Pre-Program. The pre-program is a mandatory introductory period, unless you pass an exam beforehand. During this module, you will build a solid foundation in economics and quantitative skills to prepare for the master’s program. The courses in the Pre-Program include:. ECONOMICS PRE-COURSE. This pre-course has been designed to provide you with an understanding of core economic principles and how they apply to real-world issues. By taking this course, you will learn the key economic concepts, as well as fiscal and monetary policies, that will be essential during your master’s degree.. QUANTITATIVE SKILLS PRE-COURSE. This pre-course has been designed to provide you with an understanding of the basics of computer programming, probability and statistics. By taking this course, you will study causal relationships with statistics and computer programming techniques, which will be useful during your master’s degree.
Terms. 10 months. 1ST TERM. SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER. COMPARATIVE POLITICS & ETHICS. You will examine the structure and functioning of different political systems, exploring how institutions shape governance outcomes, citizen trust, and public accountability. The course also places ethical reflection at its core, challenging you to consider how competing values such as justice, transparency and legitimacy should guide decision-making in the public interest.. PUBLIC GOVERNANCE AND THE POLICY CYCLE: PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES AND INNOVATIONS. This course guides you through the key phases of the public policy cycle and the governance principles that underpin each one. You will explore how accountability, integrity and responsiveness inform government action. The course also introduces innovative approaches such as behavioral insights, design thinking and policy experimentation to improve public outcomes.. MICROECONOMICS FOR DECISION-MAKING. Gain a practical foundation in microeconomics to better understand how individuals, firms and institutions respond to incentives. You will explore how public policy can correct market failures, influence behavior and improve the efficiency and fairness of resource allocation.. STATISTICS AND DATA ANALYTICS I: FOUNDATIONS. This course provides essential tools to collect, explore and interpret public data. You will learn to visualize trends, draw evidence-based conclusions and build the analytical skills required to support effective public decisions. Emphasis is placed on clarity, accuracy and critical thinking.. MULTI-PARTY NEGOTIATIONS. Designed for public leaders and institutional actors, this course trains you to negotiate across differences and build consensus in complex political environments. You will practice engagement strategies, coalition-building and facilitation techniques using real-world cases and simulations.. WORKSHOP ON ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP. In this course, you will develop the mindset and tools needed to lead through uncertainty and change. The sessions focus on diagnosing systemic challenges, engaging stakeholders and responding to resistance with creativity and purpose.. 2ND TERM. JANUARY - APRIL. POLITICAL COMMUNICATION AND THE POLICY AGENDA. This course examines how political agendas are constructed, communicated and contested in today’s media-driven policymaking environment. You will explore the roles of political actors, journalists, interest groups and social movements in shaping public discourse. The course blends agenda-setting theory and narrative framing with hands-on analysis of real-world campaigns.. PUBLIC ECONOMICS. You will examine the economic rationale for government intervention in markets and the design of fiscal policy. Topics include public budgeting, taxation, market failures and the economic logic of regulation. The course equips you with a macro-level perspective on how public finances impact growth, equity and social outcomes.. STATISTICS AND DATA ANALYTICS II: ADVANCED APPLICATIONS IN POLICY ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION. Building on the foundations of Term 1, this course introduces advanced tools to assess policy effectiveness. You will learn how to design and interpret impact evaluations, conduct cost-effectiveness analysis and apply causal inference techniques. Mixed-method approaches are introduced to strengthen the evidence base for complex policy decisions.. PUBLIC AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS . *This course in taught with the Master in International Relations This course explores how public and private actors engage with policymaking through non-market strategies. You will examine how companies, civil society organizations and advocacy groups influence regulation and shape policy agendas. Through real-world case studies, you will learn to navigate regulatory environments and develop public affairs strategies aligned with institutional goals.. WORKSHOP ON STRATEGIC FORESIGHT. Anticipating disruption is a vital skill in public leadership. In this workshop, you will practice scenario planning, horizon scanning and other foresight techniques to design resilient, future-ready policy responses.. WORKSHOP ON PUBLIC SPEAKING AND SPEECH WRITING. This practical workshop prepares you to speak with clarity, confidence and impact in public settings. You will learn the fundamentals of crafting compelling speeches and delivering them effectively, with a focus on the communication demands of public leadership roles.. 3RD TERM. Specializations. EUROPEAN UNION. The European Union Affairs specialization equips you with the tools to navigate and shape policymaking in one of the world’s most influential governance systems. As the EU expands its reach across economic, climate, security, and digital policy, demand is rising for professionals who understand its institutions, legal frameworks, and multilevel governance. You’ll gain practical skills to analyze EU decision-making, engage with stakeholders, and understand how global companies interact with EU institutions to influence regulation and ensure compliance. With a focus on European law, politics, and diplomacy, you’ll learn to turn political agreements into effective governance solutions across Europe and beyond.. EUROPEAN LAW, INSTITUTIONS AND POLITICS. * This course is shared with the Master in International Relations This course introduces the institutional, legal and political foundations of the European Union. You will examine the origins and nature of EU law, the allocation of competences between the EU and its Member States, and the functioning of key institutions including the European Commission, Parliament and Court of Justice. Attention is given to the EU’s rule of law framework and the protection of fundamental rights, laying the groundwork for more advanced policy analysis in this track.. ECONOMICS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION. You will explore how the EU’s single market operates across goods, services, capital and labor. The course also examines the governance of the Eurozone, fiscal coordination mechanisms and the use of structural and cohesion funds to promote convergence and growth.. GEOPOLITICS OF EUROPE. Examines the EU’s foreign and security policy, enlargement strategy, and transatlantic relations, while analyzing internal power dynamics among member states. Combines current geopolitical analysis with foresight on global shifts shaping the EU’s strategic role.. SHAPING EUROPEAN POLICY: PROCESS, ACTORS, STRATEGIES. Building on European Law, Institutions and Politics, this applied course examines how EU legislation is shaped, adopted and implemented across levels. You will analyze the full policymaking process, from Brussels to national adaptation, through the lens of key stakeholders including Member States, foreign governments, corporations, civil society and EU institutions. Emphasis is placed on real-world strategies, tools of influence and institutional dynamics.. INDUSTRIAL STRATEGIES FOR A COMPETITIVE EUROPE. This course focuses on how the EU can succeed in the green and digital transitions while boosting economic competitiveness. You will explore international comparisons of industrial strategies, including those of the United States, China and South Korea, and analyze the most recent reports and initiatives aimed at enhancing European competitiveness. Students will prepare a policy proposal to increase competitiveness in the economic sector of their choice.. CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE. Examine the institutional frameworks and regulatory instruments that shape climate governance at national, regional and global levels. The course covers multilateral agreements such as the UNFCCC, national policy tools including nationally determined contributions, compliance mechanisms and approaches to a just transition. A comparative perspective highlights how countries design and implement climate policies, with particular attention to the European Union’s evolving climate architecture.. *Students typically complete six courses within their chosen specialization, while also having the flexibility to take elective courses from other specializations. They also may choose two additional electives from other IE programs. This allows them to broaden their knowledge and skills while building a more interdisciplinary learning experience.. ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY. The Environment, Energy & Sustainability specialization prepares you to tackle urgent global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. You’ll gain the tools to design effective policy across sectors, using technology and data to drive low-carbon transitions and systemic change. Through hands-on projects and real-world engagement in Madrid, you’ll turn knowledge into impact.. CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE. Examine the institutional frameworks and regulatory instruments that shape climate governance at national, regional and global levels. The course covers multilateral agreements such as the UNFCCC, national policy tools including nationally determined contributions, compliance mechanisms and approaches to a just transition. A comparative perspective highlights how countries design and implement climate policies, with particular attention to the European Union’s evolving climate architecture.. CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES. You will analyze and compare a range of climate strategies, assessing their costs, technological maturity and social impact. The course includes an introduction to climate science and explores the potential for shared approaches across countries and sectors. It provides a framework to evaluate both mitigation and adaptation policies in a variety of environmental and economic contexts.. GEOPOLITICS AND POLITICAL ECONOMY OF THE ENERGY TRANSITION. Explore how political and economic factors shape the global energy transition. The course focuses on competitiveness, regulatory frameworks and the interplay between energy policy and technological change. Topics include renewable energy deployment, supply chain security, integration of artificial intelligence in energy systems and evolving industrial strategies in key regions.. ENERGY SYSTEM, TECHNOLOGY AND POLICY DESIGN. This course analyzes major energy sources including solar, wind, nuclear, gas, geothermal and storage technologies. You will evaluate each one based on technical performance, environmental impact and economic feasibility. The goal is to design viable energy transition pathways, with attention to system integration, trade-offs and long-term sustainability at national and local levels.. CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABLE FINANCE. You will study financial instruments and investment strategies that support the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable economy. Topics include green bonds, blended finance, pay-for-results mechanisms, carbon pricing and the respective roles of public and private actors in mobilizing capital for climate action.. ESG STANDARDS, DATA AND SUSTAINABLE REGULATIONS. This course examines the standards and data systems used to measure and regulate environmental, social and governance performance. You will explore sustainability taxonomies, disclosure frameworks and ESG data governance, with a focus on how these tools are applied by both public institutions and private organizations.. *Students typically complete six courses within their chosen specialization, while also having the flexibility to take elective courses from other specializations. They also may choose two additional electives from other IE programs. This allows them to broaden their knowledge and skills while building a more interdisciplinary learning experience.. AI AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION. This specialization trains future public policy leaders to harness emerging technologies like AI and big data to improve governance and public services. You’ll learn to design policies that drive innovation while addressing risks like bias, privacy, and digital exclusion. Through applied projects and real-world case studies, you’ll gain the tools to shape ethical, inclusive, and effective digital transformation across sectors.. THE GOVERNANCE AND REGULATION OF TECHNOLOGY. This course explores the regulatory frameworks shaping digital markets and data-driven technologies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence. You will examine approaches to tech regulation across the European Union, United States, China and multilateral institutions. Topics include data governance, platform regulation, competition policy and algorithmic accountability. Special attention is given to enforcement challenges and the global implications of divergent models.. DIGITAL ECONOMY AND THE ECONOMICS OF INNOVATION. Analyze how digital technologies such as automation, AI and platform models are transforming markets, labor and value creation. The course covers productivity trends, labor market shifts, digital taxation and the evolving role of the state in shaping inclusive digital economies. You will evaluate public policy responses aimed at addressing inequality and guiding innovation.. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND DATA FOR PUBLIC GOVERNANCE. * Shared with the Master in Tecnology and Global Affairs. This course looks at how digital tools and data systems are transforming public services. Students gain practical skills in data use and apply them to real-world challenges in areas such as health, mobility, and citizen engagement.. CHANGE MANAGEMENT FOR AI AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN GOVERNMENT. You will examine strategies for leading institutional change in the context of digital reform. The course emphasizes the importance of leadership, cross-sector collaboration and a culture of innovation. Students will engage with agile methodologies and adaptive approaches to change management through real-world case studies.. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR. This course investigates how AI is reshaping public governance. You will explore practical applications of AI in service delivery, policy analysis and institutional operations. In parallel, the course addresses critical issues such as transparency, bias, accountability and institutional preparedness for responsible AI adoption.. IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS. *Shared with the Master in Technology and Global Affairs. You will examine how digital technologies influence fundamental rights including privacy, freedom of expression and protection against discrimination. The course analyzes the dual impact of digital tools on political participation and surveillance, and introduces ethical frameworks to address legal and societal risks. It includes key concepts from the ethics of technological progress and digital constitutionalism.. *Students typically complete six courses within their chosen specialization, while also having the flexibility to take elective courses from other specializations. They also may choose two additional electives from other IE programs. This allows them to broaden their knowledge and skills while building a more interdisciplinary learning experience.
Add Ons. ADD-ONS. IMMERSION WEEK . As part of the program, you’ll spend a week immersed in real-world policymaking. You'll visit major institutions, meet leading experts, and see how policy works in practice. Immersion Weeks in other programs have included: European Commission and NATO in Brussels. UN agencies in Geneva. Think tanks and NGOs in Washington, D.C. Civic tech tours in cities like Barcelona or Berlin.. PERSONAL & CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a number of career development workshops over the course of the program, in order to help them develop their personal brand, find a career that encompasses their interests and allow them to use the skills they’ve gained at IE School of Global and Public Affairs. Introduction to Career Services Personal Branding How to improve your CV and Cover Letter Interview Preparation and Salary Negotiation How To Use LinkedIn Job Hunting Workshop. CERTIFICATE ON FOUNDATIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY. IE University’s Certificate on Foundations of Sustainability is an optional program you can use to complement your master’s degree and showcase your individual commitment to incorporating sustainability into your professional work. The Certificate takes a dynamic, holistic approach that will shape your thinking and give you the highly in-demand skills to address today’s most pressing challenges. The program will provide you with a highly sought-after set of skills and knowledge that are required to tackle the challenges our institutions, corporations and societies are facing today.. Exchanges. You can customize your program by spending an extra semester at one of our partner universities worldwide after your third term in Madrid. Please note that spots are limited in all exchange programs. Some of the partner universities are:
