Overview

Objectives

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Discuss the main protection of civilians conceptual frameworks, definitions, principles and related world-level policy issues
  • Explain where the protection of civilians lies within the political, peace and security agenda, but also under humanitarian or development action
  • Identify and analyse protection actors, threats and risks
  • Describe professional protection standards, programming/operations, mechanisms and processes
  • Distinguish and assess various protection field strategies

Audience

Professional in the humanitarian, development or social sector looking to develop their competencies in protection norms, policies, doctrines and strategies
Professional of international and regional peace operations, national defence and security forces who wishes to increase their understanding of protection of civilians at institutional and field level
Graduate student with relevant volunteer or intern experience, looking to undertake a postgraduate course with a view to entering the humanitarian sector

Programme

  • History and Politics of Protection
  • Protection Principles and Operational Realities
  • Protection Norms, Policies and Doctrines
  • Unveiling Evolving Protection Concepts and Modes of Action
  • Introduction to Field Protection Strategies
  • Protection Actors and Analysis
  • Critical Review of Field-level Protection Action
  • Case Studies

Registration

Registration deadline

10 August 2025

Fees:

Total fees: CHF 1’700.-
Deposit: (upon acceptance of admission): CHF 400.-
There is no available scholarship for this programme.

Admission criteria

  • AV¶ÌÊÓÆµ qualification (bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
  • At least three years of relevant professional experience
  • Excellent command of English
  • Motivation working in the humanitarian sector

Application File

  • Copy of identity document or passport
  • Passport photo (.jpg format)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Cover letter (explaining what is the reason why you apply for this course and how will the acquired skills help you in your career)
  • Copy of the highest educational qualification obtained
  • Copy of work certificate or official document of the current job position
  • Proof of English language level
  • Employer's funding agreement, if applicable
  • Employer's letter of support (recommended)
  • Scholarship application form (if applicable). Please refer to

More information about the application process is available on our .

Curriculum

Period

1 September 2025 - 12 September 2025

Credits

2 ECTS credits

Teaching hours

50 distance teaching hours

Director(s)

Prof. Karl BLANCHET, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, AV¶ÌÊÓÆµ

Coordinator(s)

Baptiste MARTIN, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, Geneva

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals