Elevating public leadership for the 21st century
You want to make institutions work better: more effective, more trusted, more responsive to the challenges of our time? Today’s leaders need a new kind of skills to navigate the complexities of modern bureaucracy, manage digital transformation, and deliver high-impact public services.
The Executive Master of Public Administration (Executive MPA) programme at the Hertie School is designed to equip you with the skills that put you in a position to drive institutional reform, enhance governance and deliver results. Inspired by our Initiative for an Effective State, the programme combines cutting-edge research with practical expertise to enable you to make a difference, whether you are working within government or at the interface between policy, business and civil society.
With its highly flexible structure, the Executive MPA lets you tailor your learning to your schedule, interests and career goals. No matter whether you work in public administration, consulting, international development, technology, or the non-profit sector, you will find a programme that meets your needs and takes you where you want to go.
- International executive programme (MPA degree) located in the heart of Berlin.
- English as the language of instruction.
- Flexible programme: Study full-time (1 year) or part-time (2-4 years).
- Acquire core knowledge in governance, public policy and management.
- Extend your portfolio with electives in leadership, governance, digitalisation & AI and policy analysis.
- Professional exchange with international peers from all sectors and life-long career services.
- International partner school and Study abroad opportunities.
- Scholarships available.
- Annual programme start: September, modular entry via single certificate courses also possible.
Our programme is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals with part-time and full-time options so that you can balance your coursework with your professional and personal responsibilities. While this is an on-site programme, its flexible structure allows students to attend courses in Berlin while maintaining their professional and personal base in other cities across Europe—or even globally. Many of our current students successfully balance their studies with international commitments.
- Flexible study options: full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years up to 4 years).
- Complete 14 courses (60 ECTS) in Berlin, plus a four-day workshop in Berlin or Brussels.
- Courses are structured in blocks of two to four days each.
- Maximise efficiency by condensing courses into one- or two-week sessions to reduce trips to Berlin.
Modular entry
Courses can also be booked individually or in combination as a certificate. Credits earned and fees paid for these can be fully transferred to the Executive MPA programme. Registrations for executive trainings are accepted throughout the year.
We know that it's not just about what you'll learn – it's about who you'll learn with. Our Executive MPA cohort is highly diverse in terms of regional composition, educational backgrounds and career paths, providing a rich learning environment that will challenge and inspire you.
Our international faculty is widely known for their research and teaching excellence, offering you numerous opportunities to connect and engage with our professors as well as a variety of international and policy organisations to enhance and expand your professional networks.
Get a sneak peek into the People Management course:
