What is a Master's Degree?
According to the University of Salamanca, a Master’s degree programme provides additional training which complements the student’s existing knowledge base and improves their educational profile.
Both private and public universities may award official Master’s degrees, and non-university organizations may award private ones, as it is the case. A wide variety of Master’s programmes is offered by numerous institutions, and at present a standard framework does not exist in which the different programmes might be aligned, regulated or formally validated.
How do the different qualifications relate to one another?
Although a single, global academic system does not exist, the logical order of study is as follows:
- Diploma, technical level – Official
- Bachelor’s Degree, professional level – Official
- Expert Course – Unofficial
- Master’s Degree or Diploma – Unofficial (*)
- Official Masters Degree – Official
- Doctorate – Official
Who issues the course qualifications? What approval and validity do they have?
On successful completion of each course, a private Continuing Education certificate (non-official) qualification from Kalu Institute is awarded. The qualifications are increasingly recognised among NGOs given that the content and methodology of the courses offered are well suited to their requirements. The validity of these qualifications for recruitment processes depends on the particularities of the institution or organisation.
Under what circumstances are bursaries awarded?
The bursaries conditions are described at https://kaluinstitute.org/masters-in-international-cooperation-and-humanitarian-aid/grants-scholarships-grants/
Course Refund
Before starting the course, students may cancel their registration and request a refund from which 20% of the course value will be deducted. For example, for a course costing €1000, of which €500 had been paid, €300 would be refunded; the remaining €200 would not be returned
Once the course has started no refunds will be made.
If a student is registered with the expectancy of a bursary which is later not awarded will the deposit be refunded?
Yes. The student who does not receive a bursary may request the refund of the amount paid minus the bank transfer charges. Full refunds will not be made for any other reasons.
How often are the courses registrations open?
Registration for the Master’s and Expert Courses is normally accepted three times a year. You are advised to check the website for dates and registration instructions.
Where do these courses take place?
All our courses are conducted via internet, you do not have to attend classes in a particular location.
What are the requirements to join the courses?
As our Master’s degree is offered by a private institution, there are no particular requirements and no official qualification is required.
However, we recommend you to have:
– Intermediate/Advanced level of the language of the course.
– User level computing.
– Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree, or some professional experience in the humanitarian sector.
Can I study on paper or solely using the monitor?
A secure internet connection is required but most materials (presentations, study documents, and others) can be printed if required. Videos may only be watched on the computer, and tests are carried out on-line.
In other words, the computer and internet use on this course is fairly intensive although many parts can be studied on paper if this method is preferred by the student. We do not send printed material.
How long does it take to complete the Master’s Degree in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid and what are the class times?
The Master’s degree programme lasts for one year. Within this timeframe the student sets their own rhythm, working faster through some topics and slower in others.
There are no fixed class times. Presentations and materials are downloaded and studied whenever the user wants.
Are there fixed periods for completing work, exercises and tests or does the student work at their own pace?
The student works at their own pace, completing exercises and tests when he or she chooses, within the overall timeframe of one year.
Will all people registered who meet the bursaries requirements be able to access them?
Bursaries are limited to 40% of the total number of registered students. Those applications entitled to receive one will be selected in order of registration. Registration is considered complete following the first payment.
It is possible that people who meet the criteria but complete their registration process later will not be awarded a bursary. On the other hand, it is possible that although the 40% quota has been reached, more bursaries are issued under special conditions, normally for NGO students from community organizations in countries receiving international cooperation.
Who finances Kalu Institute?
The financing of Kalu Institute is exclusively through registrations and is independent of any NGO or financial backer.
How were the courses designed?
The courses have been designed and produced by an independent team of humanitarian professionals, all of whom have over 10 years’ experience in working in development and humanitarian aid and in different NGOs and agencies such as Oxfam, the Red Cross, DG -ECHO, the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation, SNV Holland, MPDL and others.
What is a volunteer? (about grants)
A volunteer is a person who works for a charitable organization without being paid, an under these conditions: a) Altruism and solidarity. b) Voluntary, without having been mandatorily assigned. c) No payment, without prejudice to the reimbursement of expenses.