University of Geneva

University of Geneva
Université de Genève
Latin: Schola Genevensis
Established 1559
Type Public university
Rector Prof. Jean-Dominique Vassalli
Students 14,489
Location Geneva, Switzerland
Affiliations Coimbra Group
LERU
EUA
Website www.unige.ch

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, genetics, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and theology ). The university holds and actively pursues teaching, research, and community service as its primary objectives. In 2009, the University of Geneva celebrated the 450th anniversary of its founding.

The university is a member of the League of European Research Universities. It was ranked 73rd worldwide by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and 69th in the QS World University Rankings[1] in 2011.

Classes are mainly taught in French.

Contents

Degree system

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).

Organization

The University is composed of eight faculties:

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:

Nobel Prizes

The University has hosted several Nobel laureates as students, researchers and/or professors; amongst them:

Other awards

Notable scholars

Notable alumni

See also

Geneva portal
University portal

References

Internal Articles

External links