Master in International Relations

PRE-PROGRAM. The pre-program is a mandatory introductory period, unless you pass an exam beforehand. During this module, you will explore key themes on the dynamics of global affairs, including economics, quantitative skills and statistics and the broad foundations of international studies. The courses in the Pre-program include:. ECONOMICS PRE-COURSE. This pre-course has been designed to provide you with an understanding of core economic principles and how they apply to real-world issues. By taking this course, you will learn the key economic concepts, as well as fiscal and monetary policies, that will be essential during your master’s degree.. INTERNATIONAL STUDIES PRE-COURSE. This pre-course has been designed to provide you with the basic foundations of international studies. By taking this course, you will learn the key concepts of international history, theory and empirical inquiry, which are essential during your master’s degree.. QUANTITATIVE SKILLS PRE-COURSE. This pre-course has been designed to provide you with an understanding of the basics of computer programming, probability and statistics. By taking this course, you will study causal relationships with statistics and computer programming techniques, which will be useful during your master’s degree.

TERMS. 10 months. 1ST TERM. SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER. 1st Term: Core. PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS. This course will provide you with a rigorous introduction to the principles of probability theory and their application to statistical analysis. You’ll learn how distinct continuous and discrete probability distributions work, which in turn will provide you with an understanding on how to treat various forms of continuous and categorical data in statistical analysis.. NEGOTIATION AND DIPLOMATIC SKILLS. Develop the core competencies required for effective negotiation in international contexts, combining theory with hands-on simulations. Students explore decision-making processes, intercultural communication and coalition-building strategies in complex diplomatic environments.. COMPARATIVE POLITICAL SYSTEMS. Analyze how political systems evolve across different regions, with a focus on democratic backsliding, hybrid regimes and the rise of authoritarian leadership. The course applies a comparative lens to understand the relationship between institutions, citizens and political power.. PUBLIC POLICY DESIGN. The course introduces the basic concepts of public policy’s design and implementation. It begins with a general comparative framework to understand the different public administration models. It then proceeds to teach you the policymaking process through a hands-on methodology that helps you develop the skills and knowledge you need for the three key phases of the policymaking process: definition, design and implementation. Creating effective public policies in a dynamic environment requires a holistic approach that integrates these three phases into a single methodological framework.. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY AND GAME THEORY. In this course, you will analyze the foundations of the great paradigms in the theory of international relations (Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, etc.). This will involve training in the basic methods of game theory, building on your background in microeconomics. With these methods in hand, the course will analyze the predictions made by game theory about the causes of war, the possibilities of international cooperation, and the consequences of foreign policy decisions. The general objective of the course is to help you evaluate the conditions in which each of the traditional theories of international relations is most viable, in order to improve your ability to design foreign policy and assess political risks.. INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY. Explore the intersection of energy, geopolitics and economic policy in a rapidly transforming global landscape. Students analyze energy markets, security concerns and the political implications of the transition to sustainable energy systems.. 2ND TERM. JANUARY - APRIL. 2nd Term: CORE. DATA ANALYTICS FOR DECISION-MAKING. This course will focus on econometric applications, including linear and nonlinear models, maximum likelihood, time series analysis, causal identification, and experimental analysis. You will discover the evolving set of tools available to statisticians when making causal inferences with observational data, including instrumental variable analysis, difference-in-difference designs, and regression discontinuity. You and your peers will be assigned exercises in which you must use quantitative analysis to enhance decision-making, taking into account objectives such as organizational adaptation, economic growth and equity, and the effectiveness of public policies.. GLOBAL RISK ANALYSIS. Develop the tools to identify, assess and anticipate global risks across political, economic and security domains. Students learn to analyze complex, interconnected threats and support decision-making under uncertainty using both qualitative and data-driven approaches.. INTERNATIONAL LAW AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (ILIO). In this course, you will complement your knowledge of strategic reasoning with a study of international law, treaties and intergovernmental organizations. The course will examine the capacity of legal foundations to condition supranational cooperation and governance. This foundation will enable you to identify areas for institutional reform and improvement, as well as policy spheres where international cooperation is less likely and/or less beneficial.. ADVANCED IR THEORY: CRITICAL AND ETHICAL DEBATES. In this course, you will broaden your understanding of international studies through the analysis of alternative and critical paradigms, including social constructivism, Marxist-inspired theories, feminist approaches and perspectives from the Global South. The course will also explore key ethical debates in international relations, such as just war, human rights and the international justice system, helping you develop a more critical perspective on contemporary global issues.. REGIONAL SPECIALIZATION PART I. You will be able to choose the region that most interests you from among the following: Europe, Asia, Latin America, Middle East & North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa. *Providing an enriching learning environment is one of our priorities. With this in mind, if only a small number of students choose a specific region, that region will not run that academic year.. HISTORY, CULTURE AND SOCIETY IN THE RESPECTIVE REGION. This course is designed to enable you to develop specialized knowledge of the history, culture, politics and political economy of a prominent global region. It will be especially relevant for those who are completing the master’s to develop a regional specialization. You will apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks of comparative research to a particular region. You’ll also gain the ability to identify connections between national, regional and international politics, and the opportunity to develop risk analysis and policies specific to each country and region.. 2nd Term: SPECIALIZATION. SECURITY. In this specialization, you will gain skills and knowledge necessary to confidently work in the geopolitical and diplomatic arena. Subject areas will cover global security, international negotiation, foreign policy, conflict resolution and more. This specialization’s modules comprise Foreign Policy, and Defense and Military Doctrine.. FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS. Examine how states design and implement foreign policy in an increasingly complex global environment. The course explores decision-making processes, strategic priorities and the domestic and international factors that shape foreign policy outcomes.. DEFENSE AND MILITARY DOCTRINE. Examine how national security and defense strategies are designed and implemented across different contexts. Students explore the relationship between political leadership, military institutions and industry, combining theory with applied strategic analysis.. INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY. In this specialization, you will deep dive into international trade, international finance and global markets, better understanding the dynamics and trends shaping international economics. Subject areas will explore current economic themes, investment theory, policy-making, the impact of digitalization on the global economy, and more. This specialization’s modules comprise: International Business and Global Markets, and International Financial System.. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND GLOBAL MARKETS. Analyze how global markets operate and how firms navigate international economic environments. The course explores trade dynamics, investment strategies and the impact of geopolitical and regulatory factors on global business.. INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM. Examine the structure and evolution of the global financial system, including monetary regimes, exchange rates and international capital flows. The course analyzes how financial institutions and policies shape economic stability and global economic governance.. GLOBAL GOVERNANCE AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION. In this specialization, you will focus on international organizations and cooperation, human rights and sustainability. Subject areas will focus on collaborative efforts, new technologies, historical global activism and civic movements, the 2030 UN SDGs, and the intersection of national and international law. This specialization comprises: Advanced International Law, and International Development Cooperation.. ADVANCED INTERNATIONAL LAW. Expand your understanding of international relations through critical perspectives, including constructivist, feminist and Global South approaches. The course also explores key ethical debates such as just war, human rights and global justice.. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION. Examine how international actors collaborate to address global inequality and sustainable development challenges. The course explores development frameworks, partnership models and the role of governments, NGOs and private actors, with a focus on the UN 2030 Agenda and policy interdependence across economic, environmental and governance domains.. SPACE AFFAIRS. In this specialization, you will gain knowledge and skills at the intersection of space, policy, and global affairs, exploring how space shapes security, technology, and economic development worldwide. You will learn to understand the strategic importance of space systems and operations, navigate governance and regulatory challenges, and analyze the geopolitical and commercial forces driving the space sector. Through this specialization, you will also develop the ability to assess how public institutions, international organizations, and private actors interact within the global space ecosystem, preparing you to make informed and impactful decisions in this rapidly evolving field.  This specialization comprises: Space Systems and Space Players and Leadership.. SPACE SYSTEMS. Explore how space activities are conceived, operated, and applied in today's evolving sector. The course covers orbital mechanics, the physical space environment, mission design and operations — from launch systems to ground infrastructure and debris management — and the main civil, commercial, and military applications of space, including satellite telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation systems, and emerging fields such as space tourism and in-orbit manufacturing.. SPACE PLAYERS AND LEADERSHIP. Examine how the global space sector is organised, governed, and managed across four interconnected pillars. The course examines the roles of states, national agencies, and international bodies, the structure of the space industrial landscape from large integrators to start-ups, and the challenges of leading space projects and public–private partnerships, with a focus on risk management, organisational culture, and practical negotiation skills drawn from institutional, defence, and commercial space contexts.. 3RD TERM. 3 MONTHS. 3rd Term: Core. PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT (PMIA):. This course will provide you with the necessary training to manage and lead projects. It will take an inclusive approach to all phases of the process: from project design, to budgeting and financing, implementation and impact evaluation. You will learn to use logic models, theories of change, and other logical frameworks to design projects in which activities, outcomes and objectives are clearly linked. You will also learn how projects can be tailored to strategic circumstances and how their formats and strategies vary between the public and private sectors. Finally, you’ll evaluate the different qualitative and quantitative tools available to assess whether or not a project has met its objectives.. REGIONAL SPECIALIZATION PART II. Providing an enriching learning environment is one of our priorities. With this in mind, if only a small number of students choose a specific region, that region will not run that academic year.. SPECIALIZATION. SECURITY. The specialization in Geopolitics and Security will provide you with relevant skills for and in-depth knowledge of global security issues, international negotiation and foreign policy. Providing a holistic overview of the geopolitical and diplomatic arena, areas covered by this specialization include: the instruments by which states strategize foreign policy, how data sets are used in conflict analysis, and game theory’s place in strategic logic. This specialization’s modules comprise:. PEACE BUILDING AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION. This course will examine how practitioners and academics have addressed the complex reality of how states resolve their violent conflicts. A central aspect of the course will be a consideration of policy interventions through which third parties may attempt to promote peace, such as mediation, military intervention, foreign aid and peacekeeping. The course will also consider the role of transitional justice and the reintegration of combatants as part of building sustainable peace. In the course, you will assess global political interventions through comparative data and case analysis.. INSURGENCY AND COUNTER-TERRORISM. Examine the evolution, causes and dynamics of insurgency and terrorism, and the strategies used by states and international organizations to address them. The course analyzes political, economic and social drivers of radicalization, as well as the effectiveness of counter-terrorism policies, using comparative case studies and real-world data.. HYBRID THREATS. Analyze the nature and evolution of hybrid threats, combining conventional, cyber, informational and economic tools to exploit societal and infrastructural vulnerabilities. The course examines strategies such as disinformation, cyber operations and economic coercion, as well as policy responses focused on detection, resilience and national security.. INTELLIGENCE METHODS AND ANALYSIS. Understand the role of intelligence in national security, focusing on data collection, analysis and strategic assessment. Students examine key challenges such as bias, information overload and emerging technologies, while developing practical skills to evaluate risks and support decision-making in complex security environments.. INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY. INTERNATIONAL TRADE POLICY. In this course, you will study a wide range of topics related to the study of international trade and international investment. The course begins with a rigorous and quantitative exposition of some standard and widely applied theoretical models of international money and direct capital investment, as well as trading and portfolio investment. It focuses on the functioning and challenges of the international trade regime, exploring its evolution from the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to the World Trade Organization (WTO). You will study and analyze various international policies in the areas of antidumping, customs and standards, and fiscal and regulatory policy, as well as how they affect international trade and investment.. PUBLIC AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS. Explore the interaction between governments, institutions and private actors in shaping regulatory and policy environments. Students learn how regulatory frameworks, public policy and stakeholder engagement influence economic activity and organizational strategy in a global context.. THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF ENERGY. Examine the interplay between energy, geopolitics and economic policy in shaping global markets. Students assess energy security, market structures and the political and technological drivers of the transition to sustainable energy systems.. MIGRATION FLOWS AND HUMAN CAPITAL. Analyze how migration interacts with labor markets, development and public policy, shaping human capital formation across countries. The course explores the economic, social and political implications of migration, as well as policy responses at national and international levels.. GLOBAL GOVERNANCE AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS. MIGRATION FLOWS AND HUMAN CAPITAL. Explore how migration reshapes labor markets, development trajectories and public policy, with a focus on human capital formation and mobility. Assess the economic, social and political implications of migration, and evaluate policy responses at national and international levels.. CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE. This course examines the evolving role that the international community has played in reducing poverty and inequality around the world. It also looks at the various ways in which environmental and social concerns are becoming integrated into traditional development practices that rely more on micro- and macroeconomic incentives. Special attention will be paid to the 2030 Agenda and its emphasis on the interdependence between public policies in the spheres of the economy, the environment and governance. The general theme will be to map out the most effective ways in which partnerships between states, communities and organizations can take advantage of these complementarities, and avoid negative externalities in the search for a more prosperous and sustainable world.. EUROPEAN LAW, INSTITUTIONS AND POLITICS. This course analyzes the legal development of European integration, as well as the expanding scope of policies that are the responsibility of the EU rather than national governments: production policies, innovation, finance, trade and security. It focuses on the institutional and legal challenges facing current integration efforts, as well as the search for institutional reforms and political strategies that can improve the effectiveness of the EU. A series of sessions will specifically look at the EU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the European capacity to expand its coordination in the field of health.. CIVIL SOCIETY AND GLOBAL ACTIVISM. Investigate how civil society actors and global movements mobilize support, influence policy and drive transnational change. Analyze the strategies, digital tools and organizational dynamics that shape collective action across diverse political and cultural contexts.. SPACE AFFAIRS. EUROPEAN LAW, INSTITUTIONS AND POLITICS. This course analyzes the legal development of European integration, as well as the expanding scope of policies that are the responsibility of the EU rather than national governments: production policies, innovation, finance, trade and security. It focuses on the institutional and legal challenges facing current integration efforts, as well as the search for institutional reforms and political strategies that can improve the effectiveness of the EU. A series of sessions will specifically look at the EU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the European capacity to expand its coordination in the field of health.. SPACE ECONOMY AND BUSINESS. Analyse the economic, financial, and entrepreneurial dynamics of the global space sector across four interconnected pillars. The course covers the structure and evolution of space markets — from satellite telecommunications to launch services — financial assessment tools, investment strategies, and cost-benefit analysis, alongside the creation and management of commercial space ventures, with a focus on business planning, venture capital, and emerging business opportunities across space infrastructure and services.. SPACE POLICY AND REGULATION. Examine how space activities are governed, regulated, and shaped by political and diplomatic forces at national and international levels. The course explores institutional frameworks and governance models across major space agencies, the strategic and geopolitical dimensions of space policy, the use of space as an instrument of diplomacy and national power, and the legal landscape governing space activities — from foundational UN treaties to emerging national space laws and regulatory challenges such as space traffic management and debris.. SPACE DEFENSE AND SECURITY. Explore how space has emerged as a critical domain for defence and security. The course examines the historical and strategic foundations of military space activities — from Cold War origins to today's orbital operations — the institutional and national actors shaping space security, and the key challenges of building space power in the 21st century, including cybersecurity, military operations in very low Earth orbit, space-based missile defence, and international cooperation in surveillance and tracking.

Final project. In your final project, you’ll choose between completing an individual, research-based thesis, or undertaking a real consultancy project (Capstone Project) at an institution or think tank as part of a group. Your final project offers the chance to delve deeper into areas that resonate with your academic and professional interests. You’ll be given a range of options to choose from, and Capstone Project partners include world leaders in the field such as Google, NATO, the IDB, UNICEF and the World Food Programme. The Capstone Project is a unique opportunity to apply everything you’ve learned to real-world challenges, working alongside top institutions to tackle pressing global issues and gain first-hand policy-making experience.

ADD-ONS. TRIPS, EXPERIENCES AND BEYOND. Visits to world-leading players on the international stage provide you with an unmatched opportunity to see the knowledge you’re gaining in the classroom applied in real-world situations.. ONE-WEEK IMMERSION TRIP. Join a week-long field trip that takes you to the sharp end of international affairs, as you visit and network with key players in the sector that will boost your development after the program.. VISITS. Trips to many critical actors on the international stage are planned. In the past, these opportunities have included visits to global institutions such as the International Organization for Migration and the European Parliament, as well as private-sector leaders including Politico and Google.. BEYOND BORDERS EXPERIENCE. If you wish to further customize your program, you can do so by choosing to spend a semester at one of several universities worldwide, whether that be in Paris, Pittsburgh, Buenos Aires, St. Gallen, or Beirut. A semester at one of our partner universities is an optional addition to the program’s core structure and takes place after the final semester in Madrid.. CERTIFICATE ON FOUNDATIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY. IE University’s Certificate on Foundations of Sustainability is an optional program you can use to complement your master’s degree and showcase your individual commitment to incorporating sustainability into your professional work. The Certificate takes a dynamic, holistic approach that will shape your thinking and give you the highly in-demand skills to address today’s most pressing challenges. The program will provide you with a highly sought-after set of skills and knowledge that are required to tackle the challenges our institutions, corporations and societies are facing today.. SPECIAL MENTION IN MASTER´S DIPLOMA. Students have the unique opportunity to earn a special mention on their diploma. To do so, they must choose electives and a final project topic from one of the following specializations: Security, International Political Economy, or Global Governance and International Organizations. By completing a Thesis or Capstone project related to their chosen specialization, students can receive this special recognition. This mention will be highlighted on their official diploma, showcasing their focused knowledge and skills in a specific field and enhancing their professional profile.. PERSONAL & CAREER DEVELOPMENT. Students will have the opportunity to take part in several career development workshops over the course of the program, in order to help them develop their personal brand, find a career that encompasses their interests and allow them to use the skills they’ve gained at IE School of Global and Public Affairs. Introduction to Career Services. Personal Branding. How to improve your CV and Cover Letter. Interview Preparation and Salary Negotiation. How To Use LinkedIn. Job Hunting Workshop.. Exchanges. You can customize your program by spending an extra semester at one of our 11 partner universities worldwide after your third term in Madrid. Please note that spots are limited in all exchange programs. Some of the partner universities are:

DUAL DEGREES WITH PARTNER UNIVERSITIES. DUAL DEGREE WITH HERTIE. The  Master In International Relations + Master Of International Affairs  dual degree merges IE University’s Master in International Relations with the renowned Master of International Affairs program offered by the prestigious Hertie School in Germany. This two-year journey offers students a comprehensive exploration of global affairs, set against the vibrant backdrops of Madrid and Berlin.. DUAL DEGREE WITH MUNK. The Master in International Relations + Master of Public Policy dual degree combines IE University’s Master in International Relations with the Master of Public Policy offered by the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. This two-year program gives students an in-depth understanding of global affairs and public policy, with the unique opportunity to live and study in Madrid and Canada, gaining first-hand international experience in two dynamic settings.