INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, in partnership with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), offers a Master in International Development designed for those who want to build a global career in international development. As the strategic partner involved in the design of the program, UNSSC contributes lecturers and faculty, visits to its facilities, capstone projects and postgraduate fellowship opportunities. The program diploma is jointly issued with UNSSC, reflecting the organization’s strong involvement and the program’s close connection to international development practice.
Grounded in a rigorous and forward-looking curriculum covering international development theory and practice, management skills and data science, the program combines the expertise of IE faculty and practitioners from the UN system, development banks, NGOs and the private sector. Students can tailor their professional profile through one of three specialization tracks: Development Finance, Climate Adaptation and Disaster Management, or Human Development and Social Policy. The program goes beyond traditional aid pathways to reflect how development is delivered today: through a dynamic mix of actors, instruments and sources of capital.
Designed for purpose-driven individuals seeking to turn their ambitions into a global career, this distinctive program equips students with the skills, adaptability and practical perspective to work across governments, international organizations, development finance institutions, consulting firms, NGOs, philanthropies and the private sector, contributing to social, economic and environmental progress worldwide.
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- José Ignacio Fernández-SalvadorSenior Manager
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WHY STUDY A MASTER IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN SPAIN?
- 01.
BUILD A CAREER ACROSS SECTORS
Prepare for careers in the international development sector beyond a single path. This program equips you to work across public institutions, international organizations, consulting firms, NGOs and the private sector, adapting to where development opportunities emerge.
- 02.
GAIN FIRSTHAND INSIGHT FROM THE GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT ECOSYSTEM
Learn directly from practitioners across development banks, NGOs and the UN system during study trips. Through courses, seminars and real-world exposure, you’ll understand how development is delivered in practice across sectors and contexts.
- 03.
DEVELOP SKILLS FOR A COMPLEX GLOBAL LANDSCAPE
Go beyond theory to build practical skills in geopolitics, public-private collaboration, management and data-driven analysis. You’ll be prepared to navigate complex development environments and turn development challenges into actionable solutions.
- 04.
WORK ON REAL CLIENT PROJECTS THROUGH THE CAPSTONE
Apply your knowledge in a professional setting by working on a real project proposed by partner organizations in the development sector. You’ll get hands on designing solutions to real development challenges, gaining hands-on consulting experience and building a strong, practical portfolio before graduation.
- 05.
LEVERAGE A GLOBAL NETWORK FOR YOUR CAREER
Join a diverse, international community and build connections across sectors and regions. From international organizations to development consulting and multilateral roles, this network will support your career progression in the international development sector.
- 06.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR PATH AND EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE
Tailor your experience through elective tracks, regional focus and skill development. Whether you already have a clear goal or are still defining your path, the program helps you identify where you can build a career and contribute to development outcomes in the development sector.
RECENT GRADUATES
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.
Student Experience: Giacomo Mello Rella
Student Experience: Giacomo Mello Rella
Student Experience: Juncheng Li
Student Experience: Juncheng Li
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
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.
CHOOSE YOUR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIZATION
With the Master in International Development, you will specialize in one of three key areas aligned with today’s most pressing development challenges.
Each track combines specialized knowledge and applied learning, preparing you to design, finance and implement impactful solutions across the private sector, international organizations, NGOs and governments.
DEVELOPMENT FINANCE​
Mobilize capital for sustainable development by exploring the global financial architecture, project finance and risk, innovative financing instruments, and impact measurement for investment decisions.
CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Build more resilient communities by assessing climate and disaster risks and developing strategies for adaptation, preparedness, response and recovery, including climate and disaster risk finance.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL POLICY
Advance inclusive development through social policy, public and global health, education, gender and sustainability, learning how to design effective solutions that institutions can deliver at scale.
INSIDE THE MASTER IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Master in International Development offers an immersive journey into sustainable global impact. As our Associate Vice Dean Pablo Marco explains in a new video series, the program blends academic excellence with real-world application—thanks to top-tier faculty, industry collaboration, and a unique partnership with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC).
ACQUIRE THE SKILLS TO BUILD A MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD
ACQUIRE THE SKILLS TO BUILD A MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD
The Master in International Development equips you with the tools to design, implement and evaluate solutions in complex development contexts, addressing challenges such as humanitarian response, climate resilience, sustainable development financing, forced displacement and migration, and inclusive growth in emerging economies. You’ll learn to anticipate outcomes, navigate uncertainty and develop innovative, actionable solutions to drive measurable impact.
Our partnership with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) reinforces your learning experience. You’ll be positioned for a career in international development with the skills, networks and real-world exposure needed for success. Engage with the field through practical cases, teamwork, simulations, field experiences, debates, case studies and the in-class use of technological tools.
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS OF THE PROGRAM
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS OF THE PROGRAM
DEGREE INFORMATION AND INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM
DEGREE INFORMATION AND INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM
Leading Experts at IE University
To enhance a dynamic and practical learning experience, at IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs we focus on the continuous engagement and networking of our students by hosting events and welcoming top speakers from a diverse range of topics to shape the next generation of impactful global leaders.
THE IE COMPETITIVENESS HUB BRUSSELS
THE IE COMPETITIVENESS HUB BRUSSELS
The IE Competitiveness Hub is dedicated to advancing Europe’s future competitiveness by combining academic rigor, cross-sector knowledge, and policy-oriented research across areas including finance, innovation, energy, digitalization, and economic resilience. Located in Brussels, the Hub serves as a meeting point for students, scholars, industry professionals, and policymakers, transforming applied research into practical insights, informed dialogue, and measurable impact across Europe.
MAKE IT A DUAL DEGREE - DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
Pursue two disciplines while gaining insight from different perspectives and ways of thinking. You'll cover the contents of two master's programs—and graduate with two diplomas—ensuring in-depth expertise that maximizes your value in the job market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE MASTER IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT?
A 10-month, English-taught master's degree in Madrid, co-designed with the United Nations System Staff College and structured around the UN's 5 Ps: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership.
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IS A MASTER'S DEGREE IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORTH IT?
Yes. Graduates get firsthand training from UN experts and partner organizations, and 90% receive a job offer within six months of finishing the program.
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WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?
Recent graduates in political science, international relations, economics or social sciences, and working professionals who already have development experience and want to advance their careers.
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WHAT MAKES IE'S PROGRAM DIFFERENT?
A direct partnership with the United Nations System Staff College, which co-designed the curriculum, plus a one-week immersion in Geneva visiting international organizations.
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IS IE UNIVERSITY ACCREDITED FOR THIS PROGRAM?
Yes. The school is a member of APSIA, NASPAA, ECPR and CIVICA, and the program leads to an official Spanish university master's degree.
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WHAT UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP BACKS THE MASTER IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT IE UNIVERSITY?
The program is developed in official partnership with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), ensuring the curriculum aligns directly with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
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HOW DOES THE MID PROGRAM AT IE UNIVERSITY DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL DEVELOPMENT DEGREES?
Unlike traditional, theory-heavy development programs focused strictly on international aid, this master’s program integrates private sector instruments, impact investment models, blended finance tools, and data science methodologies.
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DO STUDENTS RECEIVE AN OFFICIAL RECOGNITION FROM THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM UPON GRADUATION?
Yes. Upon completing the program, students receive a Certificate of Accomplishment from the United Nations, recognizing their training and engagement with the UN system and the field of international development.
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