Master in International Relations and Global Economy
Master's Degree in International Relations and Global Economy
- Format In-person
- START
- LANGUAGE English
- ECTS 60
Full Time
Madrid London
Download brochureMaster's Degree in International Relations and Global Economy
THE MASTER'S DEGREE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND GLOBAL ECONOMY IS A DEGREE THAT PROVIDES KEY KNOWLEDGE RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGES OF A GLOBAL SOCIETY, EARNED WHILE YOU UNDERGO A UNIQUE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AT THE London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) campus in London.
The Master's Degree in International Relations and Global Economy combines the expertise of ESIC University in Marketing and Management with the authority of the London School of Economics and Political Science's foreign policy think tank in International Relations. This unique combination of in-depth knowledge and multidisciplinarity will provide you the comprehensive training needed to meet the challenges of international markets that interact with geopolitical dynamics.
There is a growing demand in the labour market for professionals who can demonstrate knowledge of International Relations and Global Economics. International organisations, governments, multinational corporations, INGOs, and other actors are looking for employees who can understand and analyse the complexity of international affairs from an economic as well as political perspective. Graduates will be prepared for positions in diplomacy, strategic consulting, international trade, foreign policy, international development, and academic research".
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Check our special enrolment conditions.
Why ESIC?
At ESIC we know that doing is the best way of learning. Our programme design is based on pragmatic components like tools, workshops, real-world cases, and the deployment of licenses so that you can access the labour market with the best possible preparation. Our Master's Degree in International Relations and Global Economy approach stands out for its many advantages :
LSE Academic Prestige: The prestige and academic excellence of LSE, one of the world's leading institutions in the social sciences, is highlighted. This is a crucial point that attracts students seeking a high-level education.
Innovation and Relevance: ESIC University has developed the Master´s Degree in International Relations and Global Economy as an innovative and relevant initiative designed to meet the needs of the international labour market amidst ever-changing global trends. This programme responds to the growing importance of understanding and acting for the best in a complex globalised world.
Interdisciplinarity: Master´s Degree in International Relations and Global Economy effectively integrates knowledge of International Relations and Global Economics, providing a comprehensive education that encompasses political, economic and social perspectives.This interdisciplinarity is essential to understanding contemporary challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, international conflict and technological transformations.
Academic Excellence and International Recognition: ESIC is recognised for its academic excellence and for encouraging active participation in adressing relevant globlal issues. This recognition is reflected in the quality of its programmes and faculty.
Career Opportunities: Graduates will be well positioned for careers in diplomacy, strategic consulting, international trade, foreign policy, international development and academic scholarship. This is due to the growing demand for professionals with skills and knowledge in International Relations and Global Economics.
Global and Up-to-date Perspective: The programme provides an in-depth understanding of the dynamics and trends in international relations and global economics, an essential perspective in the current context of political and economic, transformative globalisation.
Practical and Therorical Learning: Master´s Degree in International Relations and Global Economy is designed to impart theoretical knowledge while also developing the practical and analytic skills needed to solve complex challenges in a globalising environment.
Studying at ESIC University not only provides a top-quality and up-to-date education, but also prepares its graduates to be influential leaders and professionals in an interconnected and constantly envolving world.
Rankings
#1
SPAIN
Leaders in Marketing Master’s Programs according to El mundo
#3
SPAIN
ESIC on the podium of the Best Business Schools for recent graduates and young professionals
#34
EUROPE
ESIC among the European Top Schools for studying marketing programs
#49
WORLDWIDE
Best Marketing School based on the opinion of alumni, students, and employers
ESIC ACCREDITATIONS
More than 55 years of history means that we have institutional agreements and collaborations that recognise our quality as a business school. These are our accreditations:
ASSOCIATION OF MBAS
The international impartial authority
on postgraduate business education
EFMD Programme Accreditation
The leading international system of quality assessment,
improvement and accreditation of business programmes
Agencia Nacional de Evaluación de la Calidad y Acreditación
Sistemas de Garantía de Calidad de Centros y Docencia
ASSOCIATION OF MBAS
The international impartial authority
on postgraduate business education
EFMD Programme Accreditation
The leading international system of quality assessment,
improvement and accreditation of business programmes
Agencia Nacional de Evaluación de la Calidad y Acreditación
Sistemas de Garantía de Calidad de Centros y Docencia
Why should you study International Relations and Global Economy?
GLOBAL FOCUS
The programme provides an in-depth understanding of international markets and global dynamics, essential for those seeking to work in a globalised environment.
ACADEMIC PRESTIGE
The partnership with the London School of Economics (LSE) adds significant value to the programme, ensuring a high-quality education recognised worldwide.
PRACTICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Additionally you will benefit from critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for a deep understanding of global issues.
INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING
Dive into a master's program that connects you with a global network of professionals and academics, catapulting your career and international business ambitions.
CULTURAL AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Experience the best of both worlds in Madrid and London – vibrant cities offering a tapestry of rich cultural and professional experiences.
DIVERSITY OF STUDENT BODY AND FACULTY
Embrace the power of diversity in education as you engage with a diverse cohort of students and faculty, enriching your learning with a kaleidoscope of perspectives and experiences.
LABOUR MARKET RELEVANCE
The programme is designed to be relevant to today's job market, teaching skills and knowledge in demand by employers worldwide.
VERSATILE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates are well-positioned for careers in diverse fields such as international relations, consulting, finance, government, INGOs, and multinational organisations.
PERSONALISED LEARNING AND SUPPORT
Small sizes allow for a more personalised approach and excellent academic support.
DEVELOPMENT IN CROSS-CULTURAL COMPETENCY
Exposure to different cultures and business practices prepares graduates to work effectively in diverse social environments.
STUDENTS’ PROFILE: WHO IS THIS MASTER’S DEGREE FOR?
The Master's Degree in International Relations and Global Economy is is for students who have just completed their undergraduate studies and wish to obtain a professional specialisation that will endow them with a deeper understanding of the global reality, teaching them how to choose the most appropriate entry route for their skills and preferences, in order to provide from the outset outstanding added value to the organisation they wish to join. It is also aimed at future researchers interested in developing a Ph.D. thesis.
If you do not come from the field of economics or international business, this is not a problem, as the programme has two adaptation courses in the form of zero-year subjects (to be taken before the Master's degree) so that you can adapt yourself and integrate into the programme.
Objectives Master in International Relations and Global Economy
Endow students with a deep understanding of the interconnectedness and interdependence of worldwide political and commercial issues. This involves analysing how international events and policies affect the global economy and vice versa.
Offer an education integrating the disciplines of International Relations and Global Economics, to equip students with a holistic, multidimensional outlook on the globalisation phenomenon and its challenges.
Teach students to analyse and grasp the complex interrelations between state and non-state actors in the international arena, as well as the consequent economic and commercial aspects.
Prepare graduates to step into significant posts in diplomacy, strategic consulting, international trade, foreign policy, international development, and academic research.
Address contemporary problems such as climate change, sustainable development, international conflict, migration, and technological transformations from an integrative standpoint combining political, financial and social perspectives.
Equip students with the conceptual and analytic tools to solve complex challenges in a globalising environment.
Align with the needs and trends of the international labour market, training up professionals who will bring in-demand skills and expertise to an interdependent and globalised world.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND LEARNING METHODOLOGY
Academic Plan
ESIC University's Master’s Degree in International Relations and Global Economy is a pioneering programme designed for future global leaders. It combines rigorous academic training in international business, practical cases for study, and a focus on innovation an ethics. Aimed at developing strategic and leadership skills, this Master's is ideal for those looking to succeed in a dynamic global business environment.
TRASFORMATIVE LEARNING METHODOLOGY:
A student-centered model that enhances your personal and professional development through:
- Practical application of real business challenges
- Soft skills development
- Expert faculty guidance
- A diverse and international community
- Access to all ESIC resources
- It includes online materials, self-assessments, personalized tutoring, experiential activities, and a supervised final project — all designed to progressively put learning into practice.
- Introduction to global economic governance
- Economic systems and economic policies
- Financial regulation and stability
- International trade and trade agreements
- Monetary policy and exchange rates
- Sustainable development and the green economy
- Foreign investment and multinational enterprises
- Fiscal policies and wealth redistribution
- Ethics and responsibility in economic governance
- Introduction to the digital economy and Globalisation 4.0
- Disruptive technologies and their economic and sustainable impact
- Platform economy and sustainable digital business models
- Digital transformation of economic sectors
- Cybersecurity and data protection for a sustainable digital world
- Socio-economic impacts of the digital economy and Globalisation 4.0 on the SDGs
- Public policies for the digital economy and sustainable Globalisation 4.0
- Ethics and responsibility in the sustainable digital economy
- Introduction to sustainable development and global environmental challenges
- International framework for sustainable development
- Policies and strategies for environmental sustainability
- Environmental impact assessment and sustainability
- Green economy and sustainable financing
- Environmental governance and citizen participation
- Technology and sustainable development
- Environmental communication and awareness
- Introduction to risks and crises in the international sphere
- Geopolitical and economic risk analysis
- International crisis management
- Risks and crises in the business and trade environment
- Assessment and management of global environmental risks
- Cybersecurity and cyber warfare risk management
- Ethics and accountability in international risk and crisis management
- Introduction to cultural diplomacy and soft power
- The role of soft power in a country´s influence and power projection on global affairs
- Theories and approaches in cultural diplomacy. Integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into cultural diplomacy and soft power
- SDGs in cultural diplomacy and their impact on the promotion of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue
- Cultural diplomacy and the construction of national and international identities: Soft power and power relations
- The use of soft power as an instrument of influence and persuasion in international politics
- Cultural diplomacy and promotion of a country´s/region´s/city´s "image"
- SDGs in cultural diplomacy as drivers of sustainable economic development and tools to promote peace, justice and equality: Ethics and responsibility in cultural diplomacy and soft power
- Introduction to Research Methods
- Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed methods research design
- Advanced Data Analysis Techniques
- Research Ethics
- Artificial Intelligence in Research
Taught in London at the LSE.
- Introduction to International Relations Theory
- Realism and Neo-Realism
- Liberalism and Neo-Liberalism
- Constructivism
- Feminism and gender in International Relations
- Critical and Postcolonial theories
- Theories of Globalisation
- Ethics and responsibility in International Relations
Taught in London at the LSE.
- Introduction to International Political Economy
- History of International Economic Relations
- International Trade Flows
- Foreign Direct Investment
- Globalisation and Economic Development
Taught in London at the LSE.
- Introduction to the Geopolitics of Business
- Geopolitics and Business Strategy
- Regional Geopolitics
- Energy Geopolitics and Natural Resources
- Cybersecurity and Digital Geopolitics
- Geopolitics and Business in Emerging Countries
- Geopolitics and Corporate Social Responsibility
- Geopolitics and Future Trends
Taught in London at the LSE.
- Introduction to Foreign Policy Analysis and its Tools
- China's Foreign Policy
- China's Foreign Policy in the Global South
- China's Bilateral Relations in Africa
- China's Foreign Policy in Latin America
- China's Foreign Policy in Asia Pacific
- China and Global Multilateralism
- China and International Financial Institutions
- China's Foreign Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals
- Introduction to the Trilateral Connection
- Bilateral Relations between Spain and China
- Bilateral Relations between Spain and Latin America
- Bilateral Relations between China and Latin America
- The Trilateral Dimension: Spain, China and Latin America
- Trilateral Investment and Trade
- Culture and the Trilateral Connection
- Challenges and Opportunities of the Trilateral Connection
- Introduction to the Master's Final Project - GLO Lab
- Definition of the Topic and Research Approach
- Research Methodology
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Writing and Presentation of the Master's Final Project
- Review and Evaluation of the Master's Final Project
- General Defense of the Master's Final Project
*Academic structure subject to change. Some business reality and networking sessions may be delivered via webinars outside of class hours.
Master’s degree from ESIC University
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded the Master’s Degree in Continuous Education in International Relations and Global Economy, issued by ESIC University*. This Master's degree is a non-official qualification and does not grant access to doctoral programs.
*ESIC University is an institution officially recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education. It offers both official university degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate) and its own degrees (such as continuing education master’s degrees). Both types of qualifications are supported by the same standards of academic rigor and the prestige of ESIC University.
Your Journey
Your experience at ESIC is not only measured in classes, but also in every activity, meeting, and opportunity that will turn your time at the Business School into a journey full of learning, connections, and experiences that will boost your professional future.
Schedule: Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Innovation Summit
- Event 1: Employability & MEET
- Event 2: Employability
- Hackathon 1: Entrepreneurship
- Marketing Summit
- Hoy es Marketing
- Event 3: Employability
- Hackathon 2: Entrepreneurship
- International Experience
- Wednesdays: Masterclass, activity or workshop
- Thursdays: Masterclass, activity or workshop
- NL Non-teaching day
**Subject to change
CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Discover the Hands-On Side of This Master’s Programme
GLO LAB
The Glo Lab turns Master’s theses into real, impact-driven projects tackling global challenges. Students work hands-on with companies, NGOs, and governments, applying their knowledge to create practical, innovative solutions. It enhances employability by showcasing their skills while giving partners fresh ideas and perspectives.
GLOBAL CONNECT
Global Connect expands students’ international reach through:
-
A global professional network in key fields.
-
Exclusive events with experts and companies.
-
A digital platform for collaboration, resources, and job opportunities.
It serves as a bridge to global careers, fostering professional growth and international connections.
FACULTY AND GUEST SPEAKERS
*Faculty and guest speakers are subject to change.
Employability
Boost your career with the support of ESIC’s Professional Development Unit (PDU)
The PDU supports you at every stage of your journey—both as a student and later as part of our Alumni community. The Employability area manages nearly 4,000 internship offers and over 2,000 job opportunities each year, with a global employability rate of 95%. It offers access to an exclusive job portal, international job platforms, and organises recruitment activities, career fairs, and employability training.
👉 Remember: your professional success will also depend on your initiative in identifying opportunities and your engagement throughout the process.
Learn more about ESIC’s Employability, Entrepreneurship Services and Alumni here.
97%
of our students are employed within the first year after completing the programme
+2.000
students receive career guidance each year from our Professional Development Unit
+3.200
partner companies collaborate annually in talent recruitment
+4.000
internship opportunities are managed annually by the Unit across our campuses
+1.800
job opportunities are available each year through our employability porta
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The basic graduate profile of the Master’s degree in International Relations and Global Economy is a highly trained professional who is well prepared to perform effectively in a globalised and constantly changing environment. The several specific profiles focus on areas of knowledge and competencies that are essential to seizing the challenges and opportunities facing the world of today.
- Specialist in International Relations
- Global economist
- Foreign Policy Analyst
- International Trade Specialist
- Diplomat
- Political advisor
- Development consultant
- Market research analyst
- Project Manager
- International Business Consultant
Non-Curricular International Experience
📅 Duration: 1 week (intensive programme)
You can take part in an optional international experience that complements your training with an immersion in the world of international business. Explore new cultures while gaining practical knowledge and building a global network. Transform your learning and open doors to unique personal and professional opportunities.
Join the intensive 5-day course “Understanding Today’s Business Environment” at Georgetown University. Immerse yourself in English-taught sessions led by renowned professors and industry experts to explore the economic, technological, social, and political forces shaping today’s business landscape. Discover the impact of artificial intelligence, international financial institutions, and new trends in global leadership. Complement your academic journey with cultural visits to iconic landmarks across the United States. A unique opportunity to expand your strategic vision from the heart of America.
What’s included?
- On-campus classes with professors and industry experts
- Case studies on global economics, AI, and financial policy
- Visits to international financial institutions
- Cultural experiences at key U.S. landmarks
- Certificate of completion from Georgetown University
What’s not included?
- Accommodation
- Flights
- Meals
Questions? Contact us: oficina.internacional@esic.edu
Join the 5-day intensive course “ESG in the New Business Era” at EM Normandie and discover how companies are embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into their global strategies. Learn in English from ESG professors and sustainability professionals through lectures, practical cases, and corporate visits. Strengthen your ability to communicate ESG commitments, lead impact strategies, and contribute to a circular and responsible economy.
What’s included?
- Face-to-face classes with ESG and sustainability experts
- Case studies on governance and sustainability
- Strategies for internal and external ESG communication
- Visits to leading companies in the sector
- Certificate of completion from EM Normandie
What’s not included?
- Accommodation
- Flights
- Meals
Questions? Contact us: oficina.internacional@esic.edu
Discover the 5-day intensive programme “Digital Innovation and Transformation: Estonia’s Path to the Future” in the most digitalised country in Europe! Learn in English with digital innovation experts through practical sessions, startup visits, and training in agile methodologies and user-centred design. Evaluate the viability of new technological solutions while immersing yourself in Estonia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. A unique opportunity to transform your business perspective with an innovative and global outlook.
What’s included?
- In-person classes with digital innovation experts
- Visits to startups and academic sessions
- Training in agile methodologies and user-centred design
- Evaluation of the potential and viability of digital innovations
- Certificate of completion
What’s not included?
- Accommodation
- Flights
- Meals
Questions? Contact us: oficina.internacional@esic.edu
Extension programme
📅 Duration: 3 to 12 months (minimum 12 credits)
Broaden your academic and professional horizons with the Extension Programme — a unique opportunity for international specialisation.
Designed to complement your studies, this programme allows you to choose subjects and courses from an exclusive portfolio of over 60 partner universities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
You’ll be able to customise your learning experience with courses aligned to your career goals and gain key knowledge for your professional future. Upon completion, you'll receive an official certificate listing your subjects and accredited credits, validating your global experience — with no academic cost, as ESIC covers it through bilateral agreements.
Take your education to the next level and stand out in a world without borders!
What’s included?
- On-campus university classes
- Assessment and academic monitoring
- Certificate of completion, transcript, and credit accreditation
What’s not included?
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Meals
Questions? Get in touch with us: oficina.internacional@esic.edu
If you want to see all the universities with detailed information, here it is.
DOWNLOAD EXTENSION PROGRAMMECAMPUS, PRICES AND FORMATS
Our Master’s Degree in International Relations and Global Economy in Madrid is taught at ESIC Business & Marketing School campus. Our campus in Madrid was inaugurated in 2021 and has 36 classrooms, an auditorium for 300 people, 16 work rooms, 5 meeting points, gym, mindfulness room, cafeteria and much more. Our classrooms are full of students from our master's and postgraduate programmes specializing in marketing, management, and technology. The campus is the place to network, work on your ideas and learn. But, above all, it is the perfect place to live the present and build the future.
Campus in Madrid
Camino de Valdenigriales, s/n. 28223
Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid
Phone +34 91 452 41 00
View on Google MapsIntakes and prices
Tuition Fee:
€ 29.900
ADMISSION PROCESS
We accompany you throughout the whole process, guiding and advising you so that you choose the best option for your professional career. These are the steps to follow:
1 Application
- You request information through our form.
- An advisor will contact you in the following 24–48 hours.
- You have a first contact call, and a consultancy meeting is convened for questions and doubts.
- You have a second call where all your doubts are solved, and you are guided in everything you need.
2 Documentation
- If the programme meets your needs, you proceed to apply.
- Prepare the necessary documentation (such as university degree or certificates).
- Conduct a personal and professional essay.
- You hand in all documentation.
3 Interview
- Once the documentation is approved, you are scheduled for an interview with the programme director.
- At this interview, you will be able to discuss any specifics you want to know about the programme, as well as any questions you may have.
4 Enrolment
- After the interview, your advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to notify you if you have been accepted into the programme.
- Once you have been accepted, you have about 5 days to formalise your enrolment.
- Once the enrolment is complete, you will be given all your access (virtual classroom, e-mail…).
- Of course, our last step is always to congratulate you and to wish you the best in your studies.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND STUDY GRANTS
We currently offer a range of scholarships and financing agreements to help support your future.
We do not want economic issues to be an obstacle for you to reach your objectives and ensure training with a future. Therefore, we present you with a wide range of possibilities that will help you in this sense, both the Scholarship Plan that we have developed at ESIC, as well as those that are available to you from different public and private organisations. The scholarships and grants available are as follows:
- Early enrolment grants
- Diversity grants
- Expiga grants
- Women and Leadership grant
ESIC has financing agreements with certain banks with preferential conditions for students enrolled in any of its programmes, as long as you have a bank account in Spain. The specific rules and conditions of each of these agreements can be found in the Secretary's Office. ESIC helps you with the financing of your degree.
If you live outside one of the cities where ESIC has a campus and you are looking for accommodation, we recommend a series of companies and residences dedicated to student accommodation. Find the one that best suits your needs.
MORE INFORMATION
ESIC has partnered with Flywire to accept payments from international students worldwide. You can make your payment easily and securely in your own currency, using local payment methods from the safety and comfort of your home. Real-time tracking and multilingual support are available around the clock.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FLYWAREINTERNSHIP AND COLLABORATING COMPANIES
In the master's degree program, you will be in constant contact with working professionals from pioneering companies, either through workshops or interventions in the program. In addition, if you are looking to complete your training with internships, ESIC offers the possibility of contacting top companies in the sector. Among them we highlight:
OTHER PROGRAMMES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Study grants will be communicated to you during the selection process. Our grants are adapted to each profile and date of enrolment. In addition, you can find out about the grants that ESIC offers as well as those offered by other public and private organisations.
Yes, there is a quota of compulsory attendance in the face-to-face Masters, however, you also are entitiled to a fixed number of unjustified absences.