This intensive 8-month full-time MAS will engage you through academic workshops, classroom analysis, peer to peer networking, and individual skills enhancement.
 

Learning objectives

This course offers you a unique opportunity to:

• Build your knowledge on international peace and security issues from across national, regional and global contexts.
• Enhance your ability to critically analyse the evolution of security issues, interlinkages and assess the effectiveness of current policy responses.
• Strengthen your leadership skill-set within a multi-cultural and cross-sectoral environment, integrating into a wide community of experts and policymakers in international security.

Modules

• Module 1: The Evolving Dimensions of Security Policy

Gain a solid foundation in how today’s international system has developed, and analytical frameworks to build understanding of the current trajectory, turning points and leadership approaches. This module equips you to understand and navigate the drivers of global security policy in a rapidly changing world.

• Module 2: 21st Century Security Challenges

Examine the critical issues shaping security today: from conflict management to the impact of new technologies, while exploring transnational threats such as terrorism, cyber risks, health crises, and climate change. You’ll strengthen your ability to analyse these challenges and assess the effectiveness of policy responses.

• Module 3: A World of Regions?

Explore how regional dynamics influence global security. This module looks at diverse contexts — including Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, the Euro-Atlantic area, and Asia— helping you compare trends, actors, and responses across regions and multi-stakeholder settings.

• Module 4:  Issues and Concepts in International Security

Deepen your conceptual and analytical skills through a series of advanced lectures. This module sharpens your ability to connect theory and practice, reinforcing the academic rigour that underpins the policy focus of the programme.

• Module 5: MAS Research Paper

Undertake an independent research project (10,000–12,000 words) that integrates academic analysis with policy relevance. This is your opportunity to produce work that speaks to both scholarly debates and real-world policy challenges, guided by expert faculty.

International security practitioners who wish to enhance their professional capabilities and academic qualifications to advance in their career in government, IO's, and all agencies (private/public/civil society) engaged in peace and security related policy-making.

Participants who complete this full-time programme successfully will be awarded a Master of Advanced Studies in International Security (60 ECTS credits) by the Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva in partnership with the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.