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University of Geneva

 
Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: University of Geneva

Institution of higher learning in Geneva, Switzerland. It was founded by John Calvin and Théodor de Bèze (1519 – 1605) in 1559 as Schola Genevensis (later called the Academy), a theological seminary. The natural sciences, law, and philosophy were later added to the curriculum, and in the 19th century a medical faculty was established. In the 1930s the Institut Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a private school of education founded in 1912, became part of the university. Many foreign students are attracted by its strong reputation in international studies, botany, and education.

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Wikipedia: University of Geneva
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University of Geneva
Université de Genève
Latin: Schola Genevensis
Established 1559
Type Public university
Rector Prof. Jean-Dominique Vassalli
Students 13,364
Location Geneva, Switzerland
46°11′56″N 6°08′40″E / 46.19889°N 6.14449°E / 46.19889; 6.14449Coordinates: 46°11′56″N 6°08′40″E / 46.19889°N 6.14449°E / 46.19889; 6.14449
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 worlwide 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 is celebrating the 450th anniversary of its birth, through a wide range of public events

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

University of Geneva

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:

Trivia

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)
2005 88
2006 39 ( 49)
2007 105 ( 66)
2008 68 ( 37)
2009 72 ( 4)

Notable scholars

Notable alumni

References

External links


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