University Master’s in Strategic Business Planning, Analysis, and Decision-Making in Madrid

The recommended entry profile is aimed at professionals who are motivated to understand, plan and lead business strategy in changing environments. Prior study in economics, business or the social sciences is valued, along with a willingness to develop an analytical, innovative and global perspective on organisational management. The Master’s aims to develop leaders who can integrate planning, control and decision-making in real business settings, fostering capabilities in leadership, sustainability and social responsibility. This profile combines critical thinking, adaptability and a commitment to excellence as foundations for professional development.

The admissions process takes a holistic view of the candidate’s academic background, professional fit and motivation for undertaking the programme. Priority is given to a strong academic record and prior knowledge in business or economics, alongside relevant professional experience and a clear focus on strategic leadership and decision-making. Selection is based on objective criteria that ensure excellence, diversity and alignment of the candidate’s profile with the Master’s approach, fostering a demanding, collaborative academic environment with an international outlook.

Admissions functions are managed by the Admissions Department, which is responsible for student recruitment, reviewing applications and validating the submitted documentation. This process ensures transparency and the correct application of entry criteria, in coordination with the Academic Coordination Department, which oversees admission and subsequent registration in line with the requirements set by Rey Juan Carlos University. In this way, an orderly intake is ensured, aligned with the programme’s academic quality standards.

The Master’s entry process follows the timetable set by Rey Juan Carlos University, which establishes the deadlines for pre-enrolment, publication of offers and completion of registration. Students must complete the online application and submit the required documentation within the specified periods, ensuring they join the programme correctly and on time. The process also includes specific procedures for changes, cancellation or credit recognition, supporting efficient academic management and ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the administrative process.

Credit recognition is governed by the regulations established by Rey Juan Carlos University, in line with current higher education legislation. These regulations set out the procedures, responsible bodies and criteria applicable to the recognition and adaptation of modules on official Master’s programmes. There is scope to recognise previously passed modules, professional experience or prior learning, provided these are equivalent to the programme’s competencies. The process is handled through the Postgraduate Studies Committee, ensuring transparency, academic quality and compliance with legal requirements.

The enrolment and continuation of studies regulations of Rey Juan Carlos University govern the academic framework for Master’s students, ensuring an orderly, transparent system aligned with learning progression. They set out conditions for full-time or part-time study, the maximum number of credits that may be registered, and official enrolment deadlines. They also establish criteria on minimum academic progress, the number of assessment attempts and extensions, ensuring consistency between academic commitment and quality objectives. These regulations promote equal opportunities and support for exceptional circumstances, adapting to students’ needs and the standards of the European Higher Education Area.

Rey Juan Carlos University guarantees equal opportunities and full inclusion for students with disabilities through a range of academic, structural and personal support measures. Through the Support and Integration Programme for People with Disabilities (PAISD), it promotes guidance, accessibility and curriculum adjustments that facilitate active participation in university life. The regulations provide for reserved places, fee exemptions and assessment adjustments, ensuring an accessible learning environment committed to diversity, autonomy and the social and academic integration of all students.

The regulations on visiting students govern the temporary admission of Spanish and international students who wish to extend their academic training at Rey Juan Carlos University without the stay leading to the award of an official qualification. This scheme, managed by the Vice-Rectorate for International Relations, allows students to take modules within official study plans, participate in classes and assessments, and receive an academic certificate confirming the training completed. The system promotes mobility, academic cooperation and the university’s international outlook, ensuring transparent admissions, enrolment and recognition processes aligned with institutional standards.

Rey Juan Carlos University’s academic conduct regulations set out the principles of respect, honesty and responsibility that should guide university life. They define students’ rights and responsibilities, promoting an environment based on academic integrity, equality and shared responsibility. The regulations also set expectations for classroom behaviour, appropriate use of technology and assessment rules, ensuring transparency and fairness in academic processes. A proportionate disciplinary framework applies to minor, serious and very serious breaches, safeguarding positive coexistence, institutional respect and educational excellence across all university activities.

The regulations governing the review and appeal of continuous assessment on Master’s programmes guarantee students’ right to objective, transparent and fair assessment. They set out the procedure for requesting a mark review and the involvement of the Master’s Appeals Committee, which acts with independence and academic rigour. The process ensures the student’s right to be heard and an impartial evaluation of the evidence, safeguarding the quality and credibility of the assessment system. It also defines deadlines, document retention and appeal mechanisms, reinforcing a culture of academic fairness and institutional accountability.

The coordination of external professional placements is overseen by the eserp placement lead, who provides personalised guidance and direct support to help students secure placements with partner organisations. Through the online careers platform, students can access a wide range of roles and professional projects tailored to their academic profile and development goals. The placement service strengthens the link between learning and real-world experience, ensuring ongoing guidance and effective support throughout the transition into the workplace.

The External Professional Placement module is an essential learning experience that integrates theory with professional practice in real settings. Structured into two compulsory components, it is designed for students to apply the knowledge gained under the supervision of an academic tutor, who is responsible for monitoring and assessment. Through agreements with more than 500 public and private organisations, eserp facilitates placements with leading employers and supports the development of technical, analytical and interpersonal competencies. This placement pathway promotes autonomy, ethics and professional excellence, ensuring practical training aligned with labour market demands and contemporary leadership practice.

The External Academic Placements Regulations of Rey Juan Carlos University set out the regulatory framework governing the organisation, delivery and assessment of student placements. This document defines learning objectives, curricular and extracurricular modalities, and the rights and responsibilities of students, partner organisations and tutors. Placements are conceived as an essential formative activity aimed at developing professional competencies, strengthening employability and connecting university and industry. The regulations ensure quality, fairness and transparency throughout the process, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to holistic education and graduates’ employability.

The Master’s Final Project (TFM) Regulations of Rey Juan Carlos University set out the guidelines for the preparation, supervision, submission and defence of this academic project, which marks the culmination of the programme. The TFM must be completed individually and demonstrate the integration of competencies, knowledge and skills gained throughout the Master’s. The regulations govern tutor allocation, assessment criteria and defence formats, ensuring methodological rigour, objectivity and transparency throughout the process. They also protect the student’s intellectual property rights and promote research and professional excellence as the final stage of the academic pathway.

Eserp’s facilities, located at Calle Costa Rica 9, Madrid, provide a modern, accessible, fully equipped academic environment for learning and research. The campus features spacious classrooms, IT and teaching laboratories, a library, meeting rooms and an auditorium, as well as study areas, Wi-Fi and administrative spaces. The centre ensures universal accessibility, with ramps, specific adaptations and support measures for students with disabilities. It also has agreements with gyms and catering services to support student wellbeing, and students can access the sports facilities of Rey Juan Carlos University. Overall, this environment fosters academic excellence, inclusion and the holistic development of the university community.

Las instalaciones de ESERP están diseñadas para ofrecer un entorno académico que combine excelencia docente e innovación investigadora. El campus dispone de aulas teóricas, laboratorios, biblioteca, áreas administrativas y espacios comunes equipados con recursos materiales y tecnológicos de última generación, garantizando el desarrollo óptimo de las actividades de formación y de investigación. Además, cuenta con un Campus Virtual avanzado basado en la plataforma Moodle, que permite una enseñanza interactiva, tutorizada y accesible desde cualquier lugar. La infraestructura física y digital de ESERP promueve una experiencia universitaria completa, integrando aprendizaje presencial y online, colaboración académica y conexión constante con el entorno profesional.

The Master’s academic team is made up of PhD holders and accredited professionals, alongside graduates with a strong track record in leadership, strategy and business management. All members bring the necessary teaching, research and professional experience to ensure rigorous, up-to-date training aligned with the requirements of an official programme. Their work combines academic excellence with a practical, applied perspective, offering students high-level teaching focused on developing strategic competencies and decision-making in complex environments.

The Quality Assurance Committee for the University Master’s Degree in Business Strategic Planning, Analysis and Decision-Making is made up of representatives from the programme’s key academic and administrative areas. It is chaired by Mario Barquero Cabrero, with María Jesús Cardete Quintero serving as Secretary, and José Rodríguez Terceño as Academic Coordinator. The team is completed by Carmen Bermejo Siller as the academic staff representative and María Soledad Cobos Cornejo representing administrative and services staff (PAS). This committee ensures the monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement of the Master’s academic quality, safeguarding excellence and institutional coherence.

The Internal Quality Assurance System (SIGC) of Rey Juan Carlos University ensures the evaluation, continuous improvement and transparency of all official programmes, including the University Master’s Degree in Business Strategic Planning, Analysis and Decision-Making. Structured through the University Quality Committee and the Faculty and Programme Quality Assurance Committees, it oversees the implementation of study plans, teaching performance, graduates’ employability outcomes and the satisfaction of key stakeholders. Through objective indicators, monitoring reports and improvement plans, it ensures efficient academic management aligned with the standards of the European Higher Education Area, promoting excellence, accountability and the institution’s commitment to university quality.

The University Master’s Degree in Business Strategic Planning, Analysis and Decision-Making received positive verification from ANECA (the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation) on 22 January 2013. The decision confirms that the curriculum meets the requirements set out in Royal Decree 1393/2007, as amended by Royal Decree 861/2010, ensuring alignment with the standards of the European Higher Education Area. The evaluation was carried out by national and international expert panels from academic and professional fields, confirming the quality, coherence and academic viability of the programme proposed by Rey Juan Carlos University and Eserp Fundación Universitaria.

The Self-evaluation Report for the University Master’s Degree in Business Strategic Planning, Analysis and Decision-Making confirms the programme’s full alignment with the quality and verification criteria established by ANECA and Rey Juan Carlos University. The document highlights the academic coherence and the excellence of the teaching staff—largely made up of PhD holders and highly regarded professionals—as well as the effectiveness of the Internal Quality Assurance System. Key achievements include a 100% graduation rate, continuous improvement in satisfaction indicators, and strong student employability supported by the Placements and Career Opportunities Department. The report concludes that the programme fully meets the standards of the European Higher Education Area and maintains an ongoing commitment to transparency, innovation and continuous improvement.

The Final Accreditation Report, issued on 10 May 2017 by the Fundación para el Conocimiento madri+d, granted a positive evaluation to the University Master’s Degree in Business Strategic Planning, Analysis and Decision-Making at Rey Juan Carlos University, delivered in collaboration with ESERP Higher School. The assessment confirms the programme’s academic coherence, the suitability of facilities and resources, and the competence of the teaching staff, the majority of whom are PhD holders with extensive professional experience. The report highlights student satisfaction and a high rate of graduate employability, with employability reported as 100% among surveyed graduates. It also recommends strengthening information transparency and formally documenting teaching coordination actions. Overall, the programme demonstrates a strong commitment to quality, continuous improvement and educational excellence.

The Improvement Plan for the University Master’s Degree in Business Strategic Planning, Analysis and Decision-Making was developed by the Vice-Rectorate for Quality at Rey Juan Carlos University in April 2017, following the programme’s accreditation review. The document sets out a series of specific actions to strengthen transparency, academic organisation and teaching quality. Key measures include the formal documentation of teaching coordination through minutes, the updating of module guides and bibliographies, the full publication of academic information on the URJC and eserp websites, and the alignment of assessment systems with the verified programme specification. The plan also supports improvements in credit recognition, information clarity and oversight of the SIGC, ensuring continuous, auditable monitoring of outcomes. Through these actions, the Master’s consolidates its commitment to academic quality, institutional transparency and ongoing improvement.

The University Master’s Degree in Business Strategic Planning, Analysis and Decision-Making is registered in the Registro de Universidades, Centros y Títulos (RUCT) under code 4313513, in accordance with Royal Decree 1393/2007. It is an official qualification of Rey Juan Carlos University, assigned to the Social and Legal Sciences field and classified at MECES Level 3 (Master’s). The programme carries a total workload of 60 ECTS credits, distributed across 48 compulsory credits, 6 credits of External Professional Placement and 6 credits for the Master’s Final Project. This structure ensures a balanced pathway between theoretical knowledge, practical application and applied research, aligned with the standards of the European Higher Education Area.

The University Master’s Degree in Business Strategic Planning, Analysis and Decision-Making was officially authorised by Order 3371/2013 of 18 October, published in the Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid (BOCM no. 265, 7 November 2013). Issued by the Regional Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Order approved the implementation of official Master’s programmes that had received positive ANECA verification, including this programme delivered at Eserp Fundación Universitaria Higher School, a centre affiliated with Rey Juan Carlos University. This authorisation confirms that the Master’s meets the requirements of Royal Decree 1393/2007 and regional regulations on quality assurance, verification and accreditation, reinforcing its official validity and recognition across the European Higher Education Area.

The Results Report for the 2019–2020 academic year for the University Master’s Degree in Business Strategic Planning, Analysis and Decision-Making, produced under Rey Juan Carlos University’s Internal Quality Assurance System, reflects the programme’s strong performance and academic stability. The Master’s maintains an efficiency rate of 96.15%, a success rate of 100% and an overall performance rate of 96.36%, consolidating its track record of excellence. Teaching staff include 43.48% PhD holders, of whom more than 13% are accredited, ensuring teaching quality. In terms of practical learning, students achieve an average mark of 7.48 for on-campus external placements and 7.8 for the distance-learning mode. These results demonstrate the strength of the academic model, staff engagement and the effectiveness of the Master’s monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

The Open Feedback platform of the Fundación para el Conocimiento madri+d is the institutional channel through which academic and social stakeholders can submit observations or suggestions during the evaluation and accreditation processes for official university qualifications. Via this form, contributors must provide the university, centre, programme title and personal details, along with their participant profile and the relevant comment. This mechanism supports transparency, public participation and continuous improvement in the quality management of higher education in the Community of Madrid, in line with the standards of the European Higher Education Area.

The Quality Assurance Committee for the University Master’s Degree in Business Strategic Planning, Analysis and Decision-Making is the body responsible for the implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of the programme’s Internal Quality Assurance System (SIGC). It is made up of the Master’s and Quality Coordinator, representatives of academic staff, students and administrative and services staff. The committee operates through quarterly meetings, where it reviews academic indicators, survey results, complaints and improvement proposals.