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Summer School
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Creative Intelligence

Think differently. Create intelligently.
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duration
language
location
intake
Format
FOR WHO
2 weeks
English
Madrid
13th - 24th of July, 2026
In-person
Undergraduate students & recent graduates

Turn Creativity into Real-World Impact.

Creative intelligence is not about being artistic, its about learning how to think differently and apply creativity to real-world challenges.  

In today’s fast-changing world, the ability to connect ideas, approach problems from new angles, and develop innovative solutions is what sets you apart. This program helps you build that mindset.  

Over two weeks in Madrid, you will work on practical challenges, collaborate with an international group of students, and learn how creativity drives business, innovation and decision-making.  

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Days to start your best summer

44days
:
15hours
:
15minutes

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.

    Experimentation & Prototyping

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

  • 03.

    Creative Problem-Solving

    Approach real-world challenges with human-centred thinking to generate innovative, meaningful solutions. 

  • 04.

    Collaboration & Global Perspective

    Work with diverse, international teams to expand your thinking and co-create solutions that matter globally. 

    Study Plan

    Program Structure

    This agenda is subject to change.

    What You're going to do
    2 Weeks | 40 Hours | 3 ECTS
    Week 1
      Week 2
        Final Project
          What You're going to do
          2 Weeks | 40 Hours | 3 ECTS
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          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.

          Your first look at the program

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          Unique Value

          Actively apply hands-on concepts through real life scenarios. You will build a structured and creative way of thinking that you can use across any academic or professional path. 

          Learning Outcome

          You will learn how to think creatively and solve real-world problems, developing ideas from identifying human needs to building and testing practical solutions. 

          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:

          Week 1:

          Monday to Friday:

          • 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Classes.
          • Afternoon: Optional cultural activities. 
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          Week 2

          Monday to Thursday:

          •  9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  | Classes.
          •  Afternoon: Optional cultural activities. 

          Friday:

          The last day is dedicated to final presentations and an exhibition event, followed by a fun graduation ceremony.

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          Discover the summer calendar

          Explore the full Univeristy Summer Programs calendar to discover all available courses and dates.

          See the calendar

          Our Faculty

          Andrew McCarthy

          Our program faculty lead

          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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          Admissions

          Our admissions process is simple and designed to understand your motivation and goals. Apply online and receive a decision within approximately two weeks.

          We recommend applying early, as places are limited.

          Abstract for Tuition | IE

          TUITION

          2 WEEK PROGRAM

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

          THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

          1
          Online Application
          2
          Submit your Application
          3
          Admissions Final Decision

          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.

          1/3
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          FIND YOUR IDEAL PROGRAM

          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.​

            From Summer to Your Future at IE.

            Step Into Your Master’s Journey

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              FAQ's

              • Yes, you will be introduced to practical tools and methodologies used to generate ideas, solve problems, and approach challenges from new perspectives.

              • Not at all. This course focuses on creativity as a skill, not artistic ability—making it ideal for anyone interested in innovation, critical thinking, and new ways of approaching challenges.

              • This program is interdisciplinary and hands-on, focusing on how creativity connects with real-world challenges in business, technology, and society—not just theory.

              • Absolutely. Creative thinking is a core skill in business, technology, entrepreneurship, and many other industries where innovation and adaptability are key.

              • Students who are curious, open-minded, and interested in exploring new ways of thinking and solving problems will benefit the most.