Program overview The two-year, practice-oriented Master of Public Policy (MA) is an interdisciplinary programme that equips future decision-makers with analytical methods and hands-on skills to develop sustainable, inclusive and evidence-based policy solutions. Geared toward early-career professionals, it prepares graduates for careers in public service, government bodies, international organisations, consultancies and non-profit organisations. The curriculum explicitly addresses Western bias in policy learning by emphasising the agency and context-specific perspectives of the Global South.
Curriculum and specialisations Students start with a core grounding in public policy, ethics, research design and quantitative data analysis, drawing on political science, economics, statistics, public administration, law and ethics. After the foundational phase, the programme offers flexible electives so students can tailor their studies. Learners advance in two of five specialisations:
Practical experience and outcomes A strong practical component is central: students undertake a professional internship between the second and third semesters, complete a team-based capstone delivering pro bono policy advice to real clients (government agencies, NGOs, international organisations), and submit a final Master’s thesis. The programme brings together about 100 students from 40+ countries and is taught by international faculty in collaboration with global partners, combining leadership development, applied research and policy practice. Alumni work across 80+ countries in governments, international institutions, think tanks and social enterprises.
Key facts and entry info
Overview The Master of Public Policy is structured as a 120 ECTS program taken over four semesters (students normally complete ~30 ECTS each semester). It combines a mandatory core, elective tracks, and hands‑on practice to train students in evidence‑based policy analysis, ethical decision‑making and applied problem solving. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, drawing on political science, economics, law and ethics, and emphasizes methodological rigour so you can design and carry out independent policy research.
Key modules and specialisations The core curriculum (spanning the first to third semesters) includes three mandatory strands: Fundamentals of Public Policy (an interdisciplinary introduction to how policies are made and implemented), Ethics in Public Policy (normative questions and value trade‑offs in policy design and administration), and Research Design (building quantitative and qualitative methods skills and preparing your thesis). In the first two semesters you also select two core electives from Comparative Public Policy, Public Administration and Economics to deepen your analytical toolkit. To tailor your profile, you then choose two specialisations from five options: Global Public Policy (with emphasis on climate and energy), Sustainable and Inclusive Development, Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, Peace and Conflict, and Digital Policy and Artificial Intelligence. Each specialisation is taught through elective seminars and concluded with a module examination.
Practical experience, intercultural skills and the thesis Practical training is built into the degree through an individual internship (scheduled between the second and third semesters) and a team‑based capstone project in the third semester where student groups act as consultants to an external policy client and deliver concrete recommendations. Language and intercultural training are integrated across semesters: German language instruction is compulsory for students without prior knowledge, and additional foreign language options aim to strengthen your cross‑cultural readiness for international policy work. The fourth semester is devoted to the Master’s thesis, accompanied by a thesis colloquium, in which you apply your full range of analytical, research and professional skills to a policy‑relevant topic.
Program requirements (concise)
This program expects applicants to come with a solid academic foundation and a clear interest in public-policy issues. You should hold a recognized higher education entrance qualification (for example a high school diploma or Abitur) and a completed university-level degree — such as a Bachelor's, Master's, Diploma, or state examination — with a minimum duration of six semesters. Degrees in the social sciences, economics, or law are especially relevant.
In addition to academic credentials, the selection favors candidates with practical experience and strong intellectual skills. You should have at least one year of professional work experience, above-average grades, strong analytical ability, and a clear motivation for addressing political problems. Very good proficiency in English is also required and must be demonstrable at application.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
30 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers across public service, government agencies, international organisations, consultancies, think tanks and non-profit or social enterprise sectors. The programme’s combination of analytical methods, policy specialisations and practical experience (internship and capstone projects) equips students to take on roles in policy analysis, programme design, public management, and advisory positions at national and international levels.
The Brandt School’s international faculty, partner institutions and alumni network support career development and access to opportunities worldwide. Many alumni work across more than 80 countries in government, multilateral organisations, research institutions and civil society.
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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin — Berlin
Hertie School — Berlin
Trier University — Trier