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Master in Public Policy

Lead with insight. Govern with purpose.
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duration10 months
languageEnglish
locationMadrid + One-week international field trip
intakeSeptember
MODE OF STUDYIn-person
FormatFull-time

A UNIQUE PROGRAM

Dynamic and forward-thinking, the Master in Public Policy prepares ambitious leaders to navigate today’s complex governance landscape with creativity, analytical rigor and practical expertise. The program offers a solid foundation in policy analysis while integrating insights from behavioral economics, design thinking and technological ethics to prepare students for real-world policy challenges.

Students personalize their learning journey through three specialized tracks: Environment, Energy & Sustainability, AI & Digital Transformation and European Union Affairs. Alternatively, they can design their own path by choosing from over 20 specialized courses, building a unique professional profile tailored to their career goals. 

Learning is immersive and applied. Students engage in real-world policy simulations, stakeholder negotiations, and practical projects that mirror the full policy cycle—from analysis to implementation. For their final project, they choose between a consulting assignment, research initiative, or entrepreneurial venture, ensuring they graduate with the skills and confidence to drive meaningful change across sectors.

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Want to know more?

EXPLORE THE MASTER IN Public Policy

Program Structure
10 Months
Pre-Program
    TERMS
    Add Ons
    COMPARATIVE POLITICS & ETHICS
    PUBLIC GOVERNANCE AND THE POLICY CYCLE: PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES AND INNOVATIONS
    MICROECONOMICS FOR DECISION-MAKING
    STATISTICS AND DATA ANALYTICS I: FOUNDATIONS
    MULTI-PARTY NEGOTIATIONS
    WORKSHOP ON ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP
    POLITICAL COMMUNICATION AND THE POLICY AGENDA
    PUBLIC ECONOMICS
    STATISTICS AND DATA ANALYTICS II: ADVANCED APPLICATIONS IN POLICY ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
    PUBLIC AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS
    WORKSHOP ON STRATEGIC FORESIGHT
    WORKSHOP ON PUBLIC SPEAKING AND SPEECH WRITING
    EUROPEAN UNION
    ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY
    AI & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
    IMMERSION WEEK
    PERSONAL & CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
    CERTIFICATE ON FOUNDATIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY
    Exchanges
    Program Structure
    10 Months

    *Please note that our program content is continually updated to remain in sync with market demands. Therefore, we advise you that the content is subject to change and it can be dependent on student demand.

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    IMMERSION EXPERIENCE  

    As part of the program, you’ll participate in a week-long field experience that brings you into the heart of policymaking, innovation, and global governance. You'll visit key institutions, meet with leading experts, and explore how policy ideas are applied in practice.

    Immersion Weeks in other programs have included:

    • Visits to the European Commission and NATO headquarters in Brussels
    • Interactive sessions with UN agencies in Geneva
    • Behind-the-scenes discussions with leading think tanks and NGOs in Washington, D.C.
    • Innovation tours of civic tech and digital government initiatives in cities like Barcelona or Berlin

    Note: Destinations and visits may vary and will be confirmed before the program begins.

    STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS OF THE MASTER IN PUBLIC POLICY

    IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs partners with leading public and private sector organizations like the UN, the European Climate Foundation, GESDA, UCCI, Google and PwC, offering students hands-on projects, internships and career opportunities. As a proud member of NASPAA, APSIA, ECPR and CIVICA, we ensure our program meets the highest global standards in public policy education. 

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      PwC Spain  

      Engage in a dynamic learning journey with PwC Spain, combining theory and practice through seminars, workshops, and internships. Gain industry insights from PwC experts, expand your professional network, and receive personalized mentorship to build key skills and launch a successful career in applied economics. 

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

      ECF

      Access a policy-driven learning experience with the European Climate Foundation (ECF), Europe’s leading climate and energy philanthropy. Gain insight into real-time climate policy through expert lectures and research exposure, connect with top climate leaders, and access potential internship opportunities shaping Europe’s transition to a climate-neutral future. 

    • This image features a logo representing Political Intelligence.

      ​Political Intelligence

      Discover a global learning experience with Political Intelligence, a leading European public affairs consultancy. Strengthen your understanding of European policy through research initiatives, case studies, and expert-led seminars. Gain practical exposure via real-world projects and field visits, while building networks and receiving mentorship for a successful career in public affairs.

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

      ITU

      Explore a future-oriented learning experience with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN agency for digital technologies. Develop expertise in digital governance and global policy through expert-led seminars and conferences. Gain practical exposure via policy simulations and applied research, while building networks and receiving mentorship to drive innovation and sustainable digital impact. 

    • Logo of the Union of Ibero-American Cities.

      UCCI

      Discover an international learning experience with the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities (UCCI). Build expertise in urban governance and public policy through expert-led seminars and collaborative projects with Ibero-American mayors. Gain hands-on exposure to local government, expand your global network, and receive mentorship to drive transformative change in cities worldwide. 

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      ALINNEA

      Through a collaboration with Alinnea, a leading Think & Action Tank focused on accelerating effective and equitable climate action, you will deepen your understanding of sustainability strategy and energy transition policy while engaging with leading practitioners and researchers through expert-led sessions and real-world projects.

    EXCHANGE PROGRAM PARTNER UNIVERSITIES

    You can personalize your Master in Public Policy by spending an additional semester at one of our partner universities worldwide, following the third and final semester in Madrid. Our agreements with these institutions offer you the chance to gain international experience and expand your learning at some of the world's top universities.

    Note: The universities listed are examples of partner institutions associated with various programs. Please note that partnerships may differ depending on the specific program or school within our university.

    Important: Spots are limited in all exchange programs. Upon acceptance into an exchange program, there is a fee to reserve your place, but tuition at the partner institution is free of charge. You’ll only need to cover your living expenses while there.

    • Universidad SanAndres

      UNIVERSIDAD DE SAN ANDRÉS

    • SciencesPo

      SCIENCES PO

    • LUISS, ROMA

      LUISS, ROMA

    • TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MUNICH

      TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MUNICH

    • Logo of the Central European University featuring a stylized sun and dots design next to the text 'CEU Central European University'.

      Central European University (CEU)

    • Kautilya School of Public Policy

    • UNIVERSITY OF MILAN

      UNIVERSITY OF MILAN

    • This is an emblem of the University of Bologna, featuring historical figures and symbols.

      UNIVERSITY OF BOLOGNA

    CAPSTONE PARTNERS

    For your final project, you will choose between an individual, research-oriented thesis or a practical, team-based Capstone Consulting Project. Notable capstone partners across our school include:

    Note: The partners listed here are from previous intakes. Partnering institutions may vary from year to year.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    • The Master in Public Policy (MPP) covers politics, economics, data analysis, and leadership, with specialized tracks in European Union affairs, sustainability, and AI & digital transformation.

    • Typically includes core courses, electives, a capstone project, and sometimes an internship.

    • Yes. Many programs include internships, policy labs, and real-world consulting projects.

    • 10 month full-time program.