History

In 1998, the University of Geneva created the Programme plurifacultaire en action humanitaire (PPAH) with the support of several faculties and humanitarian organisations.  The initial objective was to offer senior actors high-quality university training which met their needs and reflected the worldwide reputation of Geneva as an international and humanitarian centre.  For six years PPAH offered a diploma of advanced university studies in humanitarian action.  In 2004, the programme was radically transformed at the suggestion of the rector of Geneva University and became the Programme interdisciplinaire en action humanitaire (PIAH).  Several educational courses were offered including the Master of advanced studies (MAS) in humanitarian action in cooperation with a number of humanitarian organisations.  

In 2009 the University of Geneva joined with the Institute de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID) to create the Geneva Centre for education and research in humanitarian action (CERAH).  Two post-graduate qualifications are offered, a two-year Masters of advanced studies and a twelve-week Certificate of advanced studies.  In addition to teaching, research and publications are a developing component of the Centre.