The Master multidisciplinary in
Asian Studies
is a joint programme of the Faculty of Humanities, the Genava School of Social Sciences, the Geneva School of Economics and Management and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. The courses broach all aspects of society, from culture to history, economics, politics and international relations. The programme allows students to begin or continue learning an Asian language, such as Chinese, Japanese, Hindi* and Korean.
*This course is part of the Religious Studies programme at the University of Lausanne.
The Master multidisciplinary in
Asian Studies
is a joint programme of the Faculty of Humanities, the Genava School of Social Sciences, the Geneva School of Economics and Management and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. The courses broach all aspects of society, from culture to history, economics, politics and international relations. The programme allows students to begin or continue learning an Asian language, such as Chinese, Japanese, Hindi* and Korean.
*This course is part of the Religious Studies programme at the University of Lausanne.
Programme length
1.5 years (3 semesters)
Language of instruction
French
Working knowledge of English is recommended.
Conditions of registration
Admission Conditions
A Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university or an equivalent foreign degree.
Merit-based admission.
Applications
Deadline for candidates that hold a foreign bachelor's degree: 28 February 2025
(30 April 2025 for candidates that hold a Swiss bachelor's degree at the start of the next academic year AND, according to their nationality, are not subject to a visa for entry into Switzerland for more than 90 days, according to Swiss government requirements and regardless of their current place of residence, or for candidates holding a Swiss residence permit that is valid beyond 30 April.)
The Master multidisciplinary in Asian Studies
- Courses (5 modules) (60 credits):
- Beginner or more advanced levels
Chinese, Japanese, Hindi*, Korean
- Required courses and electives
History, Literature, International relations, Social sciences and development studies, etc.
- Beginner or more advanced levels
- Research (30 credits):
- Possibility of an internship either in an Asian country or related to Asia; thematic research and dissertation.
Mobility
Professional Prospects
Unlike other fields of study, Arts degrees are not geared toward a specific career and graduates generally need to gain additional experience on the job.
Job opportunities may be found in the following areas: teaching, journalism, radio, television, publishing, libraries, documentation centres, archives, bookshops, museums, heritage protection organisations, international organisations, diplomacy, private companies, banks, administration, staff management, tourism, public relations, cultural activities, art dealerships, galleries and literary, linguistic and philosophical research and writing, etc.
Contact information
Academic Advisors
Master
Ms Sandra Rubal
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 11
[javascript protected email address]
Master Admissions, post-graduate studies, exchanges, applicants without a Swiss school-leaving diploma, advanced standing
Mr Olivier Frutiger
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 13
[javascript protected email address]
Exchanges
M. Nicolas Fornerod
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 18
[javascript protected email address]
The Master
of Arts
allows students to further explore two disciplines studied at the Bachelor level. Students may choose elective modules consisting of a number of courses and seminars. They must also write a dissertation related to their primary area of study and take required course modules.
Apart from the 29 disciplines offered by the Faculty of Humanities at the Master's level, students may also apply for:
- A Master at the Global Studies Institute:
- Master in European Studie
- Master Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus
- Master in Middle Eastern Studies
- Master in African Studies
- Master in Global Health
www.unige.ch/gsi/fr/formations/masters
- An interdisciplinary Master in social sciences at the Faculty of social sciences
www.unige.ch/sciences-societe/formations/masters
Admission based on application.
The Master
of Arts
allows students to further explore two disciplines studied at the Bachelor level. Students may choose elective modules consisting of a number of courses and seminars. They must also write a dissertation related to their primary area of study and take required course modules.
Apart from the 29 disciplines offered by the Faculty of Humanities at the Master's level, students may also apply for:
- A Master at the Global Studies Institute:
- Master in European Studie
- Master Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus
- Master in Middle Eastern Studies
- Master in African Studies
- Master in Global Health
www.unige.ch/gsi/fr/formations/masters
- An interdisciplinary Master in social sciences at the Faculty of social sciences
www.unige.ch/sciences-societe/formations/masters
Admission based on application.
Programme length
1.5 years (3 semesters)
Languages of instruction
French
Except for disciplines involving modern languages (Spanish, Italian, English and German), where courses are offered in the relevant language.
Conditions of registration
Admission Conditions
A Bachelor of Arts with at least 60 credits in the given discipline, or an equivalent degree. Additional courses may be required depending on prior studies.
Applications
Deadline for Fall Semester for candidates that hold a foreign bachelor's degree: 28 February 2025
(30 April 2025 for candidates that hold a Swiss bachelor's degree at the start of the next academic year AND, according to their nationality, are not subject to a visa for entry into Switzerland for more than 90 days, according to Swiss government requirements and regardless of their current place of residence, or for candidates holding a Swiss residence permit that is valid beyond 30 April.)
Deadline for Spring Semester: to be checked on the website of the Admissions Office
The Master of Arts
- Chosen discipline (36 credits):
- 3 teaching modules.
- 2 elective modules (24 credits)
- Dissertation (30 credits)
The Master of Arts is offered in the following branches:
1. Classical archaeology
2. Egyptology and Coptic
3. Chinese studies*
4. Classical studies
5. Japanese studies
6. Medieval studies*
7. Mesopotamian studies
8. Russian studies
9. French as a foreign language*
10. Ancient history
11. Art history*
12. History and anthropology of religions
13. General history*
14. Transnational history*
15. English language and literature*
16. Armenian language and literature
17. French language and literature*
18. Greek language and literature*
19. Italian language and literature
20. Latin language and literature
21. German language, literature and civilisation*
22. Arab language, literature and civilisation
23. Hispanic language, literature and civilisation*
24. Linguistics
25. Comparative literature*
26. Musicology*
27. Philosophy*
* Also available during the Spring semester.
Mobility
Master's students are encouraged to go on exchange, if possible for a single semester, given the duration of the programme. Students may go on exchange regardless of how many credits they have completed at the Faculty. Under regulations, students may earn no more than 24 credits (2 modules) while on exchange. The dissertation cannot be substituted.
Professional Prospects
Unlike other fields of study, Arts degrees are not geared toward a specific career and graduates generally need to gain additional experience on the job.
Job opportunities may be found in the following areas: teaching, journalism, radio, television, publishing, libraries, documentation centres, archives, bookshops, museums, heritage protection organisations, international organisations, diplomacy, private companies, banks, administration, staff management, tourism, public relations, cultural activities, art dealerships, galleries, and literary, linguistic or philosophical research and writing, etc.
Contact information
Academic Advisors
Master
Ms Sandra Rubal
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 11
[javascript protected email address]
Master Admissions, post-graduate studies, applicants without a Swiss school-leaving diploma, advanced standing
Mr Olivier Frutiger
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 13
[javascript protected email address]
Exchanges
M. Nicolas Fornerod
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 18
[javascript protected email address]
Disciplines
Ancient History
Arab Language, Literature and Civilisation
Armenian Language and Literature
Art History
Presentation
Chinese Studies
Classical Archaeology
Classical Studies
Comparative Literature
Presentation
Student testimonials
Egyptology and Coptic
English Language and Literature
Presentation
Student testimonials
French Language and Literature
French Language and Literature
General History
Presentation
German Language, Literature and Civilisation
Greek Language and Literature
Hispanic Language, Literature and Civilisation
History and Anthropology of Religions
Italian Language and Literature
Japanese Studies
Latin Language and Literature
Linguistics
Medieval Studies
Mesopotamian Studies
Musicology
Philosophy
Russian Studies
Transnational History
Presentation
The Master
of Arts with Specialisation
allows students to take the modules specific to the Master's programme as well as 2.5 specialised modules. Students must also write a dissertation related to their primary discipline.
THE PROGRAMME IS OFFERED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
- Art history with specialisation in history and theory of art and architecture*
- East-Asian studies, with a specialisation in philology and translation*
- French language and literature, with a specialisation in theatre
- General history with a specialisation in the construction of historical knowledge*
- German literature, with a specialisation in literature and knowledge or in Swiss literature and culture*
- Italian language and literature with specialisation in methods of criticism
- Hispanic language, literature and culture with specialisation in research and criticism in Hispanic studies
- Philosophy, with a specialisation in contemporary philosophy, ancient and medieval philosophy or the philosophy of science*
- Antiquity, with a specialisation in:
- Classical archaeology
- Egyptology and Coptic history
- Mesopotamian studies
- Greek language and literature
- Ancient history
- History and anthropology of religions
- Latin language and literature
* Also available during the Spring semester.
The Master
of Arts with Specialisation
allows students to take the modules specific to the Master's programme as well as 2.5 specialised modules. Students must also write a dissertation related to their primary discipline.
THE PROGRAMME IS OFFERED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
- Art history with specialisation in history and theory of art and architecture*
- East-Asian studies, with a specialisation in philology and translation*
- French language and literature, with a specialisation in theatre
- General history with a specialisation in the construction of historical knowledge*
- German literature, with a specialisation in literature and knowledge or in Swiss literature and culture*
- Italian language and literature with specialisation in methods of criticism
- Hispanic language, literature and culture with specialisation in research and criticism in Hispanic studies
- Philosophy, with a specialisation in contemporary philosophy, ancient and medieval philosophy or the philosophy of science*
- Antiquity, with a specialisation in:
- Classical archaeology
- Egyptology and Coptic history
- Mesopotamian studies
- Greek language and literature
- Ancient history
- History and anthropology of religions
- Latin language and literature
* Also available during the Spring semester.
Programme length
2 years (4 semesters)
Language of instruction
French
Excluding the Master’s in German, Spanish and Italian, in which lectures are given in the language of study.
Conditions of registration
Admission Conditions
A Bachelor of Arts with at least 60 credits in the given discipline, or an equivalent degree. Additional courses may be required depending on prior studies.
Applications
Deadline for Fall Semester for candidates that hold a foreign bachelor's degree: 28 February 2025
(30 April 2025 for candidates that hold a Swiss bachelor's degree at the start of the next academic year AND, according to their nationality, are not subject to a visa for entry into Switzerland for more than 90 days, according to Swiss government requirements and regardless of their current place of residence, or for candidates holding a Swiss residence permit that is valid beyond 30 April.)
Deadline for Spring Semester: to be checked on the website of the Admissions Office
The Master of Arts with Specialisation
- Chosen discipline (36 credits):
- 3 teaching modules.
- 2 elective modules (24 credits)
- 2.5 specialised modules (30 credits)
- Dissertation (30 credits)
Mobility
Professional Prospects
Unlike other fields of study, Arts degrees are not geared toward a specific career and graduates generally need to gain additional experience on the job.
Job opportunities may be found in the following areas: teaching, journalism, radio, television, publishing, libraries, documentation centres, archives, bookshops, museums, heritage protection organisations, international organisations, diplomacy, private companies, banks, administration, staff management, tourism, public relations, cultural activities, art dealerships, galleries, and literary, linguistic or philosophical research and writing, etc.
Contact information
Academic Advisors
Master
Ms Sandra Rubal
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 11
[javascript protected email address]
Master Admission, post-graduate studies, applicants without a Swiss school-leaving diploma, advanced standing
Mr Olivier Frutiger
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 13
[javascript protected email address]
Exchanges
M. Nicolas Fornerod
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 18
[javascript protected email address]
The Master of Arts in
ethnomusicology
is offered jointly by the University of Geneva (Musicology Unit), the University of Neuchâtel (Institute of Ethnology), and the Geneva HEM. Historically, ethnomusicology, a discipline aimed at encouraging a better understanding of the world through the study of music, combines three dominant approaches: formal parameters identified by musicologists; contexts and social usages of interest to ethnologists; and acquisition of knowledge through musical practice cultivated in conservatories. While specialists now agree that these three approaches are complementary and indispensable, few programs bring them together. The Master's degree in Ethnomusicology is the first in Switzerland, and one of the very few worldwide, to combine these three complementary and indispensable approaches.
Led by a team of experts who closely collaborate with the professional milieu, the program also takes advantage of a broad network of international contacts. With this program, students acquire the theoretical and methodological competencies of ethnomusicology. The program includes a unit of reflective practice of extra-European music as well as an internship or fieldwork.
The Master of Arts in
ethnomusicology
is offered jointly by the University of Geneva (Musicology Unit), the University of Neuchâtel (Institute of Ethnology), and the Geneva HEM. Historically, ethnomusicology, a discipline aimed at encouraging a better understanding of the world through the study of music, combines three dominant approaches: formal parameters identified by musicologists; contexts and social usages of interest to ethnologists; and acquisition of knowledge through musical practice cultivated in conservatories. While specialists now agree that these three approaches are complementary and indispensable, few programs bring them together. The Master's degree in Ethnomusicology is the first in Switzerland, and one of the very few worldwide, to combine these three complementary and indispensable approaches.
Led by a team of experts who closely collaborate with the professional milieu, the program also takes advantage of a broad network of international contacts. With this program, students acquire the theoretical and methodological competencies of ethnomusicology. The program includes a unit of reflective practice of extra-European music as well as an internship or fieldwork.
Programme length
2 years (4 semesters)
Languages of instruction
French
Knowledge of English is essential.
Conditions of registration
Admission Conditions
Bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education in Switzerland, or a degree judged equivalent. The Master's degree in Ethnomusicology is aimed at three student profiles: musicologists, musicians, and ethnologists. With some targeted complementary studies, it is also open to students with no prior training in one of those three branches.
Admission is based on an application and an interview.
Applications
Admission is based on an application (admission form, cover letter, CV, copies of diplomas) that is submitted to the Institution in which the student wishes to enroll. The admission process involves the evaluation of the application as well as an interview.
Deadline for candidates that hold a foreign bachelor's degree: 28 February 2025
(30 April 2025 for candidates that hold a Swiss bachelor's degree at the start of the next academic year AND, according to their nationality, are not subject to a visa for entry into Switzerland for more than 90 days, according to Swiss government requirements and regardless of their current place of residence, or for candidates holding a Swiss residence permit that is valid beyond 30 April.)
Admission examination: en mai 2025
The Master of Arts in ethnomusicology
- Theory and history of the discipline (24 credits)
- Methods in ethnomusicology (24 credits)
- Ethnomusicological practices (12 credits)
- Thematic module (12 credits)
- Internship according to the orientation (18 credits)
- Thesis (30 credits)
Mobility
The Scientific Committee for the Master's degree in Ethnomusicology encourages students to take some of their courses abroad at one of numerous partner institutions.
Professional Prospects
With its multi-disciplinary approach, the Master's degree leads to a variety of career prospects, including teaching non-western music, cultural mediation, preservation or valorization of audiovisual heritage, musical publishing, and positions with cultural institutions (museums, festivals, cultural centers). Graduates will also have access to the fields of artistic creation, cultural journalism, North-South cooperation, academic research, and conservatories of non-western music.
Contact information
Academic Advisors
Master
Ms Sandra Rubal
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 11
[javascript protected email address]
Master Admissions, post-graduate studies, applicants without a Swiss school-leaving diploma, advanced standing
Mr Olivier Frutiger
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 13
[javascript protected email address]
Exchanges
M. Nicolas Fornerod
T. +41 (0)22 379 73 18
[javascript protected email address]