United Nations’ online postgraduate programmes in security, development and humanitarian affairs

Discover the full range of advanced academic programmes that combine the UN’s experience derived from its 75-year presence in the field with the academic excellence of partner universities in the UK, Spain and Italy. Study online at your preferred pace with the United Nations and become a leader of tomorrow!

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a Geneva-based specialized training agency of the United Nations system, whose mandate is to develop individual and institutional capacities for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through outcome-based training and learning initiatives.

UNITAR Master degrees are fully accredited academic programmes, offered in partnership with the leading higher education institutions and designed to strengthen capacities and knowledge in the field of peace and security. The programmes are delivered online offering a high degree of flexibility for mid- to upper-level professionals currently working in the field or whose assignments involve a lot of traveling. Each programme has in-built advanced academic modules, which can be taken separately based on individual needs and preferences.

Our unique approach – combining theory and practice

Distinctive features of our Master’s programmes include:

• Online delivery, allowing for a flexible schedule designed to fit the specific needs of full-time working professionals
• Student-centred approach, in which the learner and the learning experience are at the core of the programme
• Lifelong learning approach, in which the workplace is used as the main learning environment
• Access to a unique community of top-ranked professionals and researchers from all around the globe
• Focus on cutting-edge issues and current field practices
• Multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary pedagogy
• Direct access to the United Nations expertise

Join the global community of changemakers

By studying with UNITAR, you will join an international community of over 300 students and alumni from 76 countries working in multilateral and non-governmental organizations at international, regional and national levels.

Our partners – centers of excellence

We leverage our strengths and those of our academic partners to ensure a balanced, comprehensive, consistent and at the same time diversified curriculum and methodologies, while increasing your networking opportunities manifold. Our partner universities are centres of excellence in their respective fields and constantly generate new knowledge to keep up with the ever-accelerating changes in our tightly interconnected world.

• Open University of Catalonia (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, UOC) - Master in Conflict, Peace and Security
• Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna - Master in Electoral Policy and Administration
• International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) - Master in Electoral Policy and Administration
• Oxford Brookes University (OBU) - Master in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding

General application information

In order to be considered for one of our Master’s, students should comply with the following minimum requirements:

• have completed at least an undergraduate degree (in exceptional circumstances, extensive professional experience can be accepted in lieu of the degree);
• be fluent in English;
• possess a valid passport or national ID card.

Applications deadlines

Applications are open throughout the year. All programmes have two intakes with the following applications deadlines:

• Master in Conflict, Peace and Security: 15 January for the spring intake, 15 August for the fall intake
• Master in Electoral Policy and Administration: 1 March for the spring intake, 1 September for the fall intake
• Master in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding: 15 December for the spring intake, 15 August for the fall intake

To apply, visit www.unitar.org/sustainable-development-goals/peace/our-portfolio/online-learning-and-educatione