This two-year, full-time master's taught entirely in English trains students to design and implement policy responses to global challenges within a multi-level international system. The curriculum emphasizes how to navigate a complex landscape of diverse actors and disciplines so graduates can craft well-founded policy proposals and operate effectively across governments, international organisations, business and civil society.
Students follow a core curriculum covering global politics, international law and security policy, and take a practical negotiation course that builds applied skills in conflict management, EU problem-solving and international diplomacy. In their second semester they select one specialization—international security, European governance, or human rights and global governance—then deepen their expertise through electives and a master’s thesis focused on a concrete policy problem. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in diplomacy, government, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, academia and the private sector.
The program begins with a broad, skills-focused first semester where students build foundational knowledge in international law, global politics, economics, and statistics. In the second semester students pick one of three specializations — International Security, European Governance, or Human Rights and Global Governance — and take two core courses in that area. During the same semester they also deepen quantitative skills by choosing advanced work in either economics or statistics, and participate in a hands-on international negotiation course that develops practical diplomacy and bargaining techniques.
Between the first and second years students undertake a summer internship to gain applied experience; alternatively, there is an option to replace this with a full "Professional Year" for more extensive professional immersion. In the third and fourth semesters students complete six elective courses (with at least three in their chosen specialization) and consolidate their learning by writing a Master’s thesis that applies theoretical frameworks and methodological tools to a focused research question. Overall, graduates leave with multidisciplinary substantive knowledge, strengthened quantitative and negotiation skills, real-world policy experience, and the ability to design and execute independent research.
Requirements (key components)
You must hold a completed undergraduate degree (e.g., a BA or an equivalent international qualification) and be proficient in English. Detailed documentation and specific language requirements are posted on the program website, so consult that page for exact evidence and any additional rules.
Applications are reviewed holistically across three weighted dimensions. Each application is scored on personal suitability, academic strength, and motivation, with the stated weights reflecting their relative importance in admission decisions. Make sure your application materials clearly demonstrate your experience, academic record, and why you want to study international affairs at the Hertie School.
Below are the core formal requirements and the assessment criteria used in admissions:
Formal entry requirements
How applications are evaluated (with weights)
Winter Semester (International)
15 January 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 February 2026
The MIA prepares graduates for policy-oriented careers in government, diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, academia and the private sector. Graduates typically move into roles such as policy analyst, diplomatic service officer, programme manager at international organisations or NGOs, researcher at think tanks, and consultant in global policy and governance.
Practical components — a compulsory summer internship (or optional Professional Year), applied negotiation courses, and a career development office — help students gain work experience and employer connections that support transition into the international affairs job market.
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