Master in International Development

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 on probability theory and economic theory. Unless you pass an exam beforehand, the pre-program is mandatory to progress to the Master in International Development.. PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS PRE-COURSE. PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS PRE-COURSE This pre-course has been designed to introduce you to the basics in statistical data analysis. By taking this course, you will learn essential mathematical principles, core statistical concepts, and the use of statistical software R which lays the foundations of the program.. DEVELOPMENT 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. During this course, you will learn key economic concepts, as well as fiscal and monetary policies, that will be essential during the Master in International Development.

TERMS. 10 Months. 1st term. September - December. 1st Term Core. ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT. With this course, students will gain the tools for effective leadership. They’ll be equipped to lead in any role, regardless of formal authority, and in any setting, including political or organizational. Through hands-on activities, students will learn to think on their feet to solve complex social issues, create supportive environments that welcome different viewpoints, devise strategies challenging hidden beliefs, understand group loyalties and conflicts, and establish safe spaces for open discussion and risk-taking, helping to build a flexible and adaptable culture.. DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the economic development process. Students learn to apply various tools and frameworks to assess a region's or country's growth trajectory, key growth questions and opportunities for productive diversification. They also identify the most significant constraints to realizing these opportunities. Ultimately, they’ll know how to translate these research findings into actionable policy insights to mitigate or overcome identified constraints. Additionally, students will produce high-quality applied research that informs policy decisions for specific countries and regions.. HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL INCLUSION. This course provides a foundational understanding of Human Rights Law and its role in social inclusion and sustainable development. Students cover key concepts, historical developments and their relevance to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They will also study the Human Rights-Based Approach to development programming and apply it through case studies focused on social inclusion, gender equality and violence prevention. Subsequently, they’ll delve into topics like conflict, migration and children's rights, emphasizing practical experience through testimonies from affected individuals.. PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS. The course introduces the use of probability and statistics in the social sciences, particularly in international development. Students will establish firm theoretical foundations that will empower them to confidently construct data analysis models in the second and third terms. They’ll also learn to leverage the quantitative analysis of data to make predictions and evaluate policies for governments, international organizations and NGOs, enhancing their analytical skills and expertise in data-driven decision-making.. RESULTS-BASED MANAGEMENT. This course introduces Results-Based Management (RBM), a framework used by the UN and other organizations to manage projects and programs. Students will master project management techniques for various environments and learn to lead positive change across sectors. They’ll also cover structured problem-solving, performance measurement and strategic planning within the context of RBM. Additionally, they will explore options for financial aid and grant applications. By the end, students will understand key RBM principles and tools, and how to incorporate monitoring and evaluation into their projects.. INTERATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PARTNERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT. Explore the evolution of international development theories and policies, with a focus on multi-stakeholder partnerships addressing global challenges. This course examines key actors like governments, NGOs, and the private sector, while addressing topics such as climate change, economic inequality, and technology's role in development. Through case studies and practical examples, students will build skills to critically assess strategies and drive impactful change.. 1st Term Syllabus. 2nd Term. JANUARY- APRIL. 2nd Term Core. NEGOTIATION AND POLITICAL ACUMEN. This course will help students understand the practical and theoretical frameworks supporting successful negotiation across cultural boundaries. They will develop essential skills and knowledge in intercultural communication, a necessity in today's globalized world. They’ll learn how to advocate for themselves and their organizations while engaging in strategic negotiations that build enduring, mutually beneficial relationships with diverse stakeholders. Additionally, they’ll examine real-world cases involving governments, multilateral organizations and NGOs to grasp the unique dynamics that shape development cooperation.. GOVERNANCE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS. The primary goal of this course is to help students understand the role political and economic institutions play in facilitating just, inclusive and effective governance. Students will explore why strong institutions and good governance are crucial ingredients for sustainable development. They’ll also dive into how these critical elements protect the system-wide respect for the human rights principles of non-discrimination, participation, accountability and the rule of law.. RISK IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. The course focuses primarily on risk, a multidimensional, measurable factor that organizations must identify and manage in order to reach their goals. It provides students with an overview of the nature of risk vs. uncertainty. They will learn the methods used to analyze risk systematically and acquire strategies to mitigate it at the individual and organizational levels. Students will also cover strategic foresight tools and how they can be leveraged to improve decision-making.. ECONOMETRICS: DATA ANALYTICS FOR DEVELOPMENT. This course offers students an in-depth exploration of the evolving field of data analysis and its critical role in the development sector. They will understand how rapid advancements in data technologies have created unparalleled opportunities for progress, societal trend analysis and the development of effective strategies. Specifically designed to bridge theory and practice, students will be equipped with essential knowledge and skills for data-driven decision-making in the realm of development.. ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE AND DEVELOPMENT. This course explores the scientific and societal dimensions of key environmental crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Students will examine the drivers and impacts of these issues on ecosystems, economies, and human development, using frameworks like planetary boundaries. The course also evaluates global efforts for mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable transitions, emphasizing policy effectiveness and justice. Through collaborative and applied learning, students will develop the tools to address pressing environmental challenges.. 2nd Term Syllabus. 3rd Term. APRIL- JULY. Syllabus

Specialization track. Term 3. DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES. The Development Innovation & Emerging Technologies specialization track trains students to operate at the intersection of development and the digital revolution. Today’s emerging technologies present enormous opportunities for development practitioners. As local governments and international organizations increasingly adopt the use of data and technology, they could drastically improve public services in the developing world. However, harnessing these innovations comes with its own set of challenges and potentially adverse outcomes. With this track, students will acquire the skills to navigate these difficulties moving into the future.. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. This course will provide a comprehensive analysis of technological innovation, with a specific focus on the role of emerging technologies in achieving sustainable development. Students will examine how to use technology to solve economic, social and ecological challenges, such as meeting basic needs in developing countries, addressing economic slowdown in industrialized nations, dealing with climate change and achieving sustainable development. They will also examine motives behind resistance to innovation while outlining strategies to overcome such resistance. Discover more  . TECHNOLOGY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR. This course will take a deep dive into the effects on policy-making processes by the GovTech ecosystem, with special attention to stakeholder diversity and dynamics. You will learn from case studies, engage with experts in the field, and create your own compelling, tech-powered public/private initiative during our Bootcamp. Discover more  . INNOVATION FOR DEVELOPMENT. This course comprises Masterclasses and Bootcamps that reinforce the theory and practice of Big Data and Sustainable Development. An instructor will guide the Masterclasses, while Bootcamps will be practical sessions. This builds the capacity to use open data sources to frame Sustainable Development projects. Discover more  . ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND CLIMATE ACTION. The Environmental Politics and Climate Action specialization track explores the importance of effective environmental policies to international development. Through it, students will be empowered to tackle the ecological challenges that will define development work in the 21st century. Development projects and policies that neglect conservation and ecological adaptation are destined to fail. Therefore, students will learn to integrate sustainable development with ecological principles and how to conduct strategic planning that accounts for ecological risks and realities.. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY DESIGN. The Environmental Politics and Climate Action specialization track explores the importance of effective environmental policies to international development. Through it, students will be empowered to tackle the ecological challenges that will define development work in the 21st century. Development projects and policies that neglect conservation and ecological adaptation are destined to fail. Therefore, students will learn to integrate sustainable development with ecological principles and how to conduct strategic planning that accounts for ecological risks and realities. Discover more  . BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION. This course addresses the fundamentals of global biodiversity and the importance of its conservation, and introduces concepts such as natural capital. You will examine active conservation, studying the connection between people and biodiversity. You will also participate in an outdoor activity known as “bird ringing” hosted by scientific staff. Discover more  . POLITICAL ECONOMY OF NATURAL DISASTERS. Climate change will increase the frequency, seasonality, severity, intensity and size of natural disasters. In this course, students will examine the political economy of climate change-induced natural disasters through the lens of three complementary analytical frameworks: environmental politics and political ecology, landscape and disturbance ecology, and coupled human and natural systems theory. After examining basic concepts and theories, they’ll review debates associated with two specific topics: large-scale tree plantation to mitigate climate change and the impacts of extreme weather event changes in coastal areas. Discover more  . GOVERNANCE & SOCIAL INCLUSION. The Governance & Social Inclusion specialization track provides students with the knowledge and tools to develop, design and evaluate policies that promote quality social services and reduce discrimination and inequality.. PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY. This course is intended to build understanding of the context of armed conflicts and what drives them, and building sustainable peace. Students will examine human security before moving on to explore conflict prevention and peacemaking. You will learn different conflict analysis tools, and apply them to a practical case. Discover more  . INCLUSIVE EDUCATION. This course examines the links between education, inequality, and economic growth, taking a global view of educational investment and attainment. Exploring alternative sources of educational funding and the role of IMF-based programs, you will participate in class discussions of theoretical and practical issues, and work in groups on practical assignments. Discover more  . GENDER AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. This course will provide a general introduction to gender equality and investigate current conditions in society such as economic opportunities or education. Students will understand the role that gender stereotypes and social norms play in perpetuating gender inequalities across the globe, and how to address future inequality. Discover more  . FINANCE, TRADE, AND BUSINESS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . With the Finance, Trade and Economics for Sustainable Development track, students will gain the expertise necessary to operate in the complex, ever-changing world of global economics. This is especially relevant as the sustainable finance movement continues to gain global momentum. New forms of international trade and finance, combined with context-appropriate fiscal, monetary, and social policy, may hold the key to unlocking the potential of the world's developing economies.. SUSTAINABLE FINANCE. This course focuses on the technical capacity to design solutions and raise sustainable capital for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You will learn about the role of the private sector in moving towards a more sustainable economic model, and how to engage climate finance opportunities. Discover more. INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND AGENDA 2030. This course combines analytical and methodological insights from political science and economics to understand environmental politics. You will examine the capacity for globalization and economic growth to be compatible with environmental sustainability, and address the current debates on the international political economy. Discover more  . THE ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. This course will examine the private sector’s role in sustainable development by incorporating social and environmental impact within the value chain of economic returns. There is a final group project to dive into an Inclusive Business venture or develop a new business idea that will solve a key development issue. Discover more  

FINAL PROJECT. This final project can take the form of either a traditional master’s thesis or a Capstone Consulting Project.. MASTER’S THESIS. The master’s thesis presents an opportunity for students to gain true expertise in a certain aspect of international development. Each student is allocated an academic tutor, who supervises them and guides them through the challenges of multidisciplinary research. This gives them the chance to put the critical thinking skills they’ve learned over the course of the program to the test.. CAPSTONE CONSULTING PROJECT. Students who take on the Capstone Consulting Project are placed with an international organization for the final two terms of the program. Each student is supervised by a coordinator from the host company, who regularly monitors them as they carry out risk assessment and impact reports, putting their theoretical knowledge into practice.

ADD-ONS. IMMERSION WEEK IN GENEVA. Students will enjoy a unique, week-long immersion experience in Geneva, where they’ll have an unparalleled opportunity to visit international organizations and network with international development professionals. This will enable them to gain a better understanding of what kind of work awaits them after graduation.. PERSONAL & CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a number of 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.. 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.. 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: