Master in Social Innovation for Sustainable Development
Photo © Unsplash/Paula Prekopova
Mestrado
Master in Social Innovation for Sustainable Development
1 Novembro 2025–31 Outubro 2026
O curso está disponível em English
Start your transformative journey with our comprehensive 1-year programme. Featuring a blend of online learning and an immersive residential phase in Turin, Italy, this Master’s course equips you to tackle global challenges such as unemployment, climate change and social exclusion. Develop innovative solutions aligned with the 2030 SDGs, gain hands-on experience through workshops and case studies, and work on a unique final project. Join a global network of change-makers and lead the way in sustainable development.
Key features
Innovative curriculum
Dive into a cutting-edge curriculum that merges theoretical insights with practical applications, focusing on social innovation and sustainable development strategies to tackle pressing global issues.
Expert faculty
Learn from a distinguished global faculty, including experts from ITCILO, the University of Turin, and leading international organizations such as the ILO and UN, bringing diverse perspectives and real-world experience.
Hands-on experience
Apply your knowledge through engaging case studies, interactive workshops, and collaborative exercises designed to enhance your practical skills and understanding of social innovation.
Blended learning format
Enjoy the flexibility of a blended learning approach that combines online modules with an immersive residential phase in Turin, providing a rich and flexible educational experience.
Apresentação do Mestrado
With a global faculty and participants, this Master will challenge candidates' current beliefs and notions of social innovation, developing a new understanding of its principles and tools. Global trends show that, as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, social exclusion, youth unemployment, migration, climate change and the problems of an ageing society have escalated. As they explore the implications of different models, participants will acquire tools and techniques for anticipating change and responding to complex situations in their respective fields. Social innovators and entrepreneurs are expected to play a crucial role in the implementation of the 2030 SDGs in the medium term. Government agencies are encouraged to seek out the "best social innovations" in their programmes. The entrepreneurs of tomorrow are required to use their new models to achieve results and scale their services, including public-private partnerships. Throughout the course, participants will be supported in the development of a specific project that will constitute their final thesis. During the classroom-based period, academics, practitioners and other resource persons will use lectures, case studies, laboratories, group work and practical exercises to strike a balance between theory and practice.
Perfil dos participantes
The Master is intended for officials and/or professionals working in the public and private sectors and for UN agencies, foundations and NGOs; recent university graduates from developing and developed countries; people working or interested in social innovation and social entrepreneurship and related research; members of cooperatives. The essential requirements for admission are a Bachelor's degree (minimum three years' duration) and fluency in English.
Methodology
The Master’s in Social Innovation for Sustainable Development employs a dynamic and integrated approach to equip you with essential skills and knowledge for impactful development management. This programme blends theoretical insights with practical applications to offer a comprehensive understanding of development challenges and solutions within a global framework.
Utilizing a blended learning format, the programme combines online coursework with an immersive residential phase in Turin. You will benefit from interactive lectures, seminars, and workshops led by distinguished experts from academia and international organizations. The hands-on component includes case studies, real-world assignments, and project work to bridge theory with practice.
Advanced tools such as virtual simulations and interactive online resources enhance the learning experience, providing you with a modern and engaging educational environment. The culmination of your studies involves a final project, where you will develop a detailed project proposal applying the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme. Dedicated tutors offer continuous support to guide you towards academic and professional success.
Assessment
The Master’s in Social Innovation for Sustainable Development employs a diverse range of assessment methods to thoroughly evaluate participants' understanding and practical skills.
Written exams are designed to test your comprehension of core concepts, development theories, and sustainable frameworks essential for effective management. Practical assignments, including case studies and project simulations, allow you to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, devising actionable solutions to complex challenges. Participants are also required to undertake both individual and group projects that address specific development issues. These projects involve in-depth research and solution formulation, helping you develop practical insights and collaborative skills. Oral presentations are used to assess your ability to communicate complex development issues clearly and persuasively, enhancing your presentation and advocacy skills.
Continuous assessment through quizzes, interactive discussions, and active participation in workshops ensures consistent engagement and tracks your progress throughout the programme. The culmination of the programme is a final project, where you develop a comprehensive proposal demonstrating your ability to apply acquired concepts to practical development challenges, showcasing your readiness to lead impactful initiatives.
Duration, language and venue
The Master’s in Social Innovation for Sustainable Development spans one year and is structured into three distinct phases: online learning, a mandatory residential phase, and a final project and research component.
Conducted in English, the programme requires proficiency in the language for successful participation.
The first phase consists of online coursework, allowing you to study and gain foundational knowledge. Online lectures will be held twice a week (typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM CET), whose attendance is compulsory (a few absences will be allowed).
The second phase consists of a mandatory residential period at the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) in Turin, Italy. Therefore, classes are delivered in presence at the ITCILO Campus, from Monday to Friday (9.30 am to 4 pm, Italy time zone).
This immersive experience provides in-person instruction and opportunities for interactive learning. The final phase is dedicated to project development and research, typically completed in a hybrid format that combines remote work with ongoing online support from faculty.
Structured learning schedule
The Master in Social Innovation for Sustainable Development provides a structured and practical learning experience divided into three key phases:
Phases details
- Preparatory phase (online)
- Residential phase (on campus)
- Applied project and research phase (hybrid)
- Final evaluation and certification
- Duration: 5 months
- Focus: Building a foundational understanding of social innovation, sustainable development, and project design. Topics include social transformation, the 2030 Agenda, and the role of social innovation in sustainable development.
- Activities: Online lectures, held twice a week (typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM CET), whose attendance is compulsory; case studies, and collaborative workshops
- Duration: 2 months
- Location: ITCILO campus in Turin, Italy
- Focus: Advanced training in social innovation policies, social business models, and impact measurement. This phase includes intensive workshops and practical exercises.
- Activities: Classes delivered in presence at the ITCILO Campus, from Monday to Friday (9.30 am to 4 pm, Italy time zone – compulsory attendance), workshops led by experts, innovation labs, and project work.
- Duration: 5 months
- Focus: Developing and implementing a social innovation project related to a specific social or environmental challenge. Emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
- Activities: Independent research, project development through home-based research, ongoing online support and mentorship from faculty.
- Focus: Comprehensive evaluation of the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the programme.
- Activities: Final submission of the written project/final thesis and issuance of the Master’s degree upon successful completion.
Objectives
The Master in Social Innovation for Sustainable Development aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of social innovation and sustainable development, integrating cutting-edge theories and practical tools. The programme focuses on developing deep knowledge of social innovation principles, sustainable development frameworks, and the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Participants will gain hands-on experience through real-world case studies, interactive workshops, and project-based assignments designed to address complex social and environmental challenges. Emphasis is placed on strategic thinking to design and execute innovative solutions that foster social change and tackle issues such as social exclusion, climate change, and migration.
Additionally, the programme equips participants with techniques for measuring the impact of social innovation initiatives, including the use of social impact finance and sustainability metrics. It fosters essential leadership and collaborative skills necessary for driving social innovation across various organizational contexts, including public and private sectors, NGOs, and international organizations. By leveraging insights from leading academics and practitioners, the Master’s programme employs innovative learning methods and provides valuable networking opportunities, preparing participants to become effective social innovators and leaders in the field of sustainable development.
What are the topics?
The Master prepares students to become leaders in sustainable social innovation endeavours.
- Innovation for sustainable development
- New skills, productive employment and decent work
- Leadership, collective intelligence, and creativity
- Public policy, social business, finance, and impact evaluation
Faculty
The Master in Social Innovation for Sustainable Development features a distinguished faculty committed to advancing the field of social innovation and sustainable development. Our team includes renowned academics, experienced practitioners, and leading experts from prestigious international organizations such as the ILO, UN, and various development-focused institutions. This exceptional blend of expertise ensures a rich educational experience, offering a deep integration of theoretical foundations with practical insights into social innovation and emerging global challenges. Participants benefit from the diverse perspectives and real-world knowledge of our faculty, enhancing their learning and preparation for impactful careers in social innovation.
5 reasons to choose the Turin School of Development
1. Global expertise and diverse faculty: TSD boasts a faculty comprising leading university professors, senior practitioners, and UN experts from over 80 renowned institutions worldwide. This diverse team ensures a rich, multidisciplinary educational experience that integrates global knowledge with practical expertise.
2. Innovative and sustainable learning: TSD’s programmes are designed to be cutting-edge, incorporating the latest technological advancements and sustainable practices. The combination of distance learning, face-to-face interaction, and applied project work minimizes participants’ absence from their professional duties while maximizing learning outcomes.
3. Strong connection with UN and specialized agencies: As part of the International Training Centre of the ILO, TSD leverages its unique position within the UN system. This connection provides unparalleled access to specialized knowledge and enhances the comparative advantage of its Master’s programmes in areas such as human rights, social justice, and sustainable development.
4. Comprehensive career preparation: TSD graduates are equipped with the essential competencies needed for careers in international organizations, governments, and NGOs. The programmes blend academic rigor with practical application, preparing students to tackle contemporary challenges in fields like international development, social innovation, and technology and public policy.
5. Multicultural and international environment: With participants from all over the world, TSD offers a truly global learning experience. Students broaden their horizons, enhance their managerial skills, and build a strong professional network by interacting with peers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
Choosing TSD means joining a community dedicated to advancing social justice and sustainable development through high-quality, innovative education.
Our partner
University of Turin
The University of Turin is one of the most ancient and prestigious Italian Universities. Hosting over 74.000 students and with 120 buildings in different areas in Turin and in key places in Piedmont, the University of Turin can be considered as “city-within-a-city”, promoting culture and producing research, innovation, training and employment.
Alumni quotes
This programme was a game-changer for me. The hands-on approach, including case studies and real-world projects, provided practical experience that went beyond traditional classroom learning. The diverse perspectives from fellow participants and the esteemed faculty enriched my approach to social innovation and sustainable development.
Nisha Ninan
Social Innovation 2022/2023
The Master’s in Social Innovation introduced me to new ways of thinking about sustainable development. The in-depth modules on social impact finance and innovation strategies were particularly enlightening. The supportive environment and the opportunity to work on a real-world project made this programme exceptionally rewarding.
Edmund Walusimbi
Social Innovation 2022/2023
The blend of online learning and immersive residential phases allowed me to engage deeply with the material while balancing my professional commitments. The faculty’s expertise and the programme’s focus on practical application prepared me to tackle global challenges with confidence and creativity.
Sofia Martinez
Social Innovation 2022/2023
