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Master in Strategic Marketing & Communication

Gain a 360º strategic view of marketing & communication
duration10 months
languageEnglish
locationMadrid
intakeSeptember*
MODE OF STUDYFull-time
FORMATIn-person

MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION FOR A NEW ERA

In our advanced digital era, innovative thinkers are needed to design marketing and communication strategies that cut through the fog and engage hyper-connected consumers. The Master in Strategic Marketing & Communication will provide you with the tools, knowledge and experience needed to meet these challenges, allowing you to lead your organization to success in a dynamic and complex business ecosystem. This program is a 360-degree exploration of the current marketing and communication landscape, challenging you to pursue the next best you as you gain skills in brand and reputation management, communication and marketing.

This rigorous program includes several unique components designed to boost your educational experience and help you stand out from the competition:

  • Kick-start your learning with the Common Core Period, where you master the basics of analytical, commercial, creative and digital skills while you build connections with your diverse, international classmates from our various programs.
  • Complement your skills with optional certifications from digital leaders like Google and Salesforce. We also offer the IE University Sustainability Certificate, which features expertise from the top-ranked IE Business School.
  • Gain firsthand experience with our optional international experiences. Join the Global Immersion Week or Social Impact Week and visit leading players in the field in London, Ghana, Amsterdam or South Africa.
  • Build your professional skills with an Optional Career Track after finishing your program. This is a three-month add-on that allows you to gain practical experience in specific industries.

*The 2026–2027 intake starts on September 7th.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE?

YOUR PROGRAM, PART OF THE STAGE EXPERIENCE

By studying a program in Marketing, Branding & Sales, you’ll be a part of something bigger than just your studies, something we call The Stage. All programs will benefit from The Stage experience, which includes a Common Core Period with fundamental courses and optional program ad-ons such as: certifications, international experiences, career sector track extension. The Stage ensures that you not only create lifetime friendships and professional networks but will also have a well-rounded education that prepares you for the next stage: a successful career after graduation.

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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

WHO IS THE MASTER IN STRATEGIC MARKETING & COMMUNICATION FOR?

  • IT'S FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO...

    ...are future-thinking professionals with a strategic business mindset in the marketing and communications field.

  • ARE LOOKING FOR...

    …a 360-degree vision of communication and marketing. The program prepares professionals to lead and guide their organizations through strategic decisions, with agile methodologies and application of the latest trends, creating business value through branding, communication, marketing and reputation management. Students may go on to roles such as brand manager, crisis communication and reputation manager, communication director, CSR and social impact manager, new media strategist, risk and crisis manager and more.

Rankings

  • 5
    globallyMaster in Strategic Marketing & Communication
    QS Master's in Marketing

KEY AREAS OF THE MASTER IN STRATEGIC MARKETING & COMMUNICATION

  • COMMON CORE PERIOD

  • CORPORATE BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT

  • STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION AND MARKETING

  • COMMUNICATION AND MARKETING PLANS

REASONS TO STUDY THE MASTER IN STRATEGIC MARKETING & COMMUNICATION

IE University molds students into future-forward and well-rounded professionals, using methodologies that put innovation and employability at the forefront.

  • 01.

    A DEEP DIVE INTO COMMUNICATION IN THE DIGITAL ERA

    Earn the latest skills and knowledge to develop, from A to Z, not only communication and marketing plans but also contingency, issue management, brand management, CSR and reputation plans.

  • 02.

    LEARN FROM TOP PROFESSIONALS OF THE NEW DIGITAL ECONOMY

    Our faculty is made up of a diverse group of academics and professionals, who bring pedagogical rigor and real-world expertise into the classroom.

  • 03.

    UNLOCK YOUR HIGH-IMPACT CAREER

    Companies need modern professionals to lead and guide their organizations through agile methodologies and the application of the latest trends in creating business value through branding and reputation management.

  • 04.

    MAKE THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS

    Gain access to IE University’s unparalleled network of 60,000 professionals worldwide and a careers department focused on helping you build relationships that matter.

    YOUR FUTURE NETWORK

    STUDENT PROFILE

    • by Academic Background (%)

      Legal
      Engineering
      Social Sciences
      Science
      Humanities
      Others
      Business
    • by Region (%)

      Latin America
      North America
      Asia Pacific
      Europe
    • by Industry (%)

      Marketing /Media/ Technology
      Consumer Products & Retail
      Education & NGO
      Tourism & Hospitality
      Fashion & Luxury
      Banking & Consulting
      Healthcare / Pharma / Biotechnology
      Other
    • 40
      nationalities represented in class
    • 80000+
      IE University Alumni in your network to help you get where you want to go
    • 83%
      International students

    HERE ARE SOME POSITIONS OUR STUDENTS CAN ACHIEVE AFTER THE PROGRAM 

    • Career Opportunities

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    • View all positions

    DISCOVER MORE ABOUT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE MASTER IN STRATEGIC MARKETING & COMMUNICATION

    STUDENT EXPERIENCE

    Discover the student experience

    • Mari's experience
      Play

      MARI'S EXPERIENCE

      “I am working on an integrated communication campaign for BBVA, which is one of the biggest banks here in Spain.”

    • A young man speaking in an interview setting.
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      YOHAN'S EXPERIENCE

      It was very thrilling, very challenging, but gratifying in the end.

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    STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES

    At IE Business School, one of our core goals is to blend expert teaching with practical learning, equipping students for real-world success. Our current students in the Master in Strategic Marketing and Communication program are making remarkable strides in their careers, securing prestigious internships and positions at leading global companies.

    Learn more about their journeys here:

    MARKETING, COMMUNICATION & SALES: WHAT COULD YOUR FUTURE LOOK LIKE?

    our faculty

    Cristina Vicedo Álvarez | IE Business

    OUR MASTER IN STRATEGIC MARKETING & COMMUNICATION ACADEMIC DIRECTOR

    Cristina Vicedo Álvarez - Professor in the following masters: Executive Master in Strategic Marketing & Communication, Master in Digital Marketing

    • General director of FutureBrand in Madrid
    • President of the AeBrand management board
    • Representative in communication and branding forums and institutions (Woman's Week Foundation, Dircom)
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    MEET OUR COMMUNICATION, MARKETING & SALES PROFESSORS

    MAKE IT A DUAL DEGREE - DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT

    Pursue two disciplines while gaining insight from different perspectives and ways of thinking. You'll cover the contents of two master's programs—and graduate with two diplomas—ensuring in-depth expertise that maximizes your value in the job market.

    Experience Madrid

    Madrid is one of the most popular cities in Europe for Gen Z travelers and one of the most student-friendly cities in Spain, with a great, affordable public transport network, cool underground culture and fabulous nightlife. But Spain’s capital is also home to international companies of stature, including Google, Microsoft and Apple, creating a myriad of opportunities for professional experience.

    Madrid is in a league of its own and provides the perfect backdrop for rounding off a unique educational experience.

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    Play

    Discover related programs to the Master in Strategic Marketing and Communication:

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      INTERESTED IN STUDYING MARKETING & COMMUNICATION IN NEW YORK?

      Check out the MS in Strategic & Creative Marketing, Communication & Media at our partner institution IENYC. It blends business, marketing strategy, creativity, and marketing-applied technology - designed to prepare a new generation of marketing and communications leaders who can navigate a fast-changing landscape shaped by AI, media convergence, and cultural influence.

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      THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

      Everything you need to know about our Marketing and Communication events

      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      • The Master in Strategic Marketing & Communication is a 10-month, full-time, in-person master’s taught in English in Madrid. The program gives you a 360º strategic view of marketing and communications.

        The learning journey is organized around three pillars: Corporate Business & Management, Strategic Communication & Marketing, Communication & Marketing Plans.

      • It targets future thinking professionals with a strategic business mindset. A marketing/communications background helps but is not required; cohorts also include profiles from journalism, law, social sciences, humanities and others.

      • The Master in Strategic Marketing & Communication is taught in Madrid, full-time, in person and in English, with a September intake.

      • The program combines strategy, brand reputation and communications with hands-on components, real company projects, company visits and a diverse cohort of students to provide you with an international perspective. There are further program add-ons such as International Experiences (the Global Immersion Week and Social Impact Week), optional certifications backed by major corporations and a shared Common Core Period with other Masters in Marketing, Communication & Sales within IE Business School. The final project also gives you hands-on experience in producing a consulting brief for a real company, startup, government institution or international organization under the supervision of an assigned coach.

      • It is a University Private Degree from IE University (taught at IE Business School). IE University is officially recognized by Spanish authorities; private master’s programs are designed for professional application and uphold IE University’s standards of excellence.

      • Yes, there is a part-time version for working professionals. The Executive Master in Strategic Marketing & Communication is a part-time progam with a blended format and an April intake. It combines online periods with face-to-face weeks in Madrid.

      • Yes, there are Dual Degrees available. You can combine the Master in Strategic Marketing & Communication with the Master in Management or the International MBA.

      • You’ll study in Madrid, a major European capital with extensive public transport and a strong corporate presence (e.g., Google, Microsoft, Apple). Student life includes clubs, events and networking within the IE University ecosystem.

      • Yes. The Stage Speaker Series and the MARCOM Speaker Series bring practitioners from companies like Kantar, McKinsey and Interbrand; plus career events, fairs and incompany visits.

        • Master in Strategic Marketing and Communication


          At glance

          • Strategic Management and Creators of Growth

          Who is it for?

          • For future-thinking professionals seeking a 360-degree vision of communication and marketing, who want to drive strategic decision-making and create business value.

          What you'll learn

          • The broadest, most strategic program to give you the marketing, branding, and communications language and framework needed to succeed

          Job Roles

          • Brand/Marketing Strategist, Communications Lead, Corporate Reputation, Product or Brand Manager
        • Master in Creative Direction, Content & Branding


          At glance

          • Creativity for Growth 

          Who is it for?

          • For creative professionals who want to produce innovative, impactful visual and digital media projects, from idea to execution, and align their creative skills to brand needs.

          What you'll learn

          • Express your identity through learning to develop visible, memorable and shareable strategy 

          Job Roles

          • Creative Strategist, Content/Brand Director, Design Lead 
        • Master in Digital Marketing


          At glance

          • Implementing Growth 

          Who is it for?

          • For professionals looking to master digital tools and platforms, harness performance analytics and design integrated omnichannel marketing strategies. 

          What you'll learn

          • Drive business performance and learn to execute digital campaigns across channels with data-led marketing technologies 

          Job Roles

          • Growth Marketer, Performance Lead, E-Commerce/CRM Lead 
        • Master in Market Research & Consumer Behavior


          At glance

          • Growth Mapping 

          Who is it for?

          • For professionals seeking a deeper understanding of consumer behavior, buyer needs, data analytics and marketing intelligence to drive company growth. 

          What you'll learn

          • Be the engine of insight to turn data and behavior into decisions through psychology and business intelligence 

          Job Roles

          • Insights/Analytics, Research Lead, Strategy Consulting, Behavioral Science Expert 
        • Master in Customer Experience & Innovation


          At glance

          • Design and Validate New Value

          Who is it for?

          • For professionals ready to build innovative, human-centered solutions for the physical and digital worlds, harnessing innovation to deliver business value.

          What you'll learn

          • Design the innovative journeys that customers need and love

          Job Roles

          • CX Lead, Service Designer, Product/Innovation Manager