University of Geneva | |
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Université de Genève | |
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Latin: Schola Genevensis | |
Established | 1559 |
Type | Public university |
Rector | Prof. Jean-Dominique Vassalli |
Students | 13,364 |
Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
Affiliations | Coimbra Group LERU EUA |
Website | www.unige.ch |
The University of Geneva (French: Université de Genève) is a university in Geneva, Switzerland.
Founded by John Calvin in 1559 as a theological seminary that also taught law, 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 many fields but is especially noted for its programs in international relations (with Geneva being a center for many international organizations), law, scientific research (with a record of notable discoveries in planetary science and genetics) and theology.
Classes are taught mainly in French. The university pursues three missions: teaching, research, and service to the community. It was ranked number one generalist university in continental Europe, thirty-second world wide among the "Top 100 Global Universities" by Newsweek in 2006 and 81-83rd worldwide by the Global University Ranking in 2009.[1] The university is a member of the League of European Research Universities.
In 2009, the University of Geneva has celebrated the 450th anniversary of its birth, through a wide range of public events.
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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:
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:
On the 2009 THE–QS World University Rankings list, the University of Geneva was ranked inside the top 200 for the fifth consecutive year. An overview of the last years:
Year | Rank (Change) |
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2005 | 88 |
2006 | 39 (![]() |
2007 | 105 (![]() |
2008 | 68 (![]() |
2009 | 72 (![]() |
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