What Degree Programmes Does the Hertie School Offer?

Updated

The Hertie School in Berlin offers three main routes: five master's programmes (public policy, international affairs, data science and AI for public policy, and an executive MPA), a doctoral programme in governance, and executive education for individuals and organisations. It describes itself as "the university of governance in Berlin," preparing students for leadership in government, business, and civil society. The right fit depends on whether you want a pre-experience master's, a research doctorate, or short professional courses.

Master's Programmes

The site lists these programmes under its master's offerings:

Programme Likely focus
Master of Public Policy Policy analysis and governance
Master of International Affairs International and European affairs
Master of Data Science and AI for Public Policy Data and AI skills applied to policy
Executive Master of Public Administration Public administration for working professionals

A dual degree is also available: the school announced a joint public policy programme with Central European University. The Master of Data Science and AI for Public Policy is the newest direction, matching the school's listed research area in data science and digital governance.

Who each master's suits

  • Public Policy — for people aiming at policy roles in ministries, agencies, or NGOs.
  • International Affairs — for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, or European governance.
  • Data Science and AI for Public Policy — for those who want technical skills (data, AI) combined with policy work.
  • Executive MPA — for professionals already in public administration who want to move up without leaving work.

Doctoral Programme in Governance

The PhD route is the Doctoral Programme in Governance, run alongside the Berlin School of Economics. It suits people who want a research career and whose interests fit the school's expertise areas: data science, democracy, digital governance, economics, European governance, fundamental rights, international security, social policy, and sustainability.

Executive Education

Executive education is split into two tracks: courses for individuals and customised programmes for organisations. These are short, non-degree offers for people who need specific skills rather than a full degree.

How to Choose

  • No prior work experience, want a policy career → a master's, choosing the track that matches your target sector.
  • Technical background, want policy impact → Master of Data Science and AI for Public Policy.
  • Already working in the public sector → Executive MPA or individual executive courses.
  • Want to do research → Doctoral Programme in Governance.

Practical Notes

  • The school is in Berlin, and teaching is in English (the site is in English).
  • The site does not publish tuition figures or admission requirements in the material reviewed here, so check the individual programme pages for fees, deadlines, and entry criteria before applying.
  • The school's leadership is changing: Daniela Schwarzer becomes President on 1 November 2026, which may affect strategic priorities but not current programme structure.

To verify details or apply, start from the "Programmes" section of hertie-school.org and open the page for the specific degree you want.