Overview The two-year, full-time Master of Public Policy (MPP) is taught entirely in English and equips future decision-makers with the analytical and managerial tools to assess policy innovations, design solutions, and evaluate their impacts. The programme is aimed at students who want to engage in public affairs and contribute to better policy-making across government, non-profits, and the private sector. It combines theory with applied work to prepare graduates for roles that require both rigorous analysis and practical leadership.
Curriculum and practical experience The MPP is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on economics, political science, law, and sociology, and trains students in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Core coursework covers economics, statistics, public management, political science, and law. A signature element is a project course—typically run in partnership with a public policy institution—where students tackle a real-world policy challenge and apply classroom learning in a professional setting.
Specialisations, electives and thesis Students select one of two concentrations: Policy Analysis, which focuses on analytical tools such as statistics, econometrics and behavioural economics; or Governance and Leadership, which emphasises strategy, change management and organisational design. A broad elective portfolio lets students deepen expertise in a specific policy area and provides the background needed to develop and write a master’s thesis on a concrete policy problem.
Key programme facts and requirements
Curriculum overview
The one‑year Master of Public Policy program is structured to give you a solid foundation in the first semester, followed by specialisation, applied practice, and a research‑based conclusion. In semester one you cover core subjects such as economics, statistics, public management, governance, and the policy process to build the analytical and institutional knowledge needed for policy work. In semester two you select a concentration — either policy analysis or governance and leadership — and take a second, concentration‑relevant quantitative or management course (a second statistics course for policy analysis students or a second management course for governance and leadership students). You also advance your economics training, complete a course in law and governance, and work on a practice‑oriented project addressing a real policy problem.
Practical experience and capstone
Between the two academic years you undertake a summer internship to gain hands‑on experience in a policy setting; alternatively, you may opt for a longer placement through a "Professional Year" to accrue more substantial work experience. In the third and fourth semesters the program shifts to electives tailored to your interests and culminates in a Master’s thesis, where you apply the program’s concepts, quantitative tools, and management frameworks to an in‑depth policy question.
Key modules (examples)
Learning outcomes
For full details on course content, elective options, and placement opportunities, consult the program’s official information on the school’s website.
To be eligible you need a completed undergraduate degree (BA or an international equivalent) and proficiency in English. Make sure to check the program website for the full, up-to-date list of application requirements and document instructions.
Applications are evaluated holistically across three weighted criteria. Admissions officers look not only at academic records but also at work and life experience, and at how clearly you explain why you want to study public policy and why this school is the right fit for you.
Basic eligibility
How applications are assessed (weights)
For exact document lists, test score thresholds, and any additional requirements for international applicants, consult the program’s admissions webpage.
Winter Semester (International)
15 January 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 February 2026
Graduates are prepared for analytical and leadership roles across the public, non-profit, and private sectors. Typical career paths include policy analyst, adviser or manager in government bodies, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, consultancy firms, and private-sector policy or public affairs teams.
The combination of rigorous methodological training, sector-specific electives, and practical experience (projects and internships) enables alumni to move into evidence-based policy design, programme evaluation, strategy roles, or further academic research.
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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin — Berlin
Hertie School — Berlin
Trier University — Trier