S.L. 327.588 Art. 3Qualifications for Admission.

(1) The Course shall be open to applicants who are in possession of a first cycle degree (Bachelor, EQF Level 6) from this or another university recognized by Senate, with at least Second Class Honours or Category II or an equivalent classification, in a discipline of relevance to Humanitarian Action, the duration of which should be a minimum of three years and which should comprise not less than 180 ECTS credits.

(2) (i) Applicants are required to demonstrate that their standard of the languages of instruction of the Partner Institutions they plan to attend are satisfactory. The offer of a place on the Course may be made subject to the applicants obtaining such proficiency qualifications prior to the commencement of their studies.

(ii) Proficiency in English may be certified by one of the following:

(a) TOEFL: score of at least 250 (computer-based test) or 93 with a writing score of at least 24 (internet-based test);

(b) Cambridge Proficiency Examination Advanced Certificate: pass at Grade C or better; or

(c) IELTS: at least 6.5 with a minimum 6.0 in each element; provided that English native speakers and students who have followed a Bachelor’s course taught in English shall not be required to submit the above certificates but may be required to demonstrate proficiency in some other way.

(iii) Proficiency in French may be certified by a C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR);

(iv) Proficiency in Spanish may be certified by a B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

(3) Depending on the availability of resources, Senate, on the recommendation of the Board of Studies, shall determine the number of applicants that may be allowed to register on the Course. The number of available places shall be announced at the time of the call for applications.

(4) If there are more eligible applicants than there are available places, applications shall be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

(a) type and level of academic qualifications (25%);

(b) type and level of research experience (10%);

(c) type and level of professional experience, such as practical experience in the area of humanitarian action in governmental, inter-governmental and/or non-governmental organisations and institutions (25%);

(d) motivation and concern for humanitarian issues (10%);

(e) multicultural sensitivity (10%);

(f) level of linguistic abilities (10%),

(g) recommendations (5%);

(h) nationality and gender balance (5%).

(5) Applicants may further be requested to sit for an interview which shall be conducted by an interviewing board composed of at least three members, appointed for the purpose.

(6) The interviewing board may make use of electronic means of communication in order to carry out interviews with applicants.