What’s all the fuss about academic transcripts, and just how much do grades factor into admission to the Executive MPA? Here’s the info you need.
The Executive MPA is certainly a little different to our other master’s programmes. Rather than being fresh out of university, you will have several years – if not decades – of professional experience under your belt. Yet whilst these years of experience speak to your suitability for the programme, we also need to take a look at your past academic performance. After all, the Executive MPA is academically rigorous. Let’s take a dive into a key part of your application: transcripts.
Along with your professional history and letters of reference, transcripts detailing your time at university help us better understand your suitability for studying at the Hertie School. Although only one part of a holistic application process, academic transcripts from your university degrees can tell us a lot about you.
So, here’s all you need to know about transcripts, diplomas and everything in between.
Executive MPA applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in any discipline. Students often have an academic background in business, law, economics, politics or the social sciences, although this is not a formal requirement.
It is not necessary to have completed a master’s degree to be eligible for the Executive MPA.
Please submit transcripts from all undergraduate and postgraduate institutions you have attended and from which you have received a full degree (e.g. bachelor’s, master’s, PhD). You do not need to provide transcripts for non-degree programmes and diplomas.
Proof must be given of at least 240 ECTS credits worth of study. If no ECTS credits were earned, don’t worry! Just show us that you have completed an undergraduate of at least 3 years in length.
You don’t need to submit certified copies of your official transcripts and diplomas until after you enrol in the Executive MPA, so feel free to send us unofficial copies when you apply. Only after admission will you need to provide either the original version or certified copies as an official requirement for enrolment.
Transcripts originally issued in a language other than English must be translated by a sworn (court-registered) translator. However, they don’t need to be apostilled. We unfortunately can’t accept personal translations, so please contact your local American Embassy or British Consulate for a list of certified translators in your area. Translations must be literal, meaning grades shouldn’t be transferred into other grading systems.
Considering the strength of your previous academic performance is indeed an important part of the admissions process, and for the Executive MPA, we are also particularly interested in understanding what you have done since leaving university. Your transcripts – along with your CV and work experience, letter of motivation, letters of recommendation and admissions interview – help give a better impression of who you are. Having a holistic selection process means that your admission is not solely based on grades. This is also why we do not have a minimum required GPA.
Yes, absolutely. We welcome applications from all academic backgrounds. The Executive MPA programme is especially designed so that participants from a variety of backgrounds, both academic and professional, can come together. Not having taken any social science courses will certainly not put you at a disadvantage, but please make sure your reasons for joining the Executive MPA are clear in your letter of motivation and admissions interview. Take the time to tell us a little about you and what you have been doing since university!
It’s important to remember that transcripts form only one part of a comprehensive application process. We want to understand who you are as a whole. For the Executive MPA, we’re especially interested in understanding what you have done since university. After all, your grades don’t define you! Tell us what you have done, where you have gone, and how your university experiences have shaped your professional career in your letter of motivation.
The priority deadline for Executive MPA applications is 1 June.
If you have any doubts or questions, please reach out to us at empa-admissions[at]hertie-school[dot]org or ask an admissions rep live during our weekly office hours.