Master of Public Policy (MPP) Hertie School

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 governance and leadership

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 focuses on analytical methods and tools used to tackle modern governance challenges – such as statistics, econometrics, or behavioural economics.
• Governance and leadership puts 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.

In their first semester at the Hertie School, MPP students take foundational courses in economics, statistics, public management, governance, and the policy process.

In their second semester, MPP students choose between two concentrations – policy analysis or governance and leadership – and attend a second statistics course or a second management course, depending on their specialisation. In addition, they deepen their knowledge in economics, take a course in law and governance, and participate in a practice-oriented project course in which students tackle a real-world policy problem.

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

In their third and fourth semesters, students complete elective courses and apply the knowledge, concepts, and tools they have learned in a Master's thesis.

For more information on the practice-oriented MPP 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 it 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 on the basis of 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 public policy, 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 public policy. 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's 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 their student ID that is valid for all means of public transportation in the entire city.