Master of Public Policy

The Master of Public Policy is a two-year interdisciplinary degree program designed for young academics and professionals who wish to pursue a career in the public or non-profit sector. The Willy Brandt School’s philosophy is to offer a thorough and rigorous Master of Public Policy program that integrates classroom courses and practical training in one curriculum.

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University of Erfurt

Location	The University of Erfurt is both one of the oldest and one of the youngest universities in Germany. First established in 1392, it attained a reputation rivaling the universities of Paris and Oxford, and some of Germany’s greatest thinkers studied there. Closed in 1816, the university was re-established in 1994, following German reunification. Founded to serve as a model for university reform, the new University of Erfurt was among the first institutions of higher education in Germany to introduce BA/ MA degrees throughout all of its departments. It focuses on the humanities and social sciences. Erfurt is the capital of Thuringia, one of Germany’s sixteen states or “Länder”. With 210,000 inhabitants, the city bears witness to more than 1,250 years of history. Located in the heart of Germany and Europe, its geographic location enables you to reach major cities like Berlin and Prague within just a few hours
Course focus	The objective of public policy studies is to advance the public interest by making sound policy decisions. Public Policy draws on theories and methods from political science, economics, sociology, public administration, ethics and law.The Master of Public Policy is a two-year interdisciplinary degree program designed for young academics and professionals who wish to pursue a career in the public or non-profit sector. The Willy Brandt School’s philosophy is to offer a thorough and rigorous Master of Public Policy program that integrates classroom courses and practical training in one curriculum.
Target Group	We seek to attract highly talented and motivated applicants with a passion for and commitment to public policy. But how do you figure out whether you are a good candidate for us?A strong interest in policies and politics is a must. But are you also eager to go beyond common sense and the obvious, and willing to look at things from an analytical point of view, seeking to discover the best solution to a political problem? Successful candidates for our program possess strong analytical skills, curiosity and a probing mind, and a commitment to understanding and solving problems. Students with a wide range of backgrounds can fulfill these criteria. Some enter the program directly after their undergraduate degree, while others have several years of professional experience. Although most public policy students have graduated from the social sciences, we welcome applicants from various academic backgrounds. It is mainly about the kind of person you are: If you have an analytical mind and an entrepreneurial mindset, are a political animal, a strategic thinker, a go-getter, who has – last but not least – a sense of humor, then we look forward to receiving your application.
Course language	English
Application process	To be eligible for the MPP you must meet the following requirements: higher education entrance qualification (i.e., high school diploma) college or university degree (i.e., Bachelor, Master, Diploma, state exam, etc.) equivalent to a German Bachelor’s degree with a duration of at least 6 semesters, ideally in subjects from the social sciences, economics, or law professional work experience (minimum of one year) above average grades or above-average professional performance analytical talent and pronounced interest in political problems high level of English proficiency TOEFL: Internet based test (iBT): 90 or above, Paper test: 577 or above. Please note: the ITP test cannot be accepted; IELTS 6.5 or above (for all categories – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking); Cambridge Certificate: A or B” bitte “Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE) or Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (CPE); Confirmation by the university of English as language of instruction during your first degree. The application period begins in January of each year. Application deadlines are: May 31 for international applicants from non-EU countries (and EU nationals applying for a scholarship, such as the Haniel Stipend) September 01 for applicants from EU (+ EFTA) countries An early application before the priority deadline of February 28 is encouraged. Application deadlines differ if you apply for a scholarship (notably the DAAD’s Helmut Schmidt Programme) – please find the calls for scholarship applications on our website. You can apply for the MPP using our online application portal found on our website. Your application should include the following documents: Application form (online portal) Curriculum vitae Statement of purpose Certified copies of high school diploma, degree certificate(s) and university transcripts Proof of professional work experience Proof of English proficiency Copy of your passport If you have any questions about the application process, please contact admissions office at: admissions-mpp@uni-erfurt.de
Remarks	Tuition and fees Tuition fees are prospectively 1,600 EUR per semester or 6,400 EUR for the entire program (four semesters). In addition, a general service fee of roughly 240 EUR must be paid each semester. The service fee includes entitlement to free public transportation within and around the city of Erfurt. Living expenses With an estimated average cost of living of 735 EUR per month, studying in Erfurt is comparatively affordable. Scholarships/financial aid Admission for our program is needblind. Yet we are aware that students may require financial assistance. The Brandt School offers scholarships for specific target-groups in partnership with the DAAD and the Haniel Foundation. Check our website for more detailed information on these programs. There are also various external sources for financial support. A high percentage of our students have received scholarships to study in our program. Check our website for a complete list of organizations offering matching scholarships.
Course structure	Students complete eight core modules on policy analysis (1^st and 2^nd semesters), public administration and management (1^st to 3rd semesters) and methods (2^nd and 3^rd semesters). According to personal interests and professional needs, courses can be chosen in the Specialization Modules and in the Languages Module. By choosing two out of four Specialization Modules (“Non-Profit Management and Social Entrepreneurship”, “International and Global Public Policy”, “Development and Socio-Economic Policies”, “Conflict Studies and Management”) – each of which offers a variety of elective courses – students develop their individual profiles and interests. Most courses deal with real-world applications, yet this aspect is complemented with two Practical Training Modules. A mandatory internship at a public policy institution, usually between the second and third semester, as well as a project group assignment in the third semester gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom. The fourth and final semester is dedicated to the completion of the Master thesis. Overall, 120 credit points (ECTS) are necessary.