Public Policy (MPP)
Degree Profile
The Brandt School
The Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt is one of Germany‘s leading policy schools. Our practice-oriented, international, and interdisciplinary approach and our internationally renowned faculty make us a unique place for policy teaching and learning.
- We train future leaders in government, civil society, and private enterprise in addressing the complex public policy challenges of our time.
- We are home to cutting-edge research on key areas in sustainable development, that is climate change, inequality, digitalization, violent conflict, and health.
- We generate impact by feeding results back to politics and society in general to inform evidence-based policy making.
The Brandt School is uniquely located in Thuringia’s capital Erfurt, in the very center of the unified Germany, carrying deep historical significance from the Reformation to the Thirty Years‘ War, from Weimar to the Wall, with close infrastructural and intellectual ties to other important centers such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Prague, Brussels or Paris to name but a few.
The Master of Public Policy
The Brandt School’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a two-year practice-oriented, international, and interdisciplinary degree program. It is designed for young professionals who wish to pursue a career in public service, including government agencies, international organizations, and the non-profit sector.
Drawing from political science, economics, sociology, public administration and law, the MPP curriculum equips professional policy analysts and future decision makers with the knowledge and practical skills they will need to advance the public interest and make sound evidence-based policy decisions.
Throughout the coursework, research, and field experience, students develop a deep understanding of the policy process and the involved institutions and actors.
Global, diverse and innovative
Since 2004 more than 770 students from all over the world have graduated with an MPP. At the Brandt School, diversity is a fact – and to us, this is an invaluable asset. The diversity of the people at the school is reflected in various characteristics such as origin, age, professional, and academic background.
Our alumni come from more than 100 countries and students from 30–40 different countries regularly take up their studies in the current MPP classes. They not only learn from faculty and with each other, but also from each other and our faculty from them.
The Master of Public Policy at the Brandt School
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Career Opportunities
Our MPP program trains students for careers in state-level and national governments, public administration, international organizations, civil society, think tanks, consultancies, and other private companies.
Mainly training policy analysts and future leaders, the MPP has also paved the way for many alumni to work as social entrepreneurs, diplomats, development experts, stakeholders, journalists, managers, and researchers, for example:
- The European Parliament
- The World Bank
- The United Nations
- The Foreign Ministry of the Ukraine
- The World Wildlife Found
- Kinship Foundation
Programme structure
Programme structure Master of Public Policy
You study full-time for two years and earn a total of 120 credit points (ECTS). The first three semesters are dedicated to coursework and practical modules. In the fourth semester, students write their final thesis.
Eight core modules
- Introduction to Public Policy
- Economic Policy Analysis
- Comparative and International Public Policy
- Public Administration and Finance
- Management and Leadership
- Ethics in the Public Sector
- Quantitative Methods
- Advanced Methods
Two specialisation modules (of your choice)
- Non-Profit Management and Social
- Entrepreneurship
- International and Global Public Policy
- Development and Socio-Economic Policies
- Conflict Studies and Management
Two practice-orientated modules
The connection to the political world is an important part of our teaching philosophy. Students therefore work with practical examples and professional partners and solve real political challenges as part of a political internship and a project group.
further information on the project groups
further information on the internships
Foreign language module
Students improve their language skills in several language modules. Students can choose from a variety of languages. A basic knowledge of German is compulsory for all students without prior knowledge.
Final module (master's thesis)
Students on the MPP programme complete their studies with a master's thesis in which they analyse a specific public policy problem in depth. Supported by a colloquium and supervised by experienced lecturers, they develop a practice-orientated study that provides in-depth insights into a current political issue.
Examination and study regulations, sample curriculum & module catalogue
Curriculum Master of Public Policy
Additional offers
Semester abroad
Studying abroad (integrated or additional)
MPP students at the Brandt School benefit from an extremely international community of fellow students, university lecturers and an extensive network. Those who want to deepen their global experience have the opportunity to gain valuable international insights through internships abroad or a semester abroad at our partner universities.
Study details
Open Day
Open Day at the University of Erfurt
Numerous information and counselling services offer you the opportunity to see the study and living conditions in Erfurt for yourself at the Open Day. Get to know the green campus and the beautiful old town centre on guided tours.
Information about the programme:
Order or download information material
Similar degree programmes
You may also be interested in these degree programmes
Are you interested in politics, law and economics? Then these master's programmes are also suitable for you:
Master's programme Democracy and Economy
Master's programme Economics, Law and Social Sciences
Master's programme Theology and Economics
Admission requirements
Admission requirements for Public Policy
Admission requirements
- higher education entrance qualification (i.e., high school diploma)
- college or university degree (i.e., Bachelor, Master, Diploma, state exam, etc.) with a duration of at least six 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
- strong analytical skills and pronounced interest in solving political problems
Language requirements for public policy
Language requirements
Proof of excellent English language skills is required for admission to the degree programme. The following are accepted as proof
- TOEFL iBT: at least 90 points
- IELTS: 6.5 points
- Language certificates: Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE) or Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (CPE)
The test results should not be older than two years. A test is not required for applications from native English speakers or university degrees from English-speaking universities.
Language Centre
The Language Centre offers around 140 language courses per semester in 16 modern and old (foreign) languages.
It supports you in acquiring and improving your language skills.
www.uni-erfurt.de/sprachenzentrum
10 Reasons for Starting the Master of Public Policy at Brandt School
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Make the most of it
Build your network during the program
Improve your soft skills
Learn outside the classroom
Make an impact
Have a say
See the world from another perspective
Through the school’s interdisciplinary approach, we learn a lot from different fields and get the knowledge we need to solve the problems of tomorrow in an entrepreneurial way.
With a class coming from over 20 countries, the Brandt School offers a truly international and diverse learning environment. I treasure every exchange with my fellows. It deepens my perspective and reminds me of my blind spots, making me a more understanding and humble person – a better world citizen. Also, different specializations in the program open doors to different fields, and help me to discover my potential.
Application portal opens on January 1.
- Priority Deadline: February 28 (February 29 for leap years)
Priority Deadline for all applications (strongly recommended). For the applications submitted before this date, the decision will usually be announced in March or early April.
- Non-Priority Deadline: April 30
Non-priority Deadline for all applications / final deadline for all applicants who need a student visa prior to arrival. For applications submitted before this date, the decision will usually be announced in May or early June.
- Finale Deadline: July 15
Final Deadline for EU + EFTA nationals, and for all applicants who do not require to apply for a student visa prior to arrival. The decision will usually be announced in August / early September.
We recommend applying as early as possible. For more details, please click here.
The MPP program officially begins each year on October 1st. The orientation week takes place in early October.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Purpose
- Certified Copies of Diplomas, Degree Certificates and Transcripts
- Proof of Professional Work Experience
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Copy of Your Passport
Student advisory service
Get in touch with our students!
If you would like to learn more about life as a student at the Brandt School, feel free to contact the Brandt School Student Government.
Downloads
Flyer Welcome to the University of Erfurt in English (pdf)
Flyer Master of Public Policy (pdf)
MPP Curriculum (pdf)
Alumna Fatima Farooq Murawat
Willy Brandt School of Public Policy alumna Fatima Farooq Murawat sits down with hosts Grace Nahurira Mutabazi and Loise Effah Yeboah in this episode to share her thoughts for MPP students on how to make the most of their time at the Brandt School.
Listen to the podcast:
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Podcast: "Climate change and climate justice" (in German)
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