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Upskilling for Academic Excellence

Your way to academic excellence.
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duration2 weeks
languageEnglish
locationMadrid
intake15th - 26th of June, 2026
FormatIn-person
FOR WHOUndergraduate students & young professionals

Sharper Thinking and Stronger Persuasion

In a world where Gen AI can summarize almost all existing knowledge in seconds, how do you stand out in the classroom or at your first job?

This two week course helps you cultivate the human strengths that technology cannot replicate: structured thinking, argumentation, and persuasive communication.

Through interactive workshops, case based learning, and practical exercises, you will learn to structure your thinking using logic and reason, construct and deconstruct arguments, and deliver your ideas persuasively. You will also learn how to use Gen AI tools appropriately to support your thinking rather than replace it.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

  • This program is right for you if…

    ...you want to future proof your academic and professional path by mastering the skills that truly differentiate you: clear thinking, strong arguments, and persuasive communication.

  • Participant profile

    Undergraduate students and young professionals from any academic background who are eager to strengthen critical thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and persuasive communication in the context of emerging technologies and AI enhanced learning environments.

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Days to start your best summer

170days
:
22hours
:
41minutes

Focus Areas

Build the core human capabilities that complement AI, with practical training in four key areas essential for navigating the future of work.

  • 01.

    Structured Thinking and Logic

    You will learn to structure your thinking using logic and reasoning, identify common errors, and apply formal and informal methods to analyze problems and develop stronger ideas.

  • 02.

    Argumentation and Debate

    You will build the ability to construct and deconstruct arguments, evaluate different perspectives, participate effectively in debates, and strengthen both written and oral argumentation.

  • 03.

    Cognitive Biases and Decision Making

    You will explore how cognitive biases work, how they influence judgment and persuasion, and how to recognize them to improve the quality of your reasoning.

  • 04.

    Persuasive Communication and Influence

    You will practice communicating ideas clearly and persuasively, using ethos, logos, and pathos ethically, and adapting your message to different audiences and contexts, including the final presentation.

Course Overview – Typical Day in the Upskilling for Academic Excellence 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 Upskilling for Academic Excellence program looks like:

  • Week 1

    • Monday to Friday:
      • 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Classes
      • Afternoon: Optional cultural activities ​
  • A group of young people engaged in a discussion at a table, with one person smiling.

    Week 2

    • Monday to Thursday:
      •  9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Classes
      • Afternoon: Optional cultural activities.
  • A man gives a lecture to a classroom full of engaged students.

    Last Day

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

Unique Value

You will not only learn how to use logic and evidence to support your ideas, but also how to influence others ethically, identify biases, and communicate under pressure in both academic and professional settings.

Learning Outcome

By the end of the program, you will be able to structure your thinking with logic, build and challenge arguments, recognize cognitive biases, and communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively in academic discussions and presentations.

​Program Structure

What You're going to do - 2 weeks
Week 1
    Week 2
      What You're going to do - 2 weeks
      Slide 1 of 0

      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.​

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        DISCOVER THE SUMMER CALENDAR

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

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        Alistair Fildes | IE

        OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY

        Alistair Fildes – Associate Dean at IE University

        • Vice Dean for Behavioral Science, leads IE’s BBSS program
        • PhD in Behavior and Organizational Change
        • Award winning research on public confidence in policing
        • Global behavior change leader across public and private sectors
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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

        If you join IE University’s Summer Program for a two week module and opt in to the additional academic deliverable, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement indicating an academic workload equivalence of 3 ECTS credits. 

        Completing two modules with the deliverable corresponds to 6 ECTS, and three modules to 9 ECTS. 

        To qualify for credit recognition, you must fulfill all course requirements and submit the additional deliverable within two weeks of finishing your last module. Recognition of credits is always determined by your home institution.

        From Summer to Your Future at IE. Step Into Your Master’s Journey  

        Take your Critical Thinking in the Age of AI experience further by pursuing our Master in Management.

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        Learn more about our Master program

        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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