From business to public service, healthcare to climate action, corruption distorts decision-making, diverts resources and weakens institutions. Understanding how to counteract these effects is essential for leaders across all sectors.

This six-month study programme with the University of Basel focuses on real-life corruption and governance problems. It:

• adopts a holistic approach to understanding corruption challenges affecting governance at different levels;
• is tailored to individuals working in the public and private sectors, civil society and the international community;
• will help you to understand and equip yourself with tools and approaches to promote anti-corruption and integrity in your daily work.

The course combines insights from political science, behavioural science, law and economics with experience derived from actual projects and cases. You’ll explore both long-standing tools and cutting-edge approaches to counter corruption in diverse contexts.

Designed for working professionals, the course blends online sessions, practical assignments and two in-person seminar events in Basel, which you can also join virtually. Through these you’ll strengthen your problem-solving, collaboration and leadership skills. You’ll also enhance your ability to design evidence-based strategies to respond to the corruption challenges affecting your work and sector.

Mastering corruption and governance challenges isn’t just for specialists – it’s critical for professionals across industries who want to drive sustainable change.

Join us to gain the expertise you need to safeguard integrity and accountability in your field.

The learning objectives of this programme are:

• Understand the multifaceted nature of corruption as it occurs today and its impact on states, societies and organisations.
• Interpret how corruption interacts with global social, economic, technological and geopolitical challenges.
• Analyse the benefits and limitations of common anti-corruption measures, based on real-world cases.
• Evaluate novel approaches and tools used to prevent and mitigate corruption.
• Create a tailored anti-corruption project for your professional context.
• Improve your collaboration, analysis, problem-solving, leadership and communication skills.
• Cultivate your credibility as an anti-corruption leader or specialist, and your capacity to connect with the global anti-corruption community.

This programme is aimed at individuals with a university degree and relevant work experience. It’s ideal if you wish to advance your career by gaining a thorough understanding of the evolving nature of corruption and the tools that are needed to support better anti-corruption outcomes.

Because it is based on state-of-the-art academic and practitioner experience, this CAS represents a prestigious academic qualification on anti-corruption and governance.

It’s especially targeted to professionals from:

• Government and public administration, especially regulatory, oversight and policymaking institutions.
• Law, including compliance, corporate law and human rights.
• Law enforcement and criminal justice, such as anti-corruption agencies, police, prosecutors and judges.
• Private sector, particularly specialists in compliance, anti-money laundering, ethics, governance and risk management.
• Non-profits and international organisations focused on governance, anti-corruption, accountability and transparency.
• Policy research and advisory fields, including think-tank analysts, consultants and professionals shaping governance strategies.
• Education and science, from academics and researchers to teachers.
• Journalism and the media, especially investigative reporters and editors.

It’s also a strong foundation for those with other backgrounds seeking a career shift.

We aim to bring together a diverse group of participants to foster rich peer learning alongside expert-led teaching.

Instructors include experts and academics from the Basel Institute and University of Basel, with contributions by specialists from different disciplines and sectors. This ensures a balance of academic knowledge and practical insights.

Leading the programme on behalf of the Basel Institute are:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a university recognised by the University of Basel.
• 3+ years of relevant professional experience.

You should be able to invest around 11–12 hours per week in your studies, for a total of 300 hours over the six-month programme.

You will need to be proficient in English to actively participate in discussions and complete assignments.

To apply for the CAS Mastering Today’s Anti-Corruption Challenges (25 September 2026 – 22 March 2027):

1. Fill out the electronic application form with some basic information about you and your professional background. You will need to upload a motivation letter (1–2 pages), a resume/CV and copies of your degree certificates. You will also need to accept the Terms and Conditions and Data Privacy Policy.
2. Upon submission you will receive confirmation of receipt by email.
3. We will review your application.
4. If you meet the admission requirements, we will contact you to arrange an interview of around 30 minutes. This will help us to decide whether you can be accepted on the study programme.
5. You will be informed about our decision either way.
6. If you are accepted, you will receive an invoice for the tuition fee that you will need to pay by the communicated deadline.

The final deadline for applications is 24 August 2026. However applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will close when the maximum number of participants is reached – so apply early!

Please also consider the time you might need to make visa and travel arrangements if you plan to attend the opening session in Basel in person.

The total tuition fee is CHF 5,600. This includes all costs for admission and registration, teaching, access to online platforms and course materials, and tests.

It does not include any of your personal study costs (for example internet access or printing) or any travel costs if you wish to join us in Basel for the in-person events.

Some employers can provide financial support for your professional development. Please check with yours! We are happy to help with the relevant documentation. There may also be possibilities to apply to the Gretta Fenner Scholarship Fund.

• Terms and Conditions

View this course on the University of Basel website and download the official documents (in German):

• Weiterbildungs-Ordnung

• Reglement für das Weiterbildungsstudium

• Studierenden-Ordnung

• Studienplan

• Organisationsplan