Skip to main content
Chatbot. It will open in a new tab
Summer school
    Two women collaborate while working on laptops in a bright, modern workspace.
    NewNew

    Pre-Design

    Where your creative journey begins
    Apply. It will open in a new tab

    Apply

    duration2 weeks
    languageEnglish
    locationMadrid
    IntakeJuly 5th - 17th
    formatIn-person
    For whoFor final-year high schoolers

    Hands-On Design Experience Before University

    The Pre-Design Summer Program is a dynamic, two-week experience for students interested in exploring Design, Architecture, and Fashion before entering university.

    Through study workshops, collaborative projects, and visits to inspiring sites on IE University’s Madrid and Segovia campuses, participants develop creative thinking, learn core design processes, and build portfolio-ready work.

    Guided by expert faculty, students explore sustainability and digital innovation while getting a real taste of what it’s like to pursue a Bachelor's in Design, Architecture, or Fashion.

    WANT TO KNOW MORE?

    Days to start your best summer

    244days
    :
    15hours
    :
    12minutes

    WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

    • This program is right for you if…

      … you’re a creative, curious student looking to explore Design, Architecture, or Fashion, develop core skills, build a portfolio, and decide if this is the right path before university.

    • Participant profile

      You’re entering your final year of high school and under 18 at the start of the program, eager to learn through hands-on studio practice. No prior experience required.

    Course Overview – Typical Day in the Pre-Design program

    Your daily schedule is crafted to keep you challenged and engaged, with a mix of activities that encourage hands-on learning and critical reflection. This is what a typical day in the Pre-Design Summer program looks like:

    • Two students are engaged in discussion at a classroom desk while others work on laptops.

      Week 1:

      • Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    • Three students are engaged in a discussion while looking at a laptop in a bright modern workspace.

      Week 2:

      • Monday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
      • Friday: The last day is dedicated to your final presentations and a graduation and awards ceremony.

    Focus Areas

    Throughout the two-week program, students will explore key areas of design that reflect the creative, strategic, and interdisciplinary nature of the field.

    • 01.

      1. Design Thinking & Creative Process

      Learn how designers approach challenges through empathy, ideation, and experimentation to create meaningful solutions.

    • 02.

      1. Visual Communication & Representation

      Build skills in sketching, storytelling, and layout to express ideas visually and effectively.

    • 03.

      Spatial & Human-Centered Design

      Explore how spaces, objects, and environments are shaped with the user in mind—functionally, emotionally, and socially.

    • 04.

      Portfolio Development & Reflection

      Start building a personal design portfolio while reflecting on your interests and identifying your creative strengths and direction.

    Unique Value

    A genuine studio experience led by expert faculty, combining hands-on projects in Design, Architecture, and Fashion with insight into studying at a top design school and producing portfolio-ready outcomes.

    Learning Outcome

    By the end of the program, students will have a foundational understanding of design, a starter portfolio, and greater clarity about whether a creative academic path is right for them.

    Abstract for Tuition | IE

    TUITION

    2 WEEK PROGRAM
    5,900€

    THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

    A graphic illustration of a woman interacting with a large, symbolic interface, handling documents and folders.

    1. Online Application

    You will need to complete the online application with the following documents:

    1. Academic transcripts.  
    2. CV (cv template).
    3. Video Assessment: in this section you will complete two live video questions on general knowledge topics.

    *You must complete all sections of the application in order to submit it.

    A person working on a laptop at a standing desk.

    2. Submit your Application

    Once you complete all sections you may submit your online application to be evaluated by our team.


    A stylized illustration of a woman walking confidently with a large checklist and a check mark, symbolizing task completion or approval.

    3. Admissions Final Decision

    Within 2 weeks of submitting, the Summer School Team will contact you with the final resolution of your Admissions process. Should it be positive, you will be guided through the next steps for your enrollment.

    A man in a yellow cap is checking a large checklist on a blue document.

    Start my application now

    View the application platform. It will open in a new tab

    View the application platform