Location:

Berlin, Germany

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

International Relations

Program Overview

Program Description:

A cutting-edge programme for tomorrow’s leaders

The Hertie School’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a two-year, full-time programme taught entirely in English that provides tomorrow’s decision-makers with the tools needed to analyse policies, critically assess policy innovations and evaluate solutions. It is ideal for individuals who want to understand and get involved in public affairs, learn analytical and managerial skills and promote good policies in all sectors.

A highly interdisciplinary programme strengthened by real-world experience, the Master of Public Policy brings together perspectives from economics, political science, law and sociology, and trains students in quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

 

Specialise in policy analysis or management and organisation

Courses in economics, political science, statistics, public management and law give students a strong interdisciplinary foundation. In a project course usually taught together with a public policy institution, students are confronted with the challenges of a real-world project.

MPP students choose between two concentrations:

• Policy analysis – focus on analytical methods and tools used to tackle modern governance challenges, e.g. statistics, econometrics or behavioural economics.

• Management and organisation – an emphasis on competencies such as strategy, change management and organisational design.

Students also take courses from a wide portfolio of electives to deepen their expertise in a policy field. These courses give students the knowledge, concepts and tools they need to write their master’s thesis on a concrete policy problem.

 

Build a professional network

Professional development and practical training are built into the MPP curriculum. In addition to taking a project course and two skills training sessions to develop their soft competencies, students must complete a summer internship between their first and second year of study. Those who wish to gain even more work experience may apply to complete a Professional Year. To help students meet future employers, the school has established relationships with a range of institutions such as ministries, international companies and NGOs.

 

Exchange programmes with leading universities

As a member of the Global Public Policy Network, the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) and CIVICA – the European University of Social Sciences, the Hertie School offers many dual-degree and semester exchange opportunities with prestigious public policy partner institutions around the world. MPP students can gain even more international experience by pursuing a dual-degree programme with the London School of Economics and Political Science, the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, the School of Public Affairs at Sciences Po, the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo and Bocconi University.

 

Berlin – a vibrant European hub for public dialogue

Germany’s capital is an epicentre for policy-makers and public debates. A hub for both political and cultural events, and a crossroads for travel in Europe and beyond, Berlin draws in people from all around the world. The Hertie School, located in the city's "Mitte" neighbourhood, is just minutes away from the German parliament, the Brandenburg Gate and other important political and historic landmarks – a fascinating environment for studying public policy.

 

Apply today

The MPP programme is open to graduates from all academic disciplines with a strong motivation to study public policy. Academic performance, personal suitability and motivation are taken into account when evaluating applications. Admission offers and scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis. Applicants who wish to apply for financial aid or scholarships are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline on 1 February. Applications will be accepted until 1 May for the coming academic year starting in fall.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

The Hertie School is accredited by the German Science Council, ACQUIN and the US Department of Education.

Financial Aid:

Yes

Requirements:

Applicants must have completed at least an undergraduate degree (B.A. or its international equivalent) and must have a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English.