How to enhance critical and reflexive practice in higher education. The case of the UPV Master's Degree in Development Cooperation

Incorporating critical and reflexive practice in higher education is a relevant element to contribute to the formation not only of future professionals but also of global citizenship, in a world that requires profound transformations oriented to social and environmental justice. Based on previous research and experiences developed from the MsC Degree in Development Cooperation at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), the paper presents a coordinated framework to connect classroom learning and internships, integrating ethical, political, and emotional dimensions into student development and considering the evaluative and follow-up elements. Findings emphasize the importance of institutional support, coordinated teaching and tutor engagement. For university managers, this research suggests that embedding reflexive and critical elements into curriculum and internship design can foster transformative learning, align with global justice principles, and better prepare students for professional environment characterized by complexity, uncertainty and power relations.