Master in International Development
Madrid, Spain
Master degree
DURATION
10 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* rolling admissions process
Key Summary
IE School of Global & Public Affairs and the United Nations System Staff College have partnered to provide world-class training in the Master in International Development. Students will be primed to tackle the complex challenges associated with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and promote sustainable prosperity around the world.
The program encompasses the 5 P’s defined by the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. The United Nations System Staff College has designed the curriculum for this master's alongside IE University experts and professors.
As a natural step for ambitious individuals who want to make a change in the world, the program equips students with the skills and expertise to generate a positive global impact.
This unique international development master’s program enables students to promote sustainable, social, economic, and environmental prosperity around the world.
Top reasons to join the Master in International Development
01. Benefit from our partnership with the UNSCC
Students in the program will be lectured by United Nations experts and practitioners, visit UN offices, and, at the end of their program, receive a certificate from the UNSSC.
02. Learn from experienced professors and top practitioners
Students will get the chance to engage with top professionals and experts from the UN system and other top organizations through courses, seminars, capstone projects, and special events.
03. Study at a top-tier school
IE University is proudly a full member of the Association for Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), and the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR). It is also united as a member of the European University of Social Sciences (CIVICA). IE Business School ranks as the 5th European Business School and its online MBA ranks #1 worldwide.
04. A one-week immersion in Geneva
Students will have the opportunity to visit and experience firsthand the inner workings of different international organizations including the UN. They will be able to meet and shadow professionals throughout their week, gaining a practical vision of what it encompasses.
05. Join a thriving global community
Students will receive support and encouragement for internships and careers within the UN and other global organizations to prepare for their future careers. They’ll be able to develop a global network to take them to new heights and bridge the gap between Europe and America.
Is the Master in International Development for you?
Two types of students can undertake a Master's in International Development:
Recent graduates
Are you interested in a career in international development and looking to pursue a leading master’s program to enhance your undergraduate education? This program is designed for graduates of political science, international relations, economics, social sciences, or an equivalent area of study.
Young professionals
Are you looking to take on more responsibilities and generate a greater impact at your company or organization? This international development program is designed for professionals who already have some experience in the development field. Build upon your knowledge and address the challenges of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
The Master in International Development is an innovative program that revolves around the 5 P’s of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: people, planet, peace, prosperity, and partnership.
The following topics enable students to understand the mechanics behind international development and cultivate the skills they need to boost their careers and drive positive global change.
The core courses are divided into three areas: Cross-cultural Negotiation and Empowerment; the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda; and Data Analysis and Project Management. You can choose from four specialization tracks: Development Innovation & Emerging Technologies; Governance & Social Inclusion; Environmental Politics and Climate Action; and Finance, Trade, and Business for Sustainable Development.
You’ll also complete a final project in the program: either a master’s thesis or a Capstone Consulting Project. The program is complemented by an immersion week in Geneva and opportunities to take part in a number of career development workshops over the course of the program.
Pre-Program
The pre-program is an introductory period where you will delve into key economic theories and develop skills to handle real-world data while gaining insights into probability theory and economic theory. Unless you pass an exam beforehand, the pre-program is mandatory to progress to the Master in International Development.
1st Term
Core
The courses in the first term lay down the fundamentals for what’s to come, and open students’ eyes to how things are in a complex, globalized world, and how they could be. The blend of courses allows you to work on understanding conflict resolution, social context, and project management, as well as effective strategizing and resilience in the face of change.
- Adaptive Leadership and Community Empowerment
- Development Economics
- Human Rights and Social Inclusion
- Political Economy of Climate Change
- Probability and Statistics
- Results-Based Management
2nd Term
Core
Courses in this second term include:
- Negotiation and Political Acumen
- Governance and Strong Institutions
- Partnership and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
- Policy Coherence: Externalities and Multipliers
- Risk in International Development
- Econometrics and Data Analytics
3rd Term
Specialization Tracks
Each specialization track equips you to engage local governments and international organizations. The specialization courses enhance strategic and implementation skills that create economic, political, or environmental development to unlock the potential of collective projects. All specializations support sustainable development and social inclusion across the world; whether using technology, governance, social awareness, or a blend of all three.
Final Project
In the final part of the course, each student will have the opportunity to take a more independent approach to their educational journey. They’ll carry out an in-depth research project on a subject of their choosing, gaining valuable skills that will prove useful later on in their career.
Are you ready to leap into a high-impact career and start working toward a better future? The Master in International Development is designed for individuals who are interested in entering the world of international development, or who want to move a step above their current position by improving the way they work and enhancing their skills. The program prepares students for whatever route they choose, whether it is in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors.
Opportunities for international development students after graduation
Besides the range in industry and organization you could end up in with your Master in International Development, there’s also a wide scope of role types you could fill upon graduation, including but not limited to:
- International Development Specialist
- Project Manager
- Policy And Planning Officer
- Researcher
- Consultant
- Operations Officer
- Public Policy Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Project Officer
- Sector Specialist
This unique and comprehensive program equips ambitious individuals who want to make a change in the world, with the skills and expertise needed to generate a positive global impact. Students will receive the tools needed to promote sustainable social, economic and environmental prosperity around the world.