The Master of Arts in Gender and Development offered by UPEACE, jointly with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), aims to equip students with critical knowledge about gender studies in its intersections with development studies. Gain the skills to advance gender equality with this graduate programme focused on the crucial role of women in diplomacy and development.

Offered both in a Hybrid Format (asynchronous classes online and face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica), and an Online Format, this programme will allow students to develop the skills required for a successful international career in a variety of fields – diplomacy, development, politics, social work, human resources, human rights, teaching, research, policy institutes/think tanks, and others.

Students will also attend skills development sessions and coaching sessions that are designed to support their professional careers and employability. Careers in this field can be very broad. Prospective employers include governments, International and regional organizations, think tanks, academia, human rights organizations, and civil society.

Students will have an opportunity to participate in an optional field visit to Geneva (Switzerland) and/or The Hague (Netherlands), immersing themselves in the heart of diplomacy and international law.

Students admitted to the programme are offered a unique opportunity to partake in an optional field visit to Geneva, Switzerland, and/or The Hague, Netherlands, immersing themselves in the heart of diplomacy and international law. 

The five-day field trip(s) cost USD 1,500 each and include exclusive experiences such as visiting various international organizations, the ICRC museum in Geneva, the ICJ in The Hague, and engaging in networking sessions with diplomats, personnel from permanent missions accredited to the UN, civil servants working in international organizations, and representatives from civil society.

Scheduled for the summer, the confirmed dates for these optional field visits will be shared with interested students by UPEACE and UNITAR well in advance. Students have the flexibility to enrol in either the Geneva or The Hague visit individually, or they can choose to participate in both field trips to maximize their learning experience.

(*) Please note that the fellowship programme does not include travel, accommodation, food, or visa expenses. Please note that students should have a valid health insurance plan in place during their stay in Switzerland and/or The Netherlands.

Application Deadline:

• The online course (Distance Learning) application deadline is 20th August 2025.
• The hybrid course (Blended) application deadline is 30th April 2025.

Course Start Date:

• The online course (Distance Learning) begins the 8th September 2025.
• The hybrid course (Blended) begins 19th August 2025.

Tuition Fees:

• The online course (Distance Learning) $8,700 USD.
• The hybrid course (Blended) fee is $19,500 USD.

UN Staff Members and Costa Rican Nationals are eligible for a 50% waiver. 

Other applicants are encouraged to apply for the unique UPEACE - UNITAR NFT collection Fellowship, for more information please contact: admissions@upeace.org

Required Documentation:

The following documentation is required to complete your application process. Please have them ready and on hand before beginning your online application process, as they will need to be uploaded into the system.

• English Proficiency Test Scores Report: TOEFL (PBT, CBT or IBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English or Cambridge English Language Assessment
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Official Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree) Transcripts and Degree Certificate
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Copy of Passport (front page with photo only)
• One passport-size photos for ID purposes

The online application requires electronic (PDF) scans of required documents. Should admission be granted, the following documents will be eventually be required in official hard copy:

• English Proficiency Test Scores Report: TOEFL (PBT, CBT or IBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English or Cambridge English Language Assessment (if applicable)
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts and Degree Certificate (and English translations if applicable)
• Three (3) passport-size photos.

See a detailed list of all admissions requirements here: UPEACE Admission Requirements

UPEACE are not able to provide any information about the status of applicants over the phone or to third parties. Information will only be provided to the applicant using the email provided in the online application form. Please address any email inquiries to admissions@upeace.org

Alongside the masters qualification, UPEACE & UNITAR also offer a Hybrid Certificate in Gender and Development which is completed over 6 months from September - March.

Application Deadline: 30th April 2025

Course Start Date: 19th August 2025

Fee: £5,700.00