"Joining the Master in Cooperation and Development in Pavia means trying to understand the complexities of our world, the origin of its distortions, and some possible ways of change. Above all, it means doing it together with people from all over the world and connecting with more than 500 people, former students who now work around the world concretely, practicing those ways of change".
The Master Program in Cooperation and Development (CD) of the University of Pavia is the first Master’s Program in the field of international cooperation established in Italy and running continuously since 1997. Organized by the University of Pavia, one of the oldest universities in Europe, the program is carried out with the significant support of three Italian NGOs – CISP, COOPI, and VIS.
The Master aims at training professionals in the field of international cooperation through highly qualified academic and professional training. Students are integrated into a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
Students coming from all over the world, from different cultural and academic backgrounds are exposed to an intensive period of study, followed by a direct field experience. Usually, the class is composed of half Italians and half foreigners, mostly coming from developing countries.
Students are prepared to work for NGOs, international organizations, governmental bureaus, research centers, and public or private Institutions in the field of cooperation and development.
From November to June
The program offers 8 months of in class-teaching activities during the residential part in Pavia.
The program foresees full-time classes with more than 500 hours of teaching and seminars focusing on Development Economics, Current Development Issues, Project Cycle Management, and Humanitarian Aid. Throughout the whole year, the Master offers many different seminars and workshops held by academicians and professionals, from all over the world.
Networking with CDN experts it’s a great boost to your career development!
The Master is located in Pavia. Our Program is hosted in the beautiful framework of the University Campus Almo Collegio Borromeo. Our students have the opportunity to join our international students’ community and take part in a life-changing experience. Master students will be offered free seminars, workshops, FREE language certificates (English C1, Spanish A2/B1, French A2/B1, German A2/B1), talks, cultural events, and much more! Our students are also granted special conditions for accommodation at the Campus.
Have a look at the Campus Guide and discover all the facilities!
Since the foundation, CISP, COOPI, and VIS have played a key role in the Program. Their contribution is fundamental for the Module on Project Cycle Management which is entirely thought by their member staff. Every year our partner CSOs offer our students many internships around the world.
“ The Master’s programme has been fundamental to me at different times and in different ways during my career. Being a student of this Master’s course also meant that I felt part of a community: in fact there is a strong sense of belonging among the former students who now work around the world in international cooperation. During my career i stumbled upon various Master’s alumni, capable and well established professionals with whom i felt connected.
After 20 years of work experience in this sector, in different countries and organizations, I would undoubtedly do this training again, which is also a path of personal growth.”
Sara Baroud, Head of granting and knowledge management, COOPI
“I am immensely grateful for the opportunities the Master’s programme has given me, not only did it provide me with a comprehensive understanding of cooperation and development, but the immense added value has come from the outstanding professionalism and preparation of the master. The program’s rigorous curriculum, taught by experts in the field, equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex challenges of the humanitarian sector”.
Pietro Mirabelli, Cash and market development manager, Norvegian Refugee Council
My academic background and professional network have been instrumental in my role as Project Coordinator. The Master’s program provided me with the necessary tools and skills to work in the sector, while the professional network facilitated collaboration with partner organizations and stakeholders. The Master’s in Cooperation and Development in Pavia has been incredibly helpful in getting me ready for a career in the development sector. It gave me a lot of useful knowledge on important topics and provided great learning chances, helping me grow professionally and personally. Specialized knowledge, networking opportunities and practical experience: this master it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to dive into cooperation careers.
Alberto Tarantino, Project Coordinator, Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo (AICS), Egypt.
“The economic aspects are fundamental in cooperation and development and even more now in the light of recent global crises. Secondary project management equips one to handle development projects with ease. Thirdly, the internships at the end usher one back into professional life, making the transition easier for young professionals. Finally, of course, is the peer learning opportunity offered by the program. This is the part that I personally most treasure. Meeting students from other parts of the world offers opportunities for cross-learning through other people’s experiences”.
Nkoka Precious, Development Officer, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
ALMO COLLEGIO BORROMEO
Piazza Collegio Borromeo, 9
27100 Pavia, Italia
Tel +39 0382 395504
Email: cdn@unipv.it
