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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 two-week immersive journey into design thinking, innovation, and human-centered strategy.

    You’ll explore how creativity enhances customer experiences and drives meaningful change—reimagining products, services, and systems through empathy and design.

    Through hands-on workshops, team challenges, and interactive projects, you’ll strengthen your creative mindset, connect imagination with logic, and learn to design intelligent, purpose-driven solutions guided by experts from diverse disciplines.

    WANT TO KNOW MORE?

    Days to start your best summer

    227days
    :
    15hours
    :
    19minutes

    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 are eager to connect creativity with strategic thinking to drive real impact, value both analytical rigor and creative exploration, and want to be “creative with purpose” — a thinker, maker, or problem solver shaping meaningful ideas and solutions.

    • Participant profile

      Undergraduate students or recent graduates from any discipline who are curious, open-minded, and motivated to explore how creativity and strategy intersect. Ideal for those interested in innovation, design thinking, and human-centered approaches to solving real-world challenges.

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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.

      Design Thinking

      Learn to frame problems through empathy and experimentation. Use structured creative processes to move from insight to action and design meaningful, human-centered solutions.

    • 02.

      Creative Strategy

      Combine imagination with analytical thinking to transform ideas into clear, impactful strategies. Understand how creativity drives innovation across products, services, and systems.

    • 03.

      Collaboration & Leadership

      Work effectively in diverse, interdisciplinary teams. Build the confidence to lead creative projects, communicate ideas with clarity, and inspire others through vision and purpose.

    • 04.

      Adaptive Innovation

      Embrace ambiguity and iteration as tools for progress. Learn to adapt quickly, prototype fearlessly, and approach change as an opportunity to rethink and redesign the world around you.

    Unique Value

    Discover how creativity fuels innovation and learn to connect analytical thinking with human insight. Gain the mindset and tools to transform abstract ideas into intelligent, impactful solutions across disciplines.

    Learning Outcome

    Graduate from the program with a creative problem-solving toolkit, a portfolio-ready project, and the confidence to think like a designer and act like an innovator—turning ideas into intelligent action.

    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 30th

      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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