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Summer school
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Creative Intelligence

Think differently. Create intelligently.
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duration2 weeks
languageEnglish
locationMadrid
intake13th - 24th of July, 2026
FormatIn-person
FOR WHOUndergraduate students & recent graduates

Think differently. Create intelligently.

In a world shaped by ideas, the ability to merge creativity with intelligence defines true innovators. Creative Intelligence is a hands-on, project-based program where students learn to understand people deeply, reframe meaningful problems, and transform ideas into tangible solutions. 

Through field observation, rapid experimentation, and collaborative teamwork, participants develop the creative discipline required to navigate ambiguity and build ideas that are testable, viable, and grounded in real human needs. 

Over two weeks, they work on a real-world challenge and experience creativity not as theory, but as a practical, repeatable process.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Days to start your best summer

206days
:
22hours
:
44minutes

Course Overview – Typical Day in the Creative Intelligence Program

We’ve structured your day-to-day to sharpen your skills and bring out your best ideas. Designed for an engaging and hands-on experience, here’s what a typical day in the Creative Intelligence program looks like:

  • A group of people discussing and working on laptops in a modern office setting.

    Week 1:

    • Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • A man and a woman are collaborating at a table with various objects around them.

    Week 2:

    • Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • A group of students engaged in a collaborative study session in a classroom.

    Friday:

    • The last day is dedicated to reflection, group project presentations and a fun graduation ceremony.

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

  • This program is right for you if…

    … you want to learn by doing, understand real human needs, and turn ideas into practical solutions through observation, prototyping, and iteration.

  • Participant profile

    Undergraduate students or recent graduates from any field who are curious, collaborative, and interested in creativity, innovation, and human-centered problem solving.

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Focus Areas

Develop the creative and strategic capabilities that define intelligent innovation, with practical training in four key areas essential for the future of design and problem-solving.

  • 01.

    Human Insight

    Understanding behaviors, motivations, and patterns through observation, interviewing, and field engagement.

  • 02.

    Creative Problem Framing

    Synthesizing findings, defining meaningful challenges, and identifying opportunities worth solving.

  • 03.

    Experimentation & Prototyping

    Generating ideas, visualizing concepts quickly, building low-fidelity prototypes, and running iterative tests.

  • 04.

    Communication & Collaboration

    Storytelling, pitching solutions, working in diverse teams, giving and receiving feedback, and presenting to an audience.

    Unique Value

    A fully immersive, real-world creative process where students learn by doing: observing, experimenting, iterating, and presenting a solution to an external audience.

    Learning Outcome

    Develop the ability to observe human needs, generate and prototype ideas, and turn creative insights into viable, testable solutions.

    Program Structure

    What You're going to do
    2 Weeks
    Week 1
      Week 2
        What You're going to do
        2 Weeks
        Andrew McCarthy

        OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY

        Andrew McCarthy – Founding Academic Director, Master in Customer Experience & Innovation

        • Mentor: Venture Labs, IE Net Impact, MasterYourself, among others
        • Head of Digital and Desing, Gallarus Venture, LLC
        • Energy Intelligence, Creative Director
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        DISCOVER THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU

        With flexible programs, you can mix and match the topics that interest you the most, giving you a taste of your future degree or career. Each program lasts two weeks and you can combine up to three programs to create a very personal learning journey.​

          DISCOVER THE SUMMER CALENDAR

          Take a look to see how you can structure your summer with our various combinations.​

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          Abstract for Tuition | IE

          TUITION

          *Early bird

          •  Before March 27th, 2026

          2 WEEK PROGRAM

          • *3,500€
          • 5,900€ Bundle Price (2 weeks + 2 weeks)

          CREDIT RECOGNITION

          Earning academic credit at your home institution for joining IE University’s Summer Program is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Many institutions routinely award credit for summer courses, but we highly recommend that you check with your University’s International or Study Abroad Office regarding any specific requirements you might need to fulfill.

          If you join IE University’s Summer Program for at least four weeks (= two two-week modules or with the four-week Entrepreneurship Summer School), you’ll complete an academic workload equivalence of 6 ECTS credits (or 3 US credits). If you spend more time with us, you can earn even more credit equivalence, also spread over consecutive summers. To qualify for credit recognition, you need to fulfill all the course requirements and submit one final essay within two weeks of finishing your last course.

          To make the credit transfer process easier, IE University provides all the necessary documentation and evidence required by your home university’s Study Abroad Office or academic department. Additionally, we actively work to pre-agree credit recognition with key partner universities to ensure a faster and smoother process for you.

          THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

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          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.

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          2. Submit your Application

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

          *Interviews will be conducted with the IE team to explore entrepreneurship ideas and provide guidance

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          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.

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          START YOUR APPLICATION

          Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!

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