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.
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 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.
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.
Please note: Once you watch the video, data will be transmitted to Youtube/Google. For more information, see Google Privacy.
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
Proof of excellent English language skills is required for admission to the degree programme. The following are accepted as proof
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.
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
Please note: Once you watch the video, data will be transmitted to Youtube/Google. For more information, see Google Privacy.
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.
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.