Student Public Policy
Master programme

Degree Profile

Begin of study
winter semester
Duration
4 semester
Academic degree
Master of Public Policy (M. P. P.)
Structure
full time
Faculty
Faculty of Economics, Law and Social Sciences, Willy Brandt School of Public Policy
Tuition fee
1900
Admission restriction
no restricted admission
Teaching language
English
ECTS
120

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. 

Willy Brandt School of Public Policy

The Master of Public Policy

Master of Public Policy Studierende auf dem Campus
Our students

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. 

Where our Brandtians come from

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

Video Imagevideo Master Public Policy

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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

Brandt School Alumni Network 

Graduation

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

Further information on the core modules

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

Further information on the specialisations

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.

Further information on language courses

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

The curriculum includes courses in political and economic analysis, statistics, public administration, Management and ethics.

Curriculum Master of Public Policy

Additional offers

Additional offers

  • Support with accommodation, visa, health insurance, etc.
  • Mentoring and counselling from university lecturers, employees and older students
  • Health prevention programmes
  • University sports courses
  • ...and much more.

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.

Further information on the exchange semester

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:

Open Day

Order or download information material

Order now!

Would you like to hold the study programme flyer in your hands? Then request our free information material without obligation. You will receive it in a few days by post direct to your home.

Order info mail now!

Don't want to wait? Then download the flyer now from the download centre.

Download the flyer now!

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

Students of the Brandt School
Master of Public Policy Studierende auf dem Campus
Campus of the Brandt School

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

Thumbnail 10 reasons for public policy

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Make the most of it

Build your network during the program

Get in touch with academics and practitioners through courses, guest talks, and make friendships with fellow students to build up your professional network.

Improve your soft skills

Benefit from expert trainings on topics such as leadership, diversity, communication, and other career offers.

Learn outside the classroom

Boost your digital literacy through our Digital Learning Lab, join excursions, and work with partners to learn through experience.

Make an impact

Turn your project ideas into practice through our Social Impact Campus, publish your findings on our blog, or advance policy solutions through your project group work.

Have a say

Join the Brandt School’s student government or the university wide Student Council to represent your fellow students in relevant matters.

See the world from another perspective

Learn to change perspective through our context-sensitive curriculum, the interaction with your international fellow students, or an exchange semester with one of our partner universities. 

This is what our students say

Tassilo Scalera

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.

Tassilo Scalera (MPP Alumnus aus Deutschland)

Clara Tak Law

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.

Clara Tak Yan Law (MPP Alumna aus Hongkong)

Application for Master of Public Policy

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.

Admission for the Master of Public Policy

Checklist for application
  • 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
Information about admission

Consulting & Service

Student advisory service

Student Recruitment Manager
(Willy Brandt School of Public Policy)
C19 – research building "Weltbeziehungen" / C19.02.01
Office hours
Please book an appointment via e-mail for an individual phone call, a web chat or a video call!
Profile page
MPP Program Coordinator
(Willy Brandt School of Public Policy)
C19 – research building "Weltbeziehungen" / C19.02.40
Office hours
Please book an appointment via e-mail for an individual phone call, a web chat or a video call.
Profile page

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.

Brandt School Student Government



Podcast with Fatima Willy Brandt School
Podcast

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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DAAD Prize 2024
DAAD Prize

DAAD Prize 2024 goes to MPP student

DAAD Prize for Alyssa Marie McIntyre


Podcast: "Climate change and climate justice" (in German)

Vorschaubild Andreas Goldthau

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Are you already studying Public Policy?

go to Public Policy


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