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Find individual courses here or browse the curricula of our graduate and executive programmes.
For the PhD programmes, please find more information here.

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Executive MPA Executive training

Development Economics

Elective course (EMPA-EV-5 , 3 credits )
Module: 3. + 4. Concentration and complement: Global Governance Challenges
Date: 10.11.2022 – 12.11.2022
Instructors: Dr. Rolf Alter

Abstract

10-12 November 2022 | Executive seminar

Global economic integration over the last 30 years has significantly impacted the understanding, strategies and policy practice of the development of countries.

Three dynamics characterise this evolution:

  • from reliance on state actors as exclusive drivers of development towards shared responsibilities with the private sector and civil society
  • from closed domestic markets towards integration into global trade flows, foreign direct investment, international finance and cross-border labour migration
  • from bilateral aid co-operation among developing and developed countries towards a global development agenda and institutional architecture, with the UN Agenda 2030 and its focus on the 17 sustainable development goals arguably the most comprehensive reform initiative.

The COVID-19 pandemic has added specific challenges to economic development and poverty reduction in terms of access to vaccination in developing countries, interruptions of global value chains and their negative impact on investment, employment and output and sudden declines of remittances from workers in the diaspora where they constitute critical sources of income and investment in developing countries. Climate change and the war in Ukraine are becoming major threats to livability and food security in developing countries.

The course aims to familiarise students with development concepts, governance approaches and performance of developing and emerging countries. Opportunities and challenges will be illustrated through case studies of good practices from countries around the world. The current institutional framework of development cooperation at international level (UN, World Bank, IMF, global NGOs etc.) will be analysed to provide insights into the mechanisms in support of development.

The course will benefit from external speakers from government, international organisations, civil society and the private sector. Their introductions will lay the ground for Q/As and debate. Students will be invited to share their professional experiences.

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Executive MPA Executive training

Digital governance

Elective course (EMPA-EIV-1 , 3 credits )
Module: 3. + 4. Concentration and complement: Digitalisation and Big Data | 3. + 4. Concentration and complement: Global Governance Challenges
Date: 11.05.2023 – 13.05.2023
Instructors: Prof. Joanna Bryson, PhD

Abstract

11-13 May 2023 | Executive seminar

The pace of digitalisation has not yet allowed societies to build robust analytical capacities to fully understand the drivers, channels and consequences of digital transformations. This may be a result not only of the speed of technological advances, but also of the subject’s complexity, a deficit in expertise and state capacity, as well as the limited access to relevant data, often owned by private companies. As a result, existing interventions to steer digitalisation are rather experimental and in many cases political intention struggles to translate into well-informed policy.

This course examines the interplay between government, business and the wider society in governing digitalisation. How are governments, businesses, civil society organisations and users currently organised and how do they affect public well-being? How do these political actors interact? What are some policy alternatives to current forms of digital governance? We will attempt go beyond highlighting the utopian and dystopian effects and instead identify which arguments have yielded the strongest evidence. The course takes a global perspective.

This seminar is offered in the open enrolment programme and as part of the Executive MPA programme and can be taken as part of the ETGN certificate programme. 

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Executive MPA Executive training

Economics for policymakers

Core course (EMPA-CV-3 , 3 credits )
Module: 1. Governance & Public Policy
Date: 14.11.2022 – 17.11.2022
Instructors: Prof. Dr. Gonçalo Pina

Abstract

14-17 November 2022 | Executive seminar

This seminar offers an intensive introduction to some of the key concepts used by economists. The seminar consists of two components, one on microeconomic analysis and one on macroeconomic analysis.

The main topics covered in the microeconomics section include consumers' and producers’ behaviour, the effective functioning of competitive markets and the situation when the equilibrium of markets is not optimal and generates the need for governmental intervention. This section also covers the situation where markets are not perfectly competitive (monopoly, oligopoly and monopolistic competition). Finally, this section also includes some advanced topics such as game theory and how information and uncertainty complicate the optimal functioning of markets. Concepts presented are grounded in current policy debate and concrete examples relying on readings from news and current debates. The goal of the macroeconomics section is to understand the interactions between the main policy areas: Monetary policy, fiscal policy, and wage-setting. Conceptual and theoretical frameworks will be discussed from the perspective of applied policy illustrations, concrete discussions and case studies, which provide the participants with a hands-on understanding of modern economic analysis.

In short, participants will gain a thorough passive understanding of professional economists’ ways of thinking and a concise overview of the most important topics and approaches in micro- and macroeconomics. No background in economics or mathematics is necessary.

This seminar is offered as part of the Executive MPA programme and in the open enrolment programme and can be taken as part of the ETGN certificate programme. 

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Executive MPA Executive training

European Union governance

Core course (EMPA-CVI-1 , 3 credits )
Module: 1. Governance & Public Policy
Date: 06.02.2023 – 08.02.2023
Instructors: Prof. Mark Dawson, PhD

Abstract

6-8 February 2023 | Executive seminar

According to its official definition in the EU’s 2001 White Paper on Governance, EU Governance refers to the ‘rules, processes, and behavior that affect the way in which powers are exercised at the European level, particularly as regards to openness, participation, accountability, effectiveness, and coherence’. In this sense, EU governance is an attempt to make sense of the intricate web of institutions, rules and mechanisms that frame EU policymaking.

The aim of this course is to unpack this web of EU governance in three ways. Firstly, it aims to introduce participants to the essential foundations of EU governance, analysing the ways in which decisions and rules in the EU are made in various institutional configurations. Secondly, the course will illustrate the operation of EU governance through three key policy areas that will be analysed in greater depth: EU economic governance, EU foreign and security policy, and EU human rights and the rule of law. Finally, the course will involve a critical discussion of the EU’s future direction and legitimacy, both analysing its famed ‘democratic deficit’ (an issue that has been given further salience by recent increases in the EU’s powers) and questioning its institutional evolution (in light of important changes such as the recent Brexit referendum and the reform of the EU in the wake of the euro, migration and COVID-19 crises).

The format of the course will combine discussions among participants with interactive lectures and two more in-depth studies in the field of ECB activity and fundamental rights. Close reading of at least the mandatory readings is therefore essential.

This seminar is offered as part of the Executive MPA programme and in the open enrolment programme.

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Executive MPA Executive training

German politics and administration 101

Elective course (Extra-2 , 0 credits )
Date: 28.11.2022
Instructors: Dr. Cornelius Adebahr

Abstract

28 November 2022

We recommend participation in this course for students from outside Germany or with little previous knowledge of the German Federal system.

The course aims to offer insights into the basic features of the German political and administrative system. It provides an overview of how parliamentarism and federalism have shaped Germany’s politics. In particular, it highlights the role of the federal parliament (Bundestag and Bundesrat), the structure of the federal government as well as the basic characteristics of the German civil service. The overall aim is to inform students about the system’s major institutional foundations to better understand day-to-day policymaking processes in Germany. Participants will gain a qualification to attend future Executive MPA classes, which require a deeper understanding and knowledge of the basic features of the German political system.

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Executive MPA Executive training

Good governance and anti-corruption

Elective course (EMPA-EV-3 , 3 credits )
Module: 3. + 4. Concentration and complement: Global Governance Challenges | 3. + 4. Concentration and complement: Leading Innovation and Managing Change
Date: 04.05.2023 – 06.05.2023
Instructors: Prof. Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, PhD

Abstract

4-6 May 2023 | Executive seminar

Over 180 countries have signed the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), pledging ethical universalism, integrity, transparency, accountability and public consultation. This means that citizens of these countries as well as the international community are entitled to demand good governance. There has never been so much universal agreement on what good governance is. But with the advent of globalisation and economic crises, we have, in practice, witnessed a backslide even in more advanced democracies like the US, Austria and even Germany. In Global Corruption Barometer 2019 (where 119 countries were surveyed), a majority thought that the fight against corruption was ineffective and their country regressed instead of progressed. Integrity scandals have become paramount in the news, from stories about kings (such as in Spain) to flagship companies such as Airbus being examples of this. Why is good governance lagging in practice, despite this consensus on good governance?

Main learning objectives:
1. How to diagnose the prevalence of corruption (context diagnosis)
2. How to measure corruption across countries and time so to assess effectiveness of policy interventions (measuring corruption)
3. How to deconstruct corruption mechanisms for different policy areas (market competition, health, education) - (corruption as a policy problem)
4. How to design a stakeholder analysis for corruption problems and emerge with a coalition of the willing (political economy analysis of corruption)
5. What is the tool repertory from which you can select the right one for your coalition (repository of anticorruption tools).

This seminar is offered as part of the Executive MPA programme and in the open enrolment programme and can be taken as part of the ETGN certificate programme. 

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Executive MPA Executive training

Inclusive organisations in the digital age

Elective course (EMPA-EIV-6 , 3 credits )
Module: 3. + 4. Concentration and complement: Digitalisation and Big Data
Date: 08.05.2023 – 10.05.2023
Instructors: Prof. Dr. Luciana Cingolani

Abstract

8-10 May 2023 | Executive MPA Seminar

‘Inclusive organisations in the digital age’ seeks to explore issues related to the management of workforce diversity in organisations, with a particular focus on innovation-oriented organisations. It aims to draw from various insights from political science, sociology and organisational studies in order to explore a number of aspects playing a role in current debates around social diversity more generally.

The course plans to cover at least four relevant themes. First, it will provide a succinct overview of how democratic theories on equity, representation and inclusiveness are reflected at the organisational level, as well as the practical challenges involved. Second, it will discuss how demographic changes and other environmental factors (legislation, cultural shifts, competitive pressures, etc.) operate as determinants of workforce diversification processes, and how context shapes the resulting configurations. Third, it will explore different models for the management of workforce diversity in the context of fast-changing environments that involve the role of leadership, organisational culture, recruitment and appraisals, as well as communication. Finally, the course will discuss the evidence on the impact of workforce diversity, both on the organisations and their services, particularly on how it affects dynamic capacities and the delivery of services to different clienteles in the digital age. For each of these topics, the course plans to offer a deep perspective, comprehensively tackling key debate, and addressing the many open questions that remain within this timely topic.

This seminar is offered in the open enrolment programme and as part of the Executive MPA programme.

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Executive MPA Executive training

International law and current conflict: aggression, self-defence, sanctions, self-determination

Elective course (EMPA-EV-6 , 3 credits )
Module: 3. + 4. Concentration and complement: Global Governance Challenges
Date: 07.11.2022 – 09.11.2022
Instructors: Bernhard Knoll-Tudor, PhD

Abstract

7-9 November 2022 | Executive seminar

The course engages participants in structured legal debates around contemporary armed conflict in Europe. In nine sessions over three days, participants will develop knowledge, skills and techniques required for presenting international legal arguments pertaining to wars of aggression, the right to self-defence, the imposition of sanction regimes and claims of self-determination. The course module aims at developing an understanding of the ways in which legal arguments are shaped and deployed by policymakers and foreign policy scholars. Special attention will be paid to current policy debates and how international legal arguments are inserted into them, or ignored.

On the third day of the course module, participants will have familiarised themselves with two case studies, will draft legal briefs (memorials) in teams and will eventually present their opposing legal opinions in a simulated contentious oral proceeding in front of an international court / tribunal. As part of the preparatory process, teams will be counseled to anticipate arguments to be raised by the opponent team. Competing teams will argue their case for 10 minutes each and will engage in a 10-minute rebuttal and sur-rebuttal (total of 60 minutes). The course lead will challenge counsels and interrupt, as appropriate. Following the simulation, the remainder of the final day is devoted to class discussion on the merits of the arguments presented, their internal coherence, the completeness of referenced sources and (un)-successful strategies.

By the end of this course, participants will

  • have acquired an advanced conceptual understanding of some of the fundamentals of public international law relating to ongoing armed conflicts (including in Ukraine), in the areas of aggression, self-defence, sanctions and self-determination. They will be able to link different perspectives and issue areas that accumulate within the field;
  • be able to discuss the applicability of a number of international legal norms to ongoing armed conflicts and critically analyse contemporary issues from the perspective of international law;
  • be aware of the limitations to, and potentials of, international law as a regulatory technique;
  • have become familiar with recent and older paradigmatic ICJ cases, as well as with doctrine, in selected fields;
  • have acquired knowledge on how to deploy international legal arguments in a role play involving the exchange of arguments between legal counsels at the International Court of Justice;
  • have developed the skills necessary to frame an international legal argument, both orally and in writing, from different perspectives and advocating different positions (Applicant / Respondent);
  • have developed a sense for framing arguments in a succinct manner, within allocated time slots and rely on team members for advice;
  • have internalised rhetorical techniques that allow them to follow argumentative logic in a structured manner.
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Executive MPA

Introductory Course: Key Debates in Governance and Public Policy

Core course (EMPA-CI , 1 credits )
Module: 1. Governance & Public Policy
Date: 05.09.2022 – 07.09.2022
Instructors: Juliane McCarty, Prof. Dr. Thurid Hustedt, Prof. Joanna Bryson, PhD, Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hammerschmid, Prof. Johanna Mair, PhD, Prof. Dr. Kai Wegrich, Wolfgang Sporrer, Prof. Dr. Luciana Cingolani, Prof. Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, PhD

Abstract

5-7 September 2022 | Executive seminar [EMPA 2022 Cohort only]

This course opens the Executive MPA programme in view of three goals:

  1. Students get to know their cohort, identify synergies between their professional experiences and academic interests and start building a network for their studies and beyond.
  2. Students are familiarised with the curriculum, engage with topical questions in the making and study of public policy, discuss core challenges of modern governance with EMPA Faculty and are advised on the different courses and areas of concentration they can select.
  3. In close cooperation with the Hertie School’s Careers Team and the programme manager, students will also be invited to engage in guided self-reflection about their personal ‘learning journey’ and development objectives for their year(s) of graduate study.

By the end of the course, students will have become familiar with the social and professional network of the EMPA programme, will have refined their academic interests and will have reflected on their envisaged learning journey over the academic year(s) to come.

This seminar is offered as part of the Executive MPA programme.

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Executive MPA

Policymaking: Actors, institutions and processes

Core course (EMPA-CII-1 , 3 credits )
Module: 1. Governance & Public Policy
Date: 08.09.2022 – 10.09.2022
Instructors: Prof. Dr. Thurid Hustedt

Abstract

8-10 September 2022 | Executive MPA seminar

Public policies are governmental activities addressing societal problems. Public policymaking is therefore closely linked to the idea of problem-solving. This problem-solving, however, is situated in a political setting shaped by divergent interests, power games and inherent uncertainty about the future. How public policies are designed and implemented is, therefore, shaped by the interaction of a variety of actors pursuing their specific interests. Policy analysis is about the link between politics and problem-solving (enacting policies).

This course introduces analytical perspectives to systematically discuss the process of policymaking under these conditions. It also introduces policy analysis as an applied field of study that seeks to draw on analytical tools to inform the design, implementation and enforcement of public policies. A particular emphasis is put on the different ‘policy instruments’ (such as coercion, incentives and information) that governments may use to shape the behaviour of a particular target population, as well as on how policy compliance operates in a multi-level setting such as the European Union.

The course is divided into three parts:
1. Policy process: Following an introduction to the main elements of the policy process, this section aims at communicating the defining characteristics of policy issues. What is a policy problem? Why and how does it emerge (or why not)? What role do ideas and policy paradigms play in their framing? What types of tools may we draw upon to solve various problems?
2. Policy instruments: Political actors have a set of tools they can employ for problem-solving. Suitable tools depend on the nature of the policy problem as well as on the government capacity.
3. Actors and institutions: This section starts by exposing students to a focus on actors and stakeholders, including their rationales. In the subsequent sessions, the perspective will then be enlarged to include actor constellations, institutions and the broader context within which policies are developed, shaped and implemented by the stakeholders.

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Executive MPA Executive training

Power and influence: Leadership in action

Core course (EMPA-CIV-3 , 3 credits )
Module: 2. Management: Challenges, Concepts & Resources
Date: 24.10.2022 – 26.10.2022
Instructors: Prof. Johanna Mair, PhD

Abstract

24-26 October 2022 | Executive seminar

In a world in which most organisations, communities and societies face enormous challenges, leadership is critical. This course gets to the core of leadership and getting things done. 'Power and influence' is a course for those of you who want to make things happen, despite the obstacles that might stand in your way. It is about understanding power dynamics and learning to use them as effective tools for analysing your surroundings and achieving your goals. During the course we intend to unearth your implicit theories and feelings about power and influence. These have a profound impact on how you perceive problems and opportunities and subsequently, how you decide upon particular courses of action.

This course includes conceptual models, self-assessment tools and simulation exercises to help you develop your own influence style and understand political dynamics as they unfold around you. The course provides you with the opportunity to observe effective and ineffective uses of power in different organisational contexts and career stages. By design, this course will challenge you to define for yourself what will constitute the responsible exercise of power and influence in your life.

The objectives of the course are to help you:

  • Develop a conceptual framework for understanding power and influence. You should be able to define power and influence and begin to appreciate how essential they are for your own career;
  • Practice diagnostic skills that will enable you to map out the political landscape, understand others' perspectives and power bases and learn to predict and influence their actions;
  • Assess your own power bases and develop your own strategy for building and exercising power and influence ethically and responsibly.

The course relies upon a mix of traditional case studies, biographical case studies of historical figures, exercises and simulations, films and guest visits. The exposure to the development and use of power in many different social settings and at various points in history allows for a comprehensive analysis of power in action.

This seminar is offered as part of the Executive MPA programme and in the open enrolment programme.

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Executive MPA Executive training

Public communication skills

Instructors: Dr. Cornelius Adebahr

Abstract

27-28 June 2019 | Skills training

Communicating effectively in public and with different audiences is more and more important for professionals from all sectors. This course will introduce participants to the fundamentals of communication and presentation skills. Focusing in particular on public speaking, speech-writing and moderation, it will explore issues through interactive discussions and group work, while practical exercises will complement the thematic primers. The aim is for participants not only to develop a deeper understanding of today’s requirements in the area of communication but also to hone their personal skills and to explore ways of bringing those to bear in their organisational environment.

This skills training is offered in the open enrolment programme and as part of the Executive MPA programme.

It can also be completed as part of the

All skills trainings can be customised for organisational clients. Learn more.

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