Master of Data Science for Public Policy
Fighting climate change, combatting disinformation or creating smart cities - today's complex issues call for a new generation of policymakers and problem solvers who understand how to combine policy and data to create solutions for government, civil society and business.
The Master of Data Science for Public Policy (MDS) brings together passionate students from both technical and social science backgrounds to deepen their analytical skills and develop an in-depth understanding of the policy world. During this two-year master's you will learn how to leverage AI's transformative capabilities and data science-based decision-making to tackle some of the most complex challenges of our time.
In the programme, you will receive training by instructors from the Data Science Lab, who are internationally renowned researchers and excellent teachers. The intense but hands-on classes will give you the ideal environment to learn core data science concepts and computational implementation by heart, not comparable to massive online courses that lack both the depth of training and commitment to your needs.
If you want to learn how to turn data into responsible solutions across all sectors, then this programme is for you. At the Hertie School in Berlin the worlds of policy and data intersect in and outside the classroom, empowering you to build a unique profile for your career from day one.
- 2-year, full-time programme (120 ECTS) in English
- Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
- Career services, professional and alumni network
- Leading international faculty
- Scholarships available
- Qualifies for a job-seeking visa in Germany (up to 18 months after graduation)
- Accredited by German Accreditation Council
In the first year of study, you will develop essential knowledge, tools, and skills at the intersection of policy and data. You will learn principles of the policy-making process and law and governance, as well as develop robust analytical skills in economics.
At the same time, you will build a foundation in core concepts and best practices of statistical programming and the mathematics essential for data science. In a set of five core courses taught by renowned faculty from Hertie's Data Science Lab, you will build strong foundations in mathematics for data science, data structures and algorithms, machine learning, causal inference, and the data science workflow.
After completing the first year, you will be qualified to not only understand and analyse public policy and the different actors and constellations shaping policy but will also be able to apply your knowledge to specific data science cases and issues.
In the second year, you will delve deeper into advanced data science skills, as well as apply and critique your knowledge in the area of governance and management. You have the opportunity to further deepen your data science training in areas like Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing and Online Experimentation, and to expand your knowledge by taking courses from the Hertie School’s broad portfolio of public policy and international affairs electives.
In the final stage of your studies, you will make an original contribution to the scientific study of a political or societal problem by developing a data-based solution and writing a master’s thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.
The MDS aims to produce expert data scientists who can apply, evaluate, and navigate their expertise in a public policy context. At the core of the programme are not only analytical and critical thinking skills but the rigorous academic training and transferable skills required to develop data-driven solutions for government, civil society, and industry and leverage the data science toolkit in a responsible and ethically aware way.
Available resources during your studies
Supercomputer
The school owns a state-of-the-art supercomputing tool for data science-based research. The server offers one of the most advanced deep learning accelerators and GPU available on the market for scientific exploration in data-driven research. Learn more
Makerspace
The school's creative space combines a hackerspace mentality and a co-working atmosphere. You will have access to top tools for collaboration, invention, and creation and will be able to work together in the spirit of exploration, hacking and entrepreneurship. Learn more
Online learning resources
Eager to step-up your quantitative skills? The Data Science Lab offers access to a number of online learning resources for students interested in improving their knowledge and skillsets. Learn more
