English 
Deutsch Who the Executive MPA at the Hertie School is suitable for
The Executive Master of Public Administration (Executive MPA) is aimed at experienced professionals and managers from the public sector, international organisations, NGOs, consulting firms, as well as civil society. The programme is ideal if you take on leadership roles or want to actively shape the governance and modernisation of public institutions. It particularly addresses applicants who seek structural change, digital transformation and impact-oriented governance, and want to assume responsibility in complex administrative structures.
Admission requirements – What you need to formally prove
To apply for the Executive MPA at the Hertie School, you need to provide the following evidence:
- Completed university studies (at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification)
- At least two years of relevant professional experience, preferably related to public administration, governance, NGOs, international cooperation or related fields
- Very good English skills, as the entire programme is conducted in English (usually proof by TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent certificates; detailed requirements can be found on the Hertie School website)
The programme is generally also open to applicants with alternative career paths, provided they can demonstrate relevant professional experience and a convincing letter of motivation.
Furthermore, personal requirements are essential for study success:
- Interest in leadership roles in the public sector, international or civil society organisations
- Willingness to engage with digitalisation, strategic management and current governance issues
- Self-organisation to manage a part-time professional or intensive full-time study programme
- Cooperation and communication skills for working in diverse, international learning groups
- Analytical skills as well as openness to new perspectives and continuous personal development
What content is taught in the Executive MPA at the Hertie School?
The Executive Master of Public Administration (Executive MPA) at the Hertie School in Berlin focuses on practical topics related to governance, public policy, and public management. You develop skills to manage complex bureaucratic structures and shape institutional change processes. The core content includes:
- Fundamentals of governance and the public sector
- Leadership in public institutions and change management
- Digitalisation strategies, use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public service
- Policy analysis and impact management
- Public financial management and resource control
- Elective modules on leadership, international administration, digital governance, and other current topics
You develop analytical skills, build knowledge in working with modern technologies, and learn methods for the effective design and implementation of reforms. The study programme fosters a profound understanding of the interaction between administration, politics, economy, and civil society.
How is the study process in the Executive MPA structured?
The Executive MPA programme is designed to meet the needs of professionals and executives who wish to study alongside work or full time. The structure offers you the greatest possible flexibility in planning:
- Study in Berlin: on-site events with flexible attendance arrangements
- Full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 to max. 4 years) options available
- Modular structure: a total of 14 courses (60 ECTS), each organised in block sessions of 2–4 days, e.g. over extended weekends
- Condensed sessions: possible to complete several courses in one- to two-week blocks – reducing travel to Berlin
- Additional compulsory four-day workshop, optionally in Berlin or Brussels
- Individual module selection and start via single certificates possible; all credits earned are fully transferable to the degree programme
- Close exchange with international fellow students and access to networking and alumni events
Lessons are conducted in English. You benefit from an international faculty and experts from politics and administration. Work and private life remain compatible despite the study workload, as most teaching formats are organised in blocks.
What career options does the Executive MPA open up for you?
The degree qualifies you for senior positions in national and international public sector organisations, as well as at the interface with business, consulting, and non-profits:
- Leadership roles in ministries, authorities, cities, and municipalities
- Strategic positions in international organisations and NGOs
- Management and consulting of reform projects and change management initiatives
- Professional responsibility for digitalisation and transformation processes in the public service
- Integration into Europe-wide and global networks relating to public policy and governance
Thanks to the broad curriculum and the international network of the Hertie School, you have numerous paths open: from the traditional public administration career to international cooperation and consulting activities in policy advice, development, or digitalisation.
What are the costs – and what financing options are available?
Tuition fees apply for the Executive MPA programme at the Hertie School, with the exact amount determined individually by the provider. The offer includes:
- Full tuition fee for the entire programme (varies depending on study duration and module selection)
- Option to book individual courses as certificate courses – fees are credited if you transfer to the MPA programme
- Scholarship programmes for particularly qualified or committed applicants
- Flexible payment models (e.g. instalments over the duration of study possible)
- Funding by employers, especially if the studies are relevant to the current job
Part of the costs can often be deducted for tax purposes as work-related expenses or business expenses. Advice on financing and funding is available from the university. International students may under certain circumstances be eligible for additional funding programmes.
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