IHDS – A cutting-edge Master's program combining innovation and the SDGs
Created in 2017, the Master of Science in Innovation, Human Development and Sustainability (MSc IHDS) at UNIGE is a highly interdisciplinary program focused on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in December 2015. This unique program stems from close collaborations with international organizations based in Geneva and a distinctive partnership with Tsinghua University in China, through the Geneva Tsinghua Initiative (GTI).
Taught entirely in English, the MSc IHDS aims to train students in analyzing sustainability governance issues and developing concrete solutions to the related challenges. Boldly innovative, the program combines academic coursework with project-based learning. It includes highly collaborative hands-on workshops, during which students work in teams to address real-world problems proposed by international organization partners, developing concrete and innovative solutions—ranging from technological innovations to new policy proposals, partnerships, or high-impact social entrepreneurship projects. Students also learn to pitch and defend these solutions to a wide variety of stakeholders involved in the implementation of the SDGs: international organizations, public authorities, the private sector, and more. As UNIGE Rector Yves Flückiger puts it, “students get their hands dirty!”
Testimonies from faculty members :
The program’s collaborative and interdisciplinary philosophy is also reflected in its student recruitment. Bringing together individuals from the most diverse academic and professional backgrounds is essential to combine a wide range of values and perspectives in addressing challenges that are vital to the future of humanity. A broad variety of academic profiles are accepted—from social sciences to engineering, including tourism and hospitality programs. Admission is based on an application file, with particular attention given to applicants’ motivation and prior experience.
Although still relatively new, the MSc IHDS has already earned an excellent reputation and attracts several hundred applicants each yea
IHDS Master Workshop
Another unique feature of this program is that it offers two distinct tracks, each designed to appeal to a broad and diverse range of students: the Single Degree track and the Dual Degree track.
The Single Degree track leads to the MSc IHDS in two years and includes a mandatory exchange semester at one of around ten partner universities across the world (Australia, China, Colombia, South Korea, Senegal, Italy, the United Kingdom, Sweden). Additionally, students can choose to complete their final Master’s project either as an academic thesis or an internship report.
The Dual Degree track, which lasts 2.5 to 3 years, is unique to UNIGE. It allows students to obtain two degrees: the MSc IHDS from UNIGE and a Master in Public Policy (MPP-SDG) from Tsinghua University. For this track, an internship is mandatory during the year at UNIGE, made possible through the GTI’s internship program, developed via special partnerships with institutions based in Geneva that work in areas related to the program.
SDG Solution Space
Finally, students in this truly one-of-a-kind program also have access to dedicated support for implementing their projects, whether developed during their studies in Geneva or through other initiatives. This includes the SDG Accelerator and its network of partners, including startup incubators.
Student testimonials :