Acquire the skills and know-how needed to tackle tomorrow's leadership challenges

The Hertie School’s Executive Master of Public Administration (Executive MPA) provides experienced professionals with the tools needed to lead teams and organisations, shape decision-making and manage change in the workplace. This programme offers a high level flexibility and allows you to design your studies according to your own individual interests and timetables. You can pursue the Executive MPA in one year (full time) or two to four years (part time).

• International executive programme (MPA degree) in English located in the heart of Berlin
• Flexible programme: Study full-time (1 year) or part-time (2-4 years)
• Acquire core knowledge in governance, public policy and management and specialise in one of three areas of concentration: Leading innovation and managing change, Digitalisation and big data or Global governance challenges
• Professional exchange with international peers from all sectors and life-long career services
• International partners and study abroad opportunities
• Tuition: 34,500 euros – Loans and scholarships available
• Annual programme start: September, modular entry via single certificate courses also possible
• Accredited by the German Accreditation Council

Specialise in one area of public administration

Executive MPA students choose one of three areas of concentration:

• Leading innovation and managing change – focus on how to manage and lead people, change and innovation.
• Digitalisation and big data – tackle challenges related to rapid digitalisation, big data and artificial intelligence in public administration and beyond.
• Global governance challenges – take on issues of policy and governance that can only be addressed at the international level, such as geopolitical shifts, rapid technological development, environmental and democratic crises, and the contestation of the global order.

A flexible programme

The Executive MPA requires 43 days of attendance and consists of block courses that enable participants to continue working alongside their studies. All courses can be booked individually as an executive training course or combined as a certificate programme. This allows participants to work their way up to a full Executive MPA degree step by step and accrue credits for the programme over time. All credits earned and fees paid for individual courses can be fully transferred to the Executive MPA.

Career development and networking

Whether you wish to acquire additional expertise for your current position, advance professionally in your organisation, or switch to a new sector, our careers team are here for you for one-on-one consultation, workshops and more. As an Executive MPA student, you will also have access to an online networking platform with an internal job database that connects Hertie School students, alumni, faculty and partner organisations.

When you join the Executive MPA, you are joining a tight-knit and diverse group of professionals who have an average of 9 years of work experience in a variety of sectors and industries. In addition to networking with the peers in your cohort, you will also sharpen your soft skills in practical courses such as negotiation and conflict management. Additionally, all Executive MPA students take part in a four-day workshop in a major European city to gain first-hand insights into the inner workings of a large policy hub.

Berlin – a vibrant hub of European public dialogue

Germany’s capital is a major metropolis that offers a wealth of opportunities for learning and leisure. Whether you are moving to Berlin or just commuting to the city for your block courses, you have the opportunity to explore one of Europe’s most exciting cultural, historical and political centres.

At the Hertie School, our International Office and Student Life team support students with their arrival in Berlin, finding accommodation in the city, and any and all matters related to bureaucracy.

Apply today

The Executive MPA programme is aimed at highly motivated professionals with proven leadership potential or experience. Many courses can also be booked individually or in combination as a certificate. The priority deadline for applications to be considered for the Hertie School’s scholarship programme is 1 June. As only a small cohort of students is accepted per year and scholarship funds are limited, early application is strongly recommended. Applications will be accepted between 1 December and 1 August.