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Prospective students
09 December 2019

What’s Unique about Our Interdisciplinary Master Programmes

Our Academic Coordinator explains the specifics of our master's programmes in International Affairs and Development Studies.

The Graduate Institute offers two interdisciplinary master programmes:  the Master in International Affairs (MIA) and the Master in Development Studies (MDEV). In both programmes, students participate in classes taught by faculty from across the Institute’s core disciplines: anthropology and sociology, economics, history, law and political science. As part of their curriculum, MIA and MDEV students choose a specialisation which allows them to approach a specific aspect of international affairs or development through an interdisciplinary lens. 

A distinctive feature of the MIA and MDEV programmes is the opportunity to apply academic research and gain professional skills. These elements are built into the curriculum and help students prepare for their professional career.

  • A Capstone applied research project requires students to collaborate with one of the Graduate Institute’s partner organisations from across International Geneva. Projects address current global challenges. 
  • Professional skills workshops are facilitated by industry experts. These help students acquire or enhance skills necessary for a career in international affairs and development. 
  • Students are encouraged to participate in an internship during the course of their programme and can receive credits for this professional experience. 

The opportunity to examine global issues through different disciplinary lenses while also gaining practical knowledge and experience enables our students to pursue exciting careers in the fields of international affairs and development. 90% of MIA and MDEV students find work within four months of graduation. Recent alumni have secured employment with the United Nations, European Commission, Médecins Sans Frontières, HSBC, World Economic Forum, UBS and other leading organisations. 
 
 

Giordano Neuenschwander, turned a Capstone Project from his Master in Development Studies at the Graduate Institute into a career opportunity. 
Students Present Capstone Projects at Palais des Nations for Geneva Peace Week