Master of International Affairs (MA) Hertie School

The Master of International Affairs (MIA) is a two-year, full-time programme taught entirely in English that equips students with tools of international policy-making to tackle global challenges and devise sound policy proposals in a global multi-level system. Understanding how to navigate this complex landscape of diverse actors and disciplines is at the core of the programme. The MIA programme prepares students for positions requiring a profound understanding of today's global policy challenges in government, diplomacy and international organisations, business and civil society.

Specialise in one area of ​​international affairs

Students attend courses in global politics, international law and security policy. In a practice course on international negotiation, students gain highly applicable skills in conflict management, EU problem-solving or international diplomacy.

In their second semester, students choose one area of concentration:

• International security – Tackle today's global security problems in national government, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks and academia as well as the private sector.
• European governance – Gain a solid foundation in the EU's internal workings and explore the interaction between EU and national law, politics and policy.
• Human rights and global governance - Focus on human rights and international law, and understand the complex challenges posed by multinational policy-making.

Additionally, students take courses from a wide portfolio of electives to deepen their expertise in a field of international affairs. These courses give students the knowledge, concepts and tools they need to write their Master's thesis on a concrete problem in international policy.

In their first semester at the Hertie School, students take foundational courses in international law, global politics, economics and statistics. For their second semester, MIA students choose an area of ​​concentration:

• International security
• European governance
• Human rights and global governance

In addition to two concentration courses, students deepen their knowledge in either economics or statistics and take a practical course in international negotiation.

Students complete a summer internship between their first and second year of study. Alternatively, they are offered the opportunity to gain even more substantial work experience during a "Professional Year".

In their third and fourth semesters, MIA students complete a total of six elective courses – including at least three in their chosen specialisation – and apply the concepts and tools they have learned in a Master’s thesis.

For more information on the MIA's practice-oriented curriculum, please have a look at our website.

All students complete a summer internship between their first and second year of study. The Hertie School partners with institutions from all three sectors to offer internship positions.

If you want even more working experience, you can apply to complete a full "Professional Year" between the first and second year of your studies. The professional year is not compulsory but offers an excellent opportunity for students to gain professional experience during their studies.

Find more information on career development on our website.

Early Bird Deadline: 1 December

Priority deadline for non EU/EEA applicants: 15 January

Priority deadline for EU/EEA applicants: 15 February

Final deadline: 1 May

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree (BA or its international equivalent) and must be fluent in English. See our website for detailed admission requirements .

All applications are assessed based on the following criteria:

• Personal suitability: CV, professional experience, entrepreneurship, international experience, civic engagement; weight: 40%

• Academic excellence: Strength of academic background, academic performance – grades/transcripts, general academic qualification, linguistic qualification; weight: 40%

• Motivation: Convincing motivation to study international affairs, motivation to study at the Hertie School, overall coherence; weight: 20%

Approx. 300 EUR per semester

This fee includes the following:

• Semester ticket for Berlin public transport
• "Studierendenwerk" fee (mandatory semester contribution that allows you to access all services provided by the "Studierendenwerk Berlin")

As a full-time student in Germany, you can work up to 20 hours per week alongside your studies.

The career development team provides information regarding the German job market and supports students in their job searches.

The Hertie School is committed to attracting the best students from around the world. To achieve this goal, we provide financial support to students in the form of full and partial scholarships. Currently, about half of our students receive funding directly from the school. Our Student Funding Office also offers assistance in finding external funding options.

Career planning is a lifelong matter. Be it a CV check, internship or "Professional Year" advice, mock interviews, general orientation or decision-making, the Career Development team at the Hertie School supports students and alumni in all matters related to professional development.

All questions related to getting started as a student at the Hertie School and getting settled in Berlin can be directed to our Student Life team. They support admitted applicants with health insurance, visa applications, residency registration, and finding accommodation.

For more information on housing options in Berlin, have a look at our website.

The Hertie School is a private university based in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 2003 by the Hertie Foundation, the Hertie School became Germany's first professional school for public policy and was granted official state recognition in 2005.

Interdisciplinary and practice-oriented teaching, first-class research and an extensive international network set the Hertie School apart. In preparing exceptional students for leadership positions in government, business, and civil society, the Hertie School is positioned as an ambassador of good governance and is characterised by public debate and engagement. "Understand today. Shape tomorrow." is our motto.

The Hertie School has four Master's programmes: the Master of Public Policy (since 2005), the Executive Master of Public Administration (since 2008), the Master of International Affairs (since 2015), and the Master of Data Science for Public Policy (since 2020).

In 2011, the Hertie School was one of the few private universities in Germany to receive the right to award doctorates. The doctoral programme in Governance started in 2012.

Berlin is in the heart of Europe. And we are in the heart of Berlin.

Germany's capital is a hub for political and cultural events, and a crossroads for travel in Europe and beyond. Located in the city's "Mitte" neighbourhood, the Hertie School is just minutes away from the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and other important political and historic landmarks.

Berlin is a political hub: young, diverse and international.

As the capital of Germany, Berlin is the epicentre for political decision-makers and policy debates. It is also a city where history is all around, a fascinating backdrop for studying international affairs. Berlin draws young people from around the world, bringing with them a diverse set of cultures, skills and activities.

Berlin is affordable and easy to navigate.

Among Berlin’s many assets is its affordability. Housing and general expenses are relatively lower than in many major capitals worldwide. It is especially welcoming for students, with countless special discounts at many venues.

It is also known as a very bike-friendly city, thanks to a flat landscape and many cycling paths. Whether on foot, by bike or public transportation, life in Berlin is accessible and easy-going. Students in Berlin also receive a semester ticket as part of the student ID, which is valid for all means of public transportation in the entire city.