MASTER IN CREATIVE

DIRECTION, CONTENT
& BRANDING

MARKETING, COMMUNICATION & SALES

In today’s content-saturated
world, experts in creative
strategy and content
production are highly sought
after. In order to stand out,
they need to have a thorough
understanding of creative
direction, master the latest
media strategies, understand
and leverage the power
of storytelling, and align a
compelling creative outlook
to a brand's communication
needs.
ABOUT THE
PROGRAM
Your program overview

Mode of Study Full-time

Format In-person

Intake September

Duration 10 Months

Language English

Location Madrid

The Master in Creative Direction,

Content & Branding was
developed to empower creative
individuals to spearhead digital
media projects that engage
audiences. In the digital
economy, there is huge demand
for professionals with these
skills, alongside the ability to
transform brand perception
through masterful messaging
and storytelling.
 WHO IS THIS
PROGRAM FOR?
The perfect fit

The way that brands communicate

is constantly changing, and sector
professionals need to be able to develop
an idea from idea to execution in a
creative way. This program prepares
participants for that reality, as they learn
to break boundaries and truly connect
with audiences.

For those who wish to

become...

Web/app Designer Digital Media

Video Editor Entrepreneur
Photojournalist Brand Specialist
Art/design Director Visual Media Manager
Communications Social Media
Manager Marketing Manager
Creative Project Digital Project
Manager Manager
Advertising Manager Web Content
Art/creative Director Strategist
Creative Content
Manager
WHY CHOOSE
THIS PROGRAM?
Reasons you should join

01 02
Boost your job Harness your
prospects creative power and
Brands are recognizing the need for business mindset
unique visual content, which means
that quality digital media experts Learn by doing through real, practical
are highly sought after in every content production projects that
organization. make use of the latest technologies
in a teamwork-driven international
environment.

In addition to the quality of

Mariana Portocarrero, Spain
the classes and professors,
the best thing about the
Master in Creative Direction,
Content & Branding is being
able to surround yourself
with, work with, and learn
from such creative and
specialized individuals from
diverse industries.”
 03
Learn from
leading creative
professionals
Our faculty is made up of a diverse
group of academics and professionals,
who bring pedagogical rigor and real-
world expertise into the classroom.
What’s more, you’ll be exposed to a
range of industry professionals and
companies during exclusive talks and
visits throughout the program.
04
Unlock your
high-impact
strategic career
Not only will you acquire the visual and
digital media skills needed to thrive
in your career, but you will also have
access to guidance and assistance
through the IE Career Management
Center. And while you study, you’ll
be constantly growing your creative
portfolio which will make you stand
out from the competition.

05 125
billion
devices are expected
to be connected to the
Get a running start internet by 2030.
Guided by industry leaders, you’ll start ESPAS

designing and managing visual and

digital media projects from the get-

14,000
go, so that you’re primed to work in
the field as soon as you graduate. In
order to carry out these projects, you’ll
be using industry software such as more jobs for digital
InDesign, Lightroom, Illustrator and developers and web
the full Adobe Creative Suite. designers will be
created in the US
alone by the end of the
decade.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
“The Master in Creative
Direction, Content &
Branding was a great
introduction to the
possibilities of the
creative industry. It
opened my eyes to the
world of brands and the
power of story-telling,
experience and design.

Lucía Seoane-Pampin, Spain

PROGRAM Core period
STRUCTURE We believe that any career path within
Marketing, Communications and Sales
requires general competency in several
Your learning journey key areas. Our approach is simple: first,
lay the groundwork with a strong basis
in the foundations; then, allow you to
specialize by completing one of the
unique master’s programs under the
MARCOM umbrella.

The Master in Creative Direction,

Content & Branding provides a
structured learning journey that takes
place over three terms. Begin by
gaining hands-on digital and visual
tools, as well as key insights into
business, branding and management.
This knowledge will all come together
with the final project.
Digital media and
technology
You will gain a comprehensive
understanding of cutting-edge
tech and the latest platforms and
methodologies used in digital
media, honing your skills through
hands-on learning. You’ll dive
into topics like Digital Marketing
and Social Media; Internet
Metrics and Analytics; Data
Insights and Infographics; User-

D
Centered Design; Web Design
Pre-Program and Development and Interactive
Storytelling.
IE University provides access to
industry-standard Adobe Creative
Cloud throughout your studies.
Before you start the program,
you’ll complete an online software
training to introduce you to the
platforms that will become part
of your everyday toolkit. The aim
is not to make you a technical
specialist in use of the software,
but to provide a framework for
the conceptual, managerial, and
creative abilities needed for your
projects. This will leave you well-
equipped for all kinds of projects in
the program and beyond.
 B
Visual media and
creativity
This area focuses on the skills and
knowledge needed for careers in
branding, visual communication
and digital media. Learn the latest
trends and tools used in the industry.
You’ll study Photography and Video
Production; Graphic Design; Digital
Copywriting; Storytelling; Advertising
and Branded Content; Representation

V
and Ethics; Creative Work in the
Cultural Industries and more.

Business, branding
and management
You’ll learn how to move and flow in
the field of visual and digital media
to stay relevant, at the top of your
game and primed to succeed in any
organization or at the wheel of a

+
venture of your own. You will gain skills
in Strategy & Entrepreneurship; Brand
Strategy; Intellectual Property, etc. and
more.

Final project
Throughout the program, you'll work on
a practical final project with The LLYC
Foundation (formerly known as Llorente
& Cuenca), one of the world's leading
communication agencies, to develop a
robust visual and digital media strategy
and measure the impact of a transmedia
campaign on behalf of a real-world NGO.
Your program,
built into
The Stage
Through your journey at IE Business
School, you’ll be part of The Stage,
your step into the exciting world of
Marketing, Branding & Sales. As a
student on one of our five master’s
degrees in this field, your program
will open to this unique adventure,
guaranteed to help you find center
stage in your own life and become the
next best you.
And that's just the beginning.
Your program is a vital part of The
Stage experience. Classrooms
transform into interactive sets, where
professors blend the artistry of
creativity, storytelling and experience
creation with business strategy and
customer insights for holistic skill
building. The Stage complements
your learnings, cementing your
understanding of core Marketing,
Branding & Sales principles while
offering a platform where you can
connect with over 400 like-minded
professionals from across all five
programs for collaboration, knowledge
exchange and support.
Find out more about the program
International Experiences

Broaden your perspective on international business markets

and marketing, communication & sales career trends as part of
optional international experiences: the Global Immersion Week
or the Social Impact Week. Previous international experiences
have taken our students to London and Ghana, as well as other
destinations such as Amsterdam and South Africa.

Global Immersion Week

The MARCOM Global Immersion Week
(GIW) allows master’s students to
network with companies, explore new
cultures and gain new career insights.
Our goal is to offer you a one-week
international experience and show you
firsthand the main career outcomes
that you can find today within other
relevant international business
markets. Previous years’ agendas
have included in-company visits to
Google, Ipsos, Amazon, Diageo and the
Financial Times, among others.

Social Impact Week

Our goal is to nurture the next
generation of purpose-driven business
professionals who possess a deep
sense of responsibility to the planet
and society. The Social Impact Week
is a one-week trip in which you will
visit local companies within the fields
of marketing, communication & sales.
There, you will develop a project for a
client that is focused on Social Impact,
Entrepreneurship and MARCOM. It is
a perfect opportunity to network, gain
global knowledge and have an impact
on society.
STUDENT PROFILE
Your future network

The ideal candidate for this program

wants to harness their creative powers
to innovatively form and lead teams
dedicated to content creation, creative
direction, strategy and branding
projects. Program participants are
international and come from a variety of
academic and professional backgrounds.
Most of our current students have
backgrounds in business and economics,
communication, PR and advertising, as

���
well as the arts and humanities.

26 nationalities Academic
2.45

��� ���
represented in the background
classroom

billion
people will be on
Facebook
by the year 2030.
bynder

Europe Middle East & Africa Business Journalism

Spain Latin America Communications Sciences

North America Asia Pacific Humanities Other

23–31 Where do our
alumni work?
years old is the
average age of
students in this
program.

0–5
years of experience.

The Master in Creative Direction,

Content & Branding gave me the perfect
framework to apply and connect all my
knowledge. The experience of sharing
one year with people from more than
30 countries was unique and very
enriching.”

Mario Alberto Avellaneda Albán,

Colombia

Discover where the Master in

Creative Direction, Content &
Read more about our alumni
Branding journey can take you.
ADMISSIONS
PROCESS
& FINANCIAL
AID
The IE University admissions Who you are
process is simple yet Students across
rigorous—and carried out all program areas
share common traits
entirely online. that we look out
for. We particularly
value dedicated and
talented individuals
who come from
While the particulars may change diverse backgrounds
depending on your chosen program, it and possess a global
always follows a similar format, which mindset.
you can discover below. With our Alongside your strong
rolling admissions process, there’s no interpersonal skills and
application deadline. But spaces are innovative outlook,
you thrive under an
limited so we recommend that you apply intensive academic
as soon as possible. workload, considering
it an opportunity to
share new experiences
and create unique
The first steps approaches to
problem-solving.
Before you embark on your personal
learning journey, there are six preliminary
steps you need to take.
01 03
Online Entrance Exam
Application Form Next, you will have to take
either the GMAT, GRE or
Complete the online
IEGAT. If you would like
application form and
to apply to a Finance
upload the documents
Program you must take
required by your program.
either the GMAT, GRE,
02 CFA Level 1 or CAIA Level
1. Note that this is a
Online mandatory requirement,
Assessment and the IEGAT will not be
accepted.
With the application
submitted and the fee
paid, you will receive a
link to answer three live
questions, two in video
format and one in written
format.

04 06
English Final Decision
Proficiency Your entire application
TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo will be evaluated by the
or Cambridge (C1 or C2) Admissions Committee
certifications may be and you will receive an
necessary to demonstrate answer within 1–3 weeks.
your English level.

05
EXAM:
Personal
Interview
This online interview
will take place with an
A
associate director of the
B
admissions team.
C

This process may vary depending on the program. Be
sure to consult the Admissions area of your program of
interest for more details on the admissions process.
Get started →
* Special admission requirements
for Master in Finance candidates,
contact the admissions team for more
information.
** If you are considering a dual degree,
keep in mind that students must be
admitted to both programs.
FINANCIAL
AID

If sorting out funding Most of our students rely on a

combination of different types of
and scholarships is financial means to cover the tuition
fees and the overall costs associated
an important part of with program attendance. These
means typically include personal
making IE University resources, student loans, scholarships
your next big step and, at times, some form of family
support or tuition assistance from
in your professional employers.

journey, the good The IE Financial Aid Office will help

you understand the different financing
news is that we have options and scholarship opportunities
available. Researching, understanding
a range of funding your options and planning ahead is
key. The FAO will provide you with all
options available to the necessary guidance to make any
support you! scholarship or loan application process
as smooth as possible.
Please visit our financial aid website
for more details or schedule an
appointment with our team.

Go to the Site →
The aim is twofold: Direct Awards
celebrating and There is no formal application process
rewarding outstanding for the IE High Potential Award—
individuals and all applicants are automatically
providing scholarship considered. Awards are communicated
at the time of admission and
support to deserving recipients are chosen based on the
and promising information provided during the
candidates who would admissions process: the strength of
otherwise not be able their application, academic merit,
professional experience, the quality
to attend IE University. of the interview, competitiveness,
life experiences and suitability to the
program and our school.

These awards are need-blind. Should

IE Scholarships
Thanks to the IE Foundation and
the generosity of our students,
alumni, parents, corporate partners
and other benefactors who support
our groundbreaking Financial Aid
program, we are able to maintain a
strong commitment to providing top-
notch education to highly qualified
candidates from around the world,
regardless of their economic situation.
Our wide portfolio of scholarships
allows us to guarantee diversity and
excellence through our needs-based
and merit-based scholarships.
the candidate require further support,
they are encouraged to submit a
formal scholarship application. Should
they be awarded a scholarship of
greater value, the scholarship would
replace the IE High Potential Award.
Check the IE Financial Aid website to
discover the full list of scholarships
available and to learn more about the
application process.

Scholarships are awarded based on

economic need, merit, distinctive
competencies and/or academic and
professional excellence. The aim is
twofold: celebrating and rewarding
outstanding individuals and providing
scholarship support to deserving and
promising candidates who would
otherwise not be able to attend IE
University.

Check the IE Financial Aid website to discover the full

list of scholarships available and to learn more about the
application process.
Loans Tuition Payment Options

Many of our students rely on loans — While making an investment in higher

either government and/or privately education is extremely worthwhile,
funded—to at least partially finance we understand it isn’t always easy. At
their studies at IE University. As we IE University, we allow students to pay
strive to provide our students with in interest-free installments, without
further financing opportunities, pre-approval requirements or credit
we are committed to securing checks.
agreements with both Spanish and
international institutions that offer The number of installments and
our students financial loan schemes conditions depends on the program,
on favorable grounds. While there are please talk to your admissions advisor
many organizations that lend to IE for more information.
students—including those we have
an agreement with—it is critical that
you understand all fees and terms of
available loans to compare them and
determine which are best suited to
your particular needs.

Contact our dedicated team at loans@ie.edu to find out

which financing options may be available to you. Please
note that many financing schemes are time sensitive
and may require planning several months before your
program starts.
ABOUT YOUR
UNIVERSITY
The IE University
ecosystem is designed
with the student in mind.
Rooted in a human-
centered approach to
entrepreneurship and
innovation, we offer an
extensive global network,
cutting-edge facilities
and top institutional
partnerships—empowering
future leaders to define
their journey.
WHO WHO
WE ARE? WE ARE

First and foremost,

we are Liquid Learners.
Liquid Learning
at IE University is the
culmination of our
educational vision,
transcending any single
platform or approach
to produce a holistic,
streamlined academic
experience.
Developed over 20 years, this model
blurs the lines between online and in-
person education resulting in a flexible,
highly interactive learning journey.

By breaking down traditional barriers

to education, Liquid Learning provides
access to the same world-class
education, regardless of location or
personal circumstances.

But what does this mean? Allow us to

explain. As Liquid Learners, we are:
1,800+ Leaders in
Business Education
students can attend
the same session IE University was founded by entrepreneurs
simultaneously with a vision to disrupt traditional models of
education to equip students with the skills
they need for the future.

100% To achieve this, the institution was

created with five values in mind: diversity,
of our students have
humanities, technology & innovation,
online access to classes
sustainability and entrepreneurship.

Pioneers in
200 Disruptive Learning
classes streaming IE University transformed business
online simultaneously education by introducing disruptive
in HD teaching methodologies, ranging from
immersive classroom approaches and
technological innovation to close ties with

100K+ industry leaders.

Over the years, our broad spectrum of

online sessions disruptive learning innovations has helped
in total students from 140 different countries
unleash their true potential.

“Through Extended Reality (XR),

we’re integrating engaging
technologies into our academic
offering to simulate real-world
scenarios and bring immersive
learning to life.”

Diego del Alcázar Benjumea

CEO of IE University
Diverse
Visionaries
Our cutting-edge methodologies
and global approach to education is
complemented by the diversity of our “I'm able to
community. study with
Students are in constant contact people from
with a variety of academic, ethnic all around the
and cultural backgrounds, which world and learn
challenges preconceived notions about different
and empowers them to think in new, cultures.
innovative ways.

Patricia
Master in Management
25% Restless
Entrepreneurs
of our alumni have
started their own
businesses All our programs are taught from
an entrepreneurial perspective,
encouraging students to craft and

1,500+ apply solutions in the real world—

whether in an intrapreneurial or
students trained entrepreneurial capacity.
in entrepreneurial
management Through startup accelerators and
networking opportunities, students
are able to fuel their ideas, fully

100+ supported as they embark on their

entrepreneurial journey.
mentors working
alongside our students
 WHERE WE ARE
OUR EDUCATIONAL
“IE University
ECOSYSTEM
teaches you
to work and
cooperate
with people
from different
backgrounds,
and to bring
out the best in
others.

Enjoy the right university

experience for you.
We have three locations:
Segovia, Madrid and
Online.
Dionysios Stavrakas, Russia
Executive MBA
Discover the history
of our Segovia
Campus: From
Roman ruins to IE
University

Watch the video

Segovia Know more →

Declared a World Heritage Site

by UNESCO in 1985, Segovia is
famous for its cathedral, alcázar and
“In every corner aqueduct.
of Segovia, in
every step you One of the city’s most historic
take through its buildings, the Convent of Santa Cruz
streets, squares, la Real, is home to the IE University
and countryside, campus. This campus combines
there’s a sense rich history with state-of-the-art
of tradition, art, classrooms.
and history.

Cheyenne Uribe
Switzerland. Dual Degree in Laws
and International Relations
Class of 2020
Discover the magic of
studying in Madrid
Watch the video

Madrid Know more →

Online
Our online classrooms
Our urban tech-based education hub
enable us to provide
is located at the heart of one of the
Liquid Learning with
most exclusive neighborhoods of the
hybrid teaching
city. Not far away, you can find our new
methodology.
innovation tower—the fifth addition
to the Cuatro Torres—bringing an Featuring synchronous
environmentally efficient and avant- and asynchronous
garde architectural design to a lively learning, the online
business district. campus puts the
student at the center
with dynamic learning
methodologies that
adapt to individual
circumstances.
The IE Tower in numbers 7,000
square meters set aside for
green spaces

180
meters high and 35 floors

6,000
undergraduate students on
campus

35
story tower with classrooms
and educational zones

70+
classrooms and a large
number of workspaces and
chill-out zones

50,000
square meters
 70,000+
OUR ALUMNI IN NUMBERS

total alumni

169
countries

1,300+
alumni events worldwide

28 Global Presence
alumni reunions Our extended IE community stretches
across the globe, with 30 offices working
together to build a lasting community

6,000 around the world.

These offices organize thousands of

participants
international networking events, connecting
our alumni community, candidates,

60+
companies and partner universities.

Benefits for ▶ Venture Days ▶ Worldwide

career sessions per year our global conferences
▶ Networking
community:
and social events ▶ Career
▶ IE events, for alumni and opportunities

300+
masterclasses and students for alumni and
workshops led by students
▶ Global Alumni
IE professors
Weekends ▶ Alumni clubs
career orientation ▶ Corporate
▶ “Glocal” network
interviews partnerships

Know more →
Find us at one of our international offices.
WHAT'S LIFE
LIKE AT
IE UNIVERSITY
“IE University
has provided me
with the right
network and
environment
to strengthen
my professional
There’s always something potential as an
entrepreneur
happening at IE University.
and architect.
From business conferences
to sports games and
coding competitions,
you’ll never be lacking in
opportunities for growth— Dana Nayef Alfayez

and fun!
Alum. Master in Business for
Architecture & Design
 Venture Days
Event that connects
the entrepreneurial
community across all
continents.

30+
cities around the globe

1,000+
startups applied

Area 31
Weekly Venture
Venture Lab
Launchpad for
10
Network event with startups under the
finalists go to the
pitches given to guidance of industry
Venture Day in Madrid
investors. experts.

450+
startups participate
Exclusive workspace for
each year
admitted teams

100
events every year

Know more →
EnlightED
Bringing together
the most innovative
startups in education,
innovation and
edtech.

South Summit IE Rockets

Brings together the most Residency program to
innovative startups regardless build your skills and
their industry, development brand in the higher
stage and country. education sector.

146
6,700+
startups applied

CEO / Executives
participated in our
latest edition
$60M
raised from startups

$4.3B+
raised by former startup
competition finalists
IE Clubs and Centers Women at IE University
in numbers...

We believe that campus life is just as

important as academic life. With more than
120 active student-led clubs on campus
and online, our students have access to
countless opportunities to engage with 39%
a variety of topics and learn beyond the of our full-time faculty
classroom. are women

Club spotlights

IE Out & Allies Club 48%

The IE Out & Allies Club endeavors to broaden of our students are
understanding and support for LGBTQI* populations women
worldwide. This student-led LGBTQI* club organizes
inclusive, year-round events, which range from
educational meetups to networking and cocktail
events to celebrate a break from school.
The club also proudly organizes the LGBT@Work, the
56%
longest-running LGBTQI* work conference in Europe,
of the scholarships
and third-largest business school LGBTQI* conference
offered to master’s
in the world.
students are awarded
to women
Women at IE
At IE University, we strive to maintain and promote

7.7
gender equality both on and off campus. With over
2,000 members, the IE Women in Business Club was

million
created to reduce the obstacles facing women in
gaining top leadership positions. ​
We also work with multiple international women’s
organizations to provide talented and driven women was awarded to women
the financial resources required to reach their pursuing a master’s or
academic and professional goals. bachelor's degree in
Every year, we celebrate International Women’s Day 2019​
with a week full of events addressing gender equality.

IE Clubs →
 1,500+
annual face-to-face and
online events

600+
speakers hosted on campus

37,000+
attendees

IE Center for Diversity in More IE student clubs:

Global Management ▶ Net Impact
The IE Center for Diversity in Global Management
▶ AI & Big Data
harnesses the power of diversity to help organizations
become more resilient, efficient and innovative. ▶ TechIE
Created in September 2002, the Center is an invaluable ▶ IE Tech Lab
resource for the IE University community, engaging
▶ IE Tech & Innovation
in training, applied research and awareness-raising
activities, alongside holding networking events to ▶ IE Smart Cities
foster international debate.
▶ IE Cybersecurity

IE Africa Center ▶ IE Blockchain

IE Africa Center aims to revolutionize the way the next ▶ IE Air & Space
generation of global executives understand African ▶ IE Fintech
innovation—past and present.
▶ IE Coding
We understand that the intellectual and physical
contributions of Africa and its people are not only ▶ IE Women
central to the modern world as it exists today, but are in Business
crucial to building a better future. ▶ IE E-Commerce
▶ IE EdTech
and more...
IE Centers →
 OUR STUD EN TS
IN N UM BERS
85%
international students

160+ 45+
nationalities languages spoken
on campus on campus

52% 7,000+
male students students on campus

48% 100+
female students active clubs on campus

“I think the fact that there

were only 20 of us and there
are 17 different nationalities,
the fact that we got to learn
so much from different
cultures, is great. I think I
learned as much outside as
inside the classroom.

Manon Germain
Alum. Master in Talent Development
& Human Resources
OUR RECOGNITION
& REPUTATION

1 Worldwide
1 in Europe
ST ST
Online MBA Best Entre-
preneurship
Teaching
Financial Times 2023 Financial Times 2022

1 in Europe
8 Worldwide
ST TH

Online MBA Top MBA

Programs for
Entrepreneur-
ship
QS 2023 Poets & Quants 2022

10 6
TH in Europe TH in Europe
European Best B-School
Business for Europe
School
Financial Times 2022 Bloomberg Businessweek 2023
WORLDWIDE
ACCREDITATIONS

“I believe it is critical to understand

cultural differences and to be able to
work in a diverse environment, which is
exactly what IE University provides for
both its professors and students.

Bin Ma
Assistant Professor, Human Resources
& Organizational Behavior