Turin School of Development (International Training Centre of the ILO)
Master in Technologies for Sustainable transitions in the Global SouthDURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
30 Jun 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
13 Apr 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 9,900 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
Blended
Introduction
The Specializing Master’s programme (1st level) in Technologies for Sustainable Transitions in the Global South is a pioneering academic venture, born from the joint efforts of the Turin School of Development of the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITC-ILO) and the Politecnico di Torino.
Politecnico di Torino is among the top European Technical Universities for education and research, with a key role in Innovation and Technological transfer and a strong commitment to knowledge sharing to produce an impact on a complex and rapidly changing society. ITCILO, as part of the ILO, is dedicated to exploring the frontiers of the future of work. It delivers development-oriented Courses and Masters in an international environment, in collaboration with the United Nations system and other centres of excellence across the globe.
The Master is addressed to project managers, officers, experts in Multilateral Cooperation and International Affairs, entrepreneurs, professionals and researchers in international organizations and sector-specific associations. It is designed to broaden and deepen participants’ expertise in managing complex development projects, integrating innovative technologies, and leading high-impact initiatives. The programme equips professionals with the skills to leverage appropriate technologies for sustainable transitions in the Global South. By combining strategic planning with technologies empowers participants to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions for global challenges.
Focusing on the intersection of technology and social development, the curriculum addresses the urgent need for specialized knowledge to push societal transformation.
The programme has an online learning stage during which the nexus between technology and social innovation is explored through the lens of development cooperation practitioners and a face-to-face learning stage diving deep into four strategic topics for sustainable development:
- Technologies for the Digital Transition: Analysing both the regulatory and technical aspects of digital standards that are suitable for boosting development, considering emerging drivers of change.
- Energy and Green transition: Providing key insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by the green transition, particularly the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy technologies, within an inclusive and international framework.
- Agroecological transition: Dealing with the growing complexity of the agricultural and food system and the implications for land and water resources.
- Urban transition: Addressing the multiple and interconnected challenges of cities, whose future will be largely transformed by social and technological innovation.
The course carefully balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, encouraging students to interact, discuss real case studies and engage critically.
This programme is not just an academic journey but also an opportunity to gain knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, join a global community dedicated to international development, and connect with a vibrant network of experts, professionals, and academics.
Gallery
Ideal Students
Who Attends this Master?
The Master's is intended for:
- Experts in Multilateral Cooperation and International Affairs
- Public Administration and Policy Analysis Officials
- Professionals and Researchers in international organizations and associations involved in Development
and Cooperation - Consultants with specialization in International Development Cooperation
- Experts in Digital Transformation and Innovation Strategy
- Managers and investment analysts in Finance Institutions
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Partial Scholarships
A limited number of partial scholarships is available, on a competitive basis, only for participants from countries which receive official development assistance (ODA). Participants who wish to apply for a partial scholarship, are required to specify it on the application form.
The selection criteria for the award of partial scholarships will include academic and professional qualifications, organization, country of origin and gender balance.
Curriculum
This one-year Master programme is intensive by design. It combines three phases: distance learning module, face-to-face component and preparation of the final thesis.
Distance Learning Phase
From 3 November 2025 to 10 April 2026
During this phase, participants will have access to an online platform through which they will be given the materials, send their assignments and interact in forums as a class while receiving advisory support from a dedicated tutor. Assessment will be carried out on a regular basis and upon arrival in Turin.
Topics covered will be:
- Module 1: Policies and Actors for International Development Cooperation
- Module 2: Project Management for Development
- Module 3: Impact assessment and evaluation of policies, programmes and projects
- Module 4: Strategies to Navigate Complex Change
- Module 5: Economics of Innovation
Face-to-Face Phase
From 13 April to 12 June 2026
This phase is the core learning component of the Master. Participants will learn and practice through live classes held by an international faculty. Participation in classes is compulsory; classes are held every day from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3.30 pm. Subjects include:
- Module 1: Technologies for the Digital transition
- Module 2: Energy and Green transition
- Module 3: Agroecological transition
- Module 4: Urban transitions
Final Project Phase
From 15 June to 31 October 2026
Preparation and completion of an original written project over a period of 19 weeks, focusing on a specific subject or challenge related to technologies and international development cooperation. This final project will be developed through self-directed research in one of the core areas of study. Supervisors will provide guidance and support throughout this phase to ensure the delivery of a comprehensive and original project as a final outcome.”
Methodology
The Master programme is a one-year intensive blended-learning offering, consisting of one distance-learning and four classroom-taught modules. In order to minimize disruption of the participants’ ongoing job obligations at home, full classroom attendance is mandatory for only ten weeks of the programme in person.
The Master merges theoretical and practical learning methodologies that are designed to engage and motivate students. The unique learning path offered by this programme ensures an extraordinary transfer of knowledge and practical competencies with a multidisciplinary and applied approach.
Participants interact with their environment through a hands-on learning experience, which includes case studies, workshops, active visits to research centres and labs, group-works and policy laboratories.
Program Outcome
What Topics Does This Master Cover?
- Lateral expertise on: Sector-specific expertise on
- Policies and actors for International Development Cooperation
- Fair and just transitions in the Global South
- Impact assessment and evaluation of policies, programmes and projects
- Digital transformation and its implications in human development and society
- Capacity building for entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems
- Project management for development
- Facilitating complex change in development contexts
- Technologies for sustainable agrifood futures
- Innovation in the urban environment
- Green transition of the energy sector
- Inclusive digital technologies for Development
- Policies and actors for International Development Cooperation
- Fair and just transitions in the Global South
- Impact assessment and evaluation of policies, programmes and projects
- Digital transformation and its implications in human development and society
- Capacity building for entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems
- Project management for development
- Facilitating complex change in development contexts
- Technologies for sustainable agrifood futures
- Innovation in the urban environment
- Green transition of the energy sector
- Inclusive digital technologies for Development
What Will I Learn
On successful completion of the Master, participants will be able to:
- Leverage digital technologies to enhance socio-economic growth in the Global South and triangular cooperation countries.
- Gain in-depth insights into the impact of technology on urban innovation and the creation of sustainable urban environments.
- Formulate sustainable and equitable natural resource management strategies.
- Apply energy transition and green technology solutions for environmental progress.
- Investigate the dynamics of food systems and agri-technology and assess their contribution to achieving sustainable development.
- Address the processes of the just transition through innovative technological applications.
- Address ethical considerations and challenges arising from the use of technology in global settings.
- Master data analysis and the use of digital tools for effective collaboration and project monitoring.
- Develop strategies for community involvement and stakeholder engagement in technology-driven initiatives.
Program Tuition Fee
Facilities
Why study at Turin School of Development (International Training Centre of the ILO)
Why Study at the TSD?
The Turin School of Development (TSD) is a leading international institution in the field of development cooperation, it offers a unique learning environment that combines academic rigor with practical experience.
Why choose the TSD?
There are many reasons to choose the TSD for your graduate studies. Here are just a few:
- Academic excellence: The TSD is a leading international institution with a reputation for academic excellence.
- Practical experience: The TSD offers a unique learning environment that combines academic rigor with practical experience.
- Expert faculty: Our faculty are renowned experts in their fields, with extensive experience in research, teaching, and policy-making.
- Global network: The TSD has a strong alumni network that spans the globe.
- The Campus: The TSD campus is located in a beautiful and safe area of Turin. The campus is home to a variety of amenities, including tennis courts, volleyball courts, a soccer field, and a gym. The campus is also close to a variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
The TSD is a great place to study if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding academic experience. The TSD offers a unique learning environment that combines academic rigor with practical experience. The TSD also has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and welcomes students from all backgrounds.
Program delivery
- Online (E-Campus): 3 November–10 April 2026
- Turin, Italy: 13 April–12 June 2026
- Online (E-Campus): 15 June–31 October 2026