Development of practical skills
The landscape of international development cooperation is undergoing a profound transformation. The approaching deadline of the 2030 Agenda and the emergence of new global challenges (such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, migratory flows, security crises and the need for more effective global governance) require highly trained professionals capable of designing, managing and evaluating initiatives that generate a real and sustainable impact. In this context of change, the Master in Management of International Development Cooperation is presented as an innovative academic response, designed to train the leaders and managers that the sector needs today and in the post-2030 future.
Our programme is aimed at professionals from the public, private and social sectors who seek to promote and manage successful projects and partnerships for development.
Over the course of one academic year (60 ECTS), the Master's degree offers a comprehensive overview of the six modules that make up the curriculum: from the theoretical foundations of the cooperation system and sustainable development, through a detailed analysis of governmental actors, the private sector and civil society, to the study of the most relevant international agendas (security, governance, aid effectiveness, financing).
The programme places special emphasis on the development of practical competencies(soft and hard skills) such as data management, gender and human rights awareness, and the use of innovative methodologies for project planning, monitoring and evaluation, including the Logical Framework and the Theory of Change.
Practice-based learning
One of the hallmarks of the Master's is its commitment to practice-based learning. Through case study workshops integrated into the programme, students will apply the knowledge acquired to real situations, learning about multi-stakeholder partnerships, the development of projects with a gender and human rights approach, and strategic decision-making. All of this culminates in a Master's Thesis (9 ECTS) that allows students to demonstrate their ability to address a specific challenge in the sector.
In addition, the face-to-face or virtual mode facilitates access to working professionals without sacrificing a rich and personalised training experience.
Why study the Master's Degree in International Development Cooperation Management?
Two modalities
The programme is taught on-site at the Campus de la Politécnica y Ciencias Sociales in Madrid-Princesa, in the centre of Madrid; or 100% online, which makes it possible to combine personal and professional life with the training process.
Prestigious faculty
Learn from experts with links or experience in agencies such as AECID, the United Nations, SEGIB, foundations, think tanks and civil society. Our professors not only teach theory: they design policies, manage public-private partnerships and lead projects in the field, providing real cases and key contacts for your professional future.
Case study
Theory is brought to life through an innovative hands-on learning model. Throughout the course, students participate in multiple case study workshops integrated into each module. These workshops allow students to immediately apply the concepts learned to real-life situations, guaranteeing training that is directly transferable to the professional environment.
Two modalities
The programme is taught on-site at the Campus de la Politécnica y Ciencias Sociales in Madrid-Princesa, in the centre of Madrid; or 100% online, which makes it possible to combine personal and professional life with the training process.
Prestigious faculty
Learn from experts with links or experience in agencies such as AECID, the United Nations, SEGIB, foundations, think tanks and civil society. Our professors not only teach theory: they design policies, manage public-private partnerships and lead projects in the field, providing real cases and key contacts for your professional future.
Case study
Theory is brought to life through an innovative hands-on learning model. Throughout the course, students participate in multiple case study workshops integrated into each module. These workshops allow students to immediately apply the concepts learned to real-life situations, guaranteeing training that is directly transferable to the professional environment.
With the collaboration of
If you are looking to be part of the change, master the tools of the future of cooperation and make a difference in global development, this programme is your starting point.
Syllabus
The student must take 60 credits
28 ECTS
Dr. Jorge Antonio Pérez Pineda
“No sólo enseñamos teoría del desarrollo; formamos a gestores que saben diseñar proyectos con enfoque de género y derechos humanos, manejar datos, financiar iniciativas y evaluar su impacto real. Nuestro modelo de talleres de estudio de caso permite que el alumno ensaye, falle y aprenda en un entorno seguro, pero con problemas reales”.
Professors
Professors: 43
Percentage of PhDs: 84%.
Academic information
- Hold at least a bachelor's degree in a discipline of the Social Sciences or a related discipline.
- It will be necessary to hold an official university degree: Diploma, Degree or University Graduate.
- Likewise, university graduates from foreign education systems may also be admitted without the need to have their qualifications recognised, provided that they can accredit a level of education equivalent to the corresponding official Spanish university qualifications and that they are recognised in the country of issue of the qualification for access to courses of study that so require.
- Students must submit a certified copy of their university degree before the start of the course.
Quality
Qualification: Master's Degree in Lifelong Learning in International Development Cooperation Management
Faculty or school responsible: Faculty of Law and International Relations
Branch of knowledge: Law and International Relations
Number of places available: -
Type of course: Face-to-face / Distance learning
Academic year in which it was introduced: 2026/2027
Languages: Spanish
Duration: 1 year
Credits: 60 credits.
Minimum 12 ECTS and maximum 60 ECTS per enrolment and teaching period.
Employability
Public Sector and Government Agencies
You will be able to work in national and international cooperation agencies (such as AECID in Spain), ministries of foreign affairs and other public bodies.
International Organisations
Large entities such as the United Nations System (UNDP, UNICEF), the World Bank, the European Union or the OECD are key destinations for professionals in the sector.
NGOs and Civil Society (Non-Profit Sector)
You will be able to manage development projects, write proposals for funding or lead programmes in the field.
Private Sector and Consulting
Companies with CSR departments, specialised consultancies and international consultancy firms are looking for experts in sustainability and project evaluation.
Research and Academia
If you are attracted to the field of research, you will be able to contribute to the development of public policy in research institutes, think tanks and universities.
Public Sector and Government Agencies
You will be able to work in national and international cooperation agencies (such as AECID in Spain), ministries of foreign affairs and other public bodies.
International Organisations
Large entities such as the United Nations System (UNDP, UNICEF), the World Bank, the European Union or the OECD are key destinations for professionals in the sector.
NGOs and Civil Society (Non-Profit Sector)
You will be able to manage development projects, write proposals for funding or lead programmes in the field.
Private Sector and Consulting
Companies with CSR departments, specialised consultancies and international consultancy firms are looking for experts in sustainability and project evaluation.
Research and Academia
If you are attracted to the field of research, you will be able to contribute to the development of public policy in research institutes, think tanks and universities.
