Mid-September
Welcome Day (Program Start)
Table of contents
The MIDS program is uniquely innovative, offering a distinct approach that may initially seem complex. Let us guide you through its features and structure.
Welcome Day (Program Start)
Autumn Semester Courses
Some courses may have exams that take place during the semester.
Autumn Semester Course Exams and Deadlines
In-person activities at the MIDS are suspended for approximately two weeks from late December to early January, coinciding with the closure of the MIDS Office (following the Geneva Graduate Institute's staff schedule).
Spring Semester Courses
Some courses may have exams that take place during the semester.
The MIDS does not observe a week-long Easter break.
Spring Semester Course Exams and Deadlines
Intensive LL.M. Thesis Period
Thesis Submission and Feedback Period
Graduation Ceremony
Completing an Internship for Credit
Students may have the opportunity to enhance their education with an internship experience, which is counted towards their graduation requirements. The total internship experience may be between three and twelve months, occurring between the end of exams in mid-June to the end of September the following year.
The MIDS is an intensive program in every sense. An average week includes about 20 hours of in-person courses, each of which requires thorough preparation—typically two to three hours per hour of class time.
Our teaching approach prioritizes active engagement in the classroom, where students are expected to share opinions, discuss peer perspectives, and respond to required readings.
In the autumn semester, the two core courses follow a regular weekly schedule, while the remaining components (spring core courses, workshops, tutorials, lectures, seminars, study trips, conferences, etc.) vary in timing.
The MIDS schedule is designed with flexibility to accommodate the availability of in-demand faculty and to integrate exciting new opportunities at short notice. No two weeks look alike.
The program demands total commitment, rewarding students with a transformative experience where hard work truly pays off.
The MIDS program offers a comprehensive and extensive curriculum. To help you navigate the program, we organize it into three categories: Core Curriculum, Modular Curriculum, and Enrichment Curriculum.
The core curriculum provides a foundation of essential knowledge and skills that all students must acquire, ensuring a consistent learning experience across the cohort.
The core curriculum includes:
- 5 Core Courses and their tutorials
- 4 Core Workshops
The modular curriculum allows students to tailor their learning experience, fostering a personalized academic journey and deepening their expertise in areas that matter most to them.
The Modular Curriculum includes:
- 8 Intensive Courses (minimum requirement)
- 2 Elective Courses (minimum requirement)
- the LL.M. Thesis
Some students may also participate in an Internship Experience for credit.
The enrichment curriculum offers a diverse range of additional activities meant to broaden students' perspectives, experiences, and skills, complementing their core and modular studies.
The enrichment curriculum includes:
- An academic retreat featuring a mini-moot court
- Compact workshops
- Institutional visits
- Conferences
- Lectures and seminars
Finally, the career services offered to students throughout the year are considered an integral part of the MIDS program.
The career services offer a range of activities including:
- Workshops
- Individual counseling
- Networking opportunities
The core curriculum provides a foundation of essential knowledge and skills that all students must acquire, ensuring a consistent learning experience across the cohort.
The modular curriculum allows students to tailor their learning experience, fostering a personalized academic journey and deepening their expertise in areas that matter most to them. Students select courses that align with their interests, write a thesis on a subject of their choice, and have the option to pursue an internship experience for academic credit.
The enrichment curriculum offers a diverse range of supplemental activities designed to broaden students' perspectives and enhance their overall learning experience. This includes a mini-moot court, short workshops, institutional visits, conferences, seminars, and lectures.
Five compulsory courses across both semesters that provide a comprehensive overview of international dispute settlement.
Small group sessions led by MIDS lecturers to revisit and further explore the content of the Core Courses.
Clinical workshops designed to advance skills required in international dispute settlement practice.
Students actively participate in discussions and present two research papers throughout the autumn semester, engaging with both course content and their classmates' work.
Intensive courses, organized by the MIDS and taught by distinguished faculty and professionals, offer in-depth exploration of various topics in international dispute settlement, focusing on specialized mechanisms or specific issues. They typically consist of nine hours of class over two or three days.
Semester-long weekly courses offered by the University of Geneva or the Geneva Graduate Institute that allow for a deeper engagement in dispute settlement-related areas or exploration of adjacent fields.
Compulsory scholarly paper addressing topics related to international dispute settlement chosen by students, written under the guidance of a faculty member.
The MIDS program offers students the opportunity to enhance their education with an internship experience, which is counted towards their graduation requirements. Internships may take place at a law firm or institution specializing in international dispute settlement.
Two-day event focused on a moot court exercise in international arbitration.
Focused, short-format sessions taking place over a few hours, offering valuable learning and skill development. Topics include career services, academic research and writing, and thesis development.
Visits to international dispute settlement institutions in Switzerland or abroad (Paris, The Hague).
External conferences in Switzerland or abroad organized by professional associations or other institutions; MIDS students attend one or two conferences of their choice, in Switzerland or abroad.
Public events featuring distinguished academics and practitioners to discuss current dispute resolution issues and developments.
Closed-door lectures given to MIDS students by prominent guest speakers.
A broad curriculum balancing foundational subjects, opportunities for specialization, and skills-based learning.
Preparing you for your next career move is our mission and an integral part of your time at the MIDS.
Exceptional opportunities to expand your professional horizons and gain valuable experience during or after the MIDS.
Information
Credits