More About the International Law Unit

The International Law Unit at a Glance

• World-renowned faculty composed of both academics and practitioners from many different legal traditions;
• More than 30 classes and seminars offered in all areas of international law, with an unbeatable student-faculty ratio;
• A strong background in general international law with special attention to different areas of public and private international law;
• International organisations at your doorstep, with classroom interactions, internships and employment opportunities;
• Cutting-edge research designed to provide real-world solutions to current problems (research clusters in different areas on the international relations);
• A multilingual environment giving opportunity to improve your language skills, with classes and seminars held in English and French and the possibility to use either language;
• A genuine international atmosphere, with students from all continents and diverse backgrounds.
  

Two programmes

In both the Master's and Ph.D. programmes of the International Law Unit, teaching is structured around small classes (between 8 to 25 students). Both oral presentations and written research are encouraged. Each year the International Law Unit admits approximately 25 new Masters students and 5 to 10 new Ph.D. students. The small size of the Unit, in particular the favourable student to faculty ratio, allows for personal contact with professors and the active exchange of ideas amongst students. Discussions are also enriched by the international diversity of the student body, which typically represents more than 20 different countries.
Outside the classroom, the Law Unit is well connected to Geneva's international organisations and the international legal community. This allows classes to be supplemented by regular guest speakers. Students also benefit from an attractive variety of internships and employment opportunities

Master in International Studies  (International Law)

A two-year programme providing in-depth training in international law as well as tools and approaches necessary for a rigorous legal analysis of contemporary issues, with complementary courses in other disciplines (economics, history, political science and development studies). More...

PhD in International Studies  (International Law)

A four-year programme offering a high-level specialisation in international law that prepares graduates for an academic career or executive and research positions in the public or private sector. More...
 

Many graduates of the Master's programme find positions at international organisations or non-governmental organisations. Others follow government careers or pursue careers in law firms. Graduates of the Ph.D. programme often end up in similar organisations, although in higher-level positions. In particular, the Law Section has a number of alumni working as international lawyers for the United Nations. Alumni are also found teaching in international law at universities around the world.

EXchanges and Career

Information on academic exchange programmes and financial assistance available to students is detailed on the Institute pages.

For information on career opportunities that may interest HEID International Law students we recommend the Institute Careers Service workshops. The careers service makes extensive use of internal email lists to circulate to students advertisments for current internship and other work opportunties . Some positions are also advertised on the Etunet.