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Master in Public Policy

Where Public Policy Meets Technology, Sustainability & Governance.
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duration
language
location
intake
MODE OF STUDY
Format
10 months
English
Madrid + One-week international field trip
September
In-person
Full-time

PUBLIC POLICY FOR A CHANGING WORLD

Public policy is no longer just government- it is being reshaped by technology, data and the growing intersection between the public and private sectors.

The Master in Public Policy at IE University is an immersive, forward-looking program designed to prepare you to design, implement and evaluate policy solutions in dynamic policy environments.

By combining a data-driven and applied approach, you will tackle today’s most pressing challenges- from digital transformation and AI regulation to climate transition and international governance- building the skills needed to operate across sectors and influence decision-making in fast-changing environments.

From day one, you will apply policy in professional contexts and start developing your career, tackling real policy challenges, learning from industry experts and policymakers, and gaining the experience to build a career across government, business and international organizations.

You can tailor your experience through three specializations aligned with today’s key policy frontiers:

  • AI and Digital Transformation
  • European Union Affairs
  • Environment, Energy & Sustainability

If you are ready to build a career in today’s evolving, data-driven policy landscape, this Master is designed for you.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Shape Global Decisions That Matter

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  • Marta Albaladejo
    Marta Albaladejo
    Senior Manager

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TOP 5 REASONS TO JOIN IE UNIVERSITY’S MASTER IN PUBLIC POLICY

  • 01.

    BUILD A GLOBAL CAREER IN PUBLIC POLICY

    Develop a truly international perspective by working with a diverse cohort and learning from an international faculty of policymakers and practitioners. You will strengthen your ability to navigate and influence policy across regions, institutions and sectors.

  • 02.

    APPLY POLICY IN REAL-WORLD CONTEXTS

    Go beyond theory through policy simulations, applied projects and a hands-on capstone, working with real organizations or launching your own initiative. Learn directly from senior policymakers, analysts and private-sector leaders shaping today’s policy landscape.

  • 03.

    WORK WITH LEADING POLICY ORGANIZATIONS

    Engage with organizations such as Political Intelligence, PwC and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) through projects, mentorship and direct collaboration, gaining direct exposure to how policy is designed and implemented in practice.

  • 04.

    SHAPE POLICY AT THE INTERSECTION OF TECHNOLOGY AND DATA

    Understand how AI, data and digital innovation are transforming public policy. Explore regulatory frameworks, digital governance and evidence-based decision-making, developing the skills to design more effective and adaptable policy solutions.

  • 05.

    SPECIALIZE IN HIGH-IMPACT POLICY AREAS

    Tailor your experience through AI and Digital Transformation, European Union Affairs or Environment, Energy & Sustainability, aligning your profile with the most in-demand areas in today’s policy landscape.

    THIS PROGRAM IS FOR YOU IF

    • …You want to go beyond theory and work on real policy challenges.

      You’re looking for an engaging, globally connected program that gives you practical experience through projects, simulations, and applied policy work across public and private sectors.

    • …You want to shape policy at the intersection of technology, data and society.

      You’re interested in how AI, digital transformation and sustainability are redefining policymaking- and want to design evidence-based, future-ready policy solutions.

    • ...You are building a career in today’s global policy ecosystem.

      Whether you are starting your path or shifting direction, you want to develop the skills, network and experience to operate across public, private and international policy environments.

    CHOOSE YOUR PUBLIC POLICY SPECIALIZATION:

    With the Master in Public Policy, you will specialize in one of three key areas aligned with today’s most urgent policy priorities.

    Each track combines applied learning and practical experience, preparing you to work across policy, technology and business.

    • The image showcases a digital map with a dark blue futuristic design.

      AI AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

      Shape the future of digital governance and AI policy, developing data-driven frameworks for technology, regulation and digital rights in a rapidly evolving landscape, with exposure to partners such as PwC and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

    • The image shows a modern building with multiple EU flags in front of it.

      EUROPEAN UNION AFFAIRS

      Navigate and influence European policymaking, building the expertise to shape regulation, public affairs and decision-making across EU institutions and the Brussels ecosystem, with engagement alongside Political Intelligence.

    • The image depicts a landscape with green hills and three wind turbines in the background under a clear blue sky.

      ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY

      Design and implement public policy solutions for the green transition, addressing climate change, clean energy and sustainability across government, industry and international institutions, in connection with organizations such as the European Climate Foundation (ECF) and Alinnea.

    STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

    This Master in Public Policy connects you with a network of institutions, consulting firms, and international organizations, offering direct exposure to real policy design, analysis and implementation across regulatory, technological and economic domains.

    Through mentorship, applied projects, and potential internship opportunities, you will engage with organizations working on AI and tech regulation, digital transformation, sustainability and European affairs.

    These partnerships open pathways to diverse public policy career opportunities, enabling you to apply your skills in professional contexts and navigate complex policy environments with confidence. Many are integrated into specific specialization tracks, allowing you to deepen your expertise in targeted policy areas.

    • This image features the logo of the European Climate Foundation.

      EUROPEAN CLIMATE FOUNDATION (ECF)

      Collaborate with the European Climate Foundation within the Environment, Energy & Sustainability track exploring areas such as climate policy design and energy transition strategies. By engaging in applied research and working closely with experts through mentorship, and with access to potential internships, you will contribute to evidence-based policy design and connect with leading climate policy networks.

    • This image features a logo with the word 'alinneac' and a starburst design.

      ALINNEA

      Collaborate with Alinnea on climate and energy public policy design and implementation, within the Environment, Energy & Sustainability track, focusing on sustainability strategies and ESG policy frameworks. Working on applied projects and guided by mentorship, with access to potential internships opportunities, you will develop data-driven policy strategies across regulation, business environments and climate transition.

    • This image features a logo representing Political Intelligence.

      ​Political Intelligence

      Work with Political Intelligence on EU policy monitoring, regulatory analysis and advocacy strategies within the European Union Affairs track, exploring areas such as EU policymaking, public affairs and regulatory strategy. Through case-based work and mentorship from public affairs professionals, alongside potential internships, you will translate policy intelligence into actionable strategies within European institutions.

    • The logo of the International Telecommunication Union features a blue globe with communication symbols.

      INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION (ITU)

      Work with the ITU on global digital governance and regulatory challenges within the AI and Digital Transformation track, exploring topics such as AI regulation, digital governance and data policy frameworks. Through policy simulations, applied research, mentorship and access to potential internships opportunities, you will develop expertise in AI, data and digital policy within international organizations. 

    • A logo featuring the letters 'pwc' in black with an orange accent.

      PwC Spain  

      Work with PwC Spain on public policy and regulatory challenges at the intersection of business and government within the AI and Digital Transformation track, focusing on areas such as regulatory strategy, digital transformation and public-private governance. You will develop data-driven policy solutions through applied projects, workshops and potential internships, supported by mentorship from PwC professionals, while gaining experience in consulting and policy advisory.

    • Logo of the Union of Ibero-American Cities.

      UNION OF IBERO-AMERICAN CAPITAL CITIES (UCCI)

      Collaborate with the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities (UCCI) on urban public policy and governance challenges, with potential access to city leaders and mayors. Working on hands-on projects and guided by mentorship from public sector leaders, with internship opportunities, you will design data-informed solutions to real urban challenges.

    A GLOBAL POLICY NETWORK

    As a proud member of leading global academic and policy networks, including:

    • NASPAA - Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
    • APSIA - Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs
    • ECPR - European Consortium for Political Research
    • CIVICA - The European University of Social Sciences

    the Master in Public Policy connects you to a global network of public and private organizations through real-world projects and policy simulations.

    OFFICIAL DEGREE

    Students must fulfill the following requirements to be able to request the issuance of the Official University Degree upon completion of the Master Program. If educational prerequisites are not provided and/or if the requirements are not met on time, the student will not be able to request the official university degree as issued by the Spanish government. In this case, the studies will not be official under Spanish educational regulations.

    APPLICABLE REGULATIONS OF THE PROGRAM

    DEGREE INFORMATION AND INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM

    Leading Experts at IE University

    At IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, you will engage with leading experts, policymakers and industry professionals through events, guest lectures and networking opportunities.

    These interactions provide direct insight into real-world policy challenges, helping you build connections and gain perspectives that support your career in the European and international policy landscape.

    THE IE COMPETITIVENESS HUB BRUSSELS

    Focused on strengthening Europe’s long-term competitiveness, the IE Competitiveness Hub brings academic excellence, interdisciplinary expertise, and policy-relevant analysis to key drivers such as finance, innovation, energy, digital transformation, and economic security. Based in Brussels, it connects students, faculty, experts, industry leaders, and policymakers, turning applied research into evidence-based insights, meaningful European debate, and actionable impact.

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    MAKE IT A DUAL DEGREE - DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT

    Pursue two disciplines while gaining insight from different perspectives and ways of thinking. You'll cover the contents of two master's programs—and graduate with two diplomas—ensuring in-depth expertise that maximizes your value in the job market.

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      Frequently Asked Questions

      Review our FAQ responses to better understand everything related to our Admission Processes.

      • A Master in Public Policy is a graduate degree that prepares students to analyze, design, and implement policies that address social, economic, and political issues. It blends analytical training with real-world problem-solving for careers in government, nonprofits, and beyond.

      • Yes. The MPP program welcomes international students, offering global policy perspectives, visa support, and career services. The degree prepares graduates for impactful roles worldwide.

      • A Master of Public Policy focuses on analyzing, designing, and evaluating public policies using data, research, and critical thinking. A Master of Public Administration prepares students to lead, manage, and implement public programs and services.