University of Geneva

The University of Geneva (French: Université de Genève) is a public research university located in Geneva, Switzerland.  It was founded in 1559 by John Calvin, as a theological seminary and law school. It remained focused on theology until the 17th century, when it became a center for Enlightenment scholarship. In 1873, it dropped its religious affiliations and became officially secular. Today, the university is the second-largest university in Switzerland. It has programs in various fields but is particularly acknowledged for its academic and research programs in international relations (with Geneva being hostess to a dense agglomeration of international organizations), law, astrophysics, astronomy, genetics (with a record of prominent contributions to the fields of planetary science and genetics, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and theology.  Classes are taught mainly in French. The university holds and actively pursues teaching, research, and community service as its primary objectives. It was ranked 73rd worldwide by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and 69th in the QS World University Rankings in 2011. The university is a member of the League of European Research Universities.  In 2009, the University of Geneva celebrated the 450th anniversary of its founding through a wide range of public events.

Before 2005, the University applied the French education model of granting academic degrees, with some minor differences: demi-licence (two years), licence (four years), diplôme d'études approfondies and diplôme d'études superieures spécialisées (DEA/DESS) (1–2 years), and doctorate (3–5 years). The University now follows the requirements of the Bologna process: bachelor's (three years), master's (1–2 years), Master of Advanced Studies (1–2 years), doctorate (3–5 years). 


The University is composed of eight faculties:

• Faculty of Sciences (natural sciences)
• Faculty of Medicine (medical school)
• Faculty of Arts (Humanities)
• Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences with studies including business school (Haute École Commerciale - HEC), economics, sociology and international relations)
• Faculty of Law (Geneva Law School) (law school)
• Faculty of Protestant Theology (Protestant theological school)
• Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (psychology and education)
• School of Translation and Interpretation (translating and interpreting)

The university has also developed a continuing education programme. The university has a partnership with the nearby Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and the Bossey Ecumenical Institute, and students at the university may take courses at these institutes.
Inter-faculty centers:

• Institute for Reformation History (the Reformation)
• Computer Science Department (computer science)
• University Centre for Study of Energy Problems (energy policy)
• The European Institute of the University of Geneva (European studies, European integration)
• Interfaculty Center of Gerontology (gerontology)
• Swiss Center for Affective Sciences (affective science)
• Center for Environmental Studies
• Geneva Finance Research Institute

Read More at Top Accredited Business Schools in Switzerland