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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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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Design thinking for societal purpose

Year 1 | Workshop (PDC1056 , 1 credits )
Module: 4. Skills Workshop | 5. Professional Development
Instructors: Veronika Moh, Sarah Fasbender

Abstract

Ever wondered what all the buzz around design thinking is about? Have you heard that it is the solution to all our problems? And then questioned that, because you generally do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions? We asked ourselves the exact same questions. However, after studying design thinking and working with this method in various contexts, we believe that design thinking can be a very helpful tool in the appropriate contexts and that it will enrich your set of problem-solving strategies. 

In this skills workshop, you will learn how to use the design thinking framework to develop, test and iterate solutions to complex societal challenges. During the two workshop days you will experience the entire design thinking process and use a variety of its tools. Furthermore, we want to reflect on how you can make use of the design thinking toolkit in your studies and your career. We will share our own experiences and give examples on how you can incorporate freelance and coaching work in your potential future career paths.  

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

EU policy simulation: New dimensions of trade

Year 1 | Workshop (GRAD-PDC1077 , 1 credits )
Module: 4. Skills Workshop | 5. Professional Development

Abstract

This course teaches and trains basic negotiation, debating and critical and analytical skills and techniques. It does so while dealing with a critically-important emerging policy issue: The EU’s policy responses to economic coercion in a challenging geopolitical landscape. The aim is to make participants fit for negotiations, debates and high-level discussions in their future professional environments. We adopt a dynamic, participant-focused approach by combining workshops with practical exercises under the umbrella of an EU Policy Simulation. 

The first part of the course serves as an overview of the EU’s apparatus (including the roles and powers of the main institutions, the limitations and challenges of the EU), with workshops on the weaponisation of trade for geopolitical purposes. The second part of the course is a pedagogical exercise which provides an opportunity for students to experience the highest level of crisis management from the perspective of the EU. Participants will get to experience multiple roles at a European level. They will need to design policy recommendations from the standpoint of relevant European stakeholders, in light of an international trade-centered crisis. Furthermore, students will get to experiment with the emerging concept of the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) as well as use creative and critical thinking to explore hypothetical scenarios for the development of an EU Anti-Coercion Strategy. 

Examining a topic from different perspectives via simulation methodology provides a dynamic learning experience which enables participants to hone their analytical skills. In this simulation, participants will: 

  • Develop an understanding of the weaponisation of trade, as well as its challenges.
  • Successfully be able to produce recommendations for tackling complex policy challenges. 
  • Gain a more holistic understanding of the EU bodies and their policymaking tools and capabilities. 
  • Enhance their confidence in their capabilities to operate in complex multi-faceted environments involving a wide variety of stakeholders. 
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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs

European Union crisis simulation

Year 1 | Skills course (PDC1058 , 1 credits )
Module: 4. Skills Workshop
Instructors: Letitia Roman

Abstract

This course deals with a crucial topic: The fight against fake news, misinformation and disinformation campaigns during the coronavirus crisis, at a European level. Given the complexity of the challenges associated with misinformation and disinformation, particularly in the vulnerable context of a global pandemic, the course aims to deliver the necessary toolkit for participants to understand and proactively contribute to combatting the spread of fake news, misinformation and disinformation during the COVID-19 crisis.

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Excel advanced

Year 1 | Workshop (PDC1029 , 1 credits )
Module: 4. Skills Workshop | 5. Professional Development
Instructors: Sven Froese

Abstract

In this workshop we will explore the advanced functions and possibilities of Excel table calculation. We will look into what is required for working with large amounts of data and its automatic processing. During the weekend, the topics of the basic workshop will partly be repeated and looked into in more detail. You will have the opportunity to bring examples or problems from your practical work with Excel to be solved with the tools we will develop during the class.

This class is for people who need to process larger amounts of data and who want to increase their skills in Excel to an above-average level.

The topics include:

  • Transforming data into database format
  • Fixing columns of data
  • Data consolidation  
  • Pivot Tables
  • Advanced formulas
  • Preparing templates and limiting tables for other users
  • A short introduction to macros (not VBA programming)
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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Excel basic

Year 1 | Workshop (PDC1028 , 1 credits )
Module: 4. Skills Workshop | 5. Professional Development
Instructors: Sven Froese

Abstract

In this workshop we will deal with the basic functions and possibilities of table calculation. You will learn how to transfer you mathematical tasks into Excel and how to structure, calculate and change the appearance of tables.

This class is for people who want to structure their work, make it less time-consuming and learn more about the possibilities of Excel. It is suitable for those with no or intermediate experience in Excel.

The topics include:

  • Entering and editing data
  • Formatting data
  • Calculation with formulas and functions
  • Shortcuts
  • Application of named areas
  • Sorting and filtering
  • Logical functions (e.g. if)
  • Working in parallel on multiple sheets
  • Linking sheets or workbooks
  • Preparation for printout
  • Settings and security
  • Charts

 

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Introduction to R

Year 1 | Workshop (PDC1047 , 1 credits )
Module: 4. Skills Workshop | 5. Professional Development

Abstract

R is a language and environment for statistical computing and graphics that has gained widespread acceptance in the worldwide research community. This is due to several factors: It is an open-source solution and a comprehensive statistical software with state-of-the-art graphic capabilities and enormous flexibility. The workshop’s objective will be to teach the basic knowledge needed to use R independently, thus helping you to initiate your own process of learning the specific tools needed for your research. 

The workshop takes a modern approach to learning R by emphasising participants’ prior exposure to data analysis and statistical software. Participants will start working with datasets right away rather than creating artificial vectors and matrices. Further, the course eschews teaching R’s base graphing facilities in favor of ggplot2 ­– a more intuitive solution for plotting, which produces beautiful results with little effort. The course will also introduce the “tidyverse”, “tidy data” principles and “piping”, an advanced feature of the language which however makes coding more intuitive. 

The workshop mixes structured lectures with practical exercises. In terms of software, we will use RStudio Cloud, which runs in your browser. This implies that you do not need to install any software but you can of course use the desktop client of RStudio on the Hertie School computers or your private laptop if you like. 

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Leading effective climate negotiations

Year 1 | Workshop (GRAD-PDC1086 , 1 credits )
Module: 4. Skills Workshop | 5. Professional Development

Abstract

There are few deal-making processes that can impact the future of our planet as much as climate negotiations. These negotiations occur, for instance, when a mayor negotiates with other officials in his/her city on whether or not to invest heavily in green infrastructure. They occur also – and ideally with more impact – when countries debate international CO2 taxes and binding R&D targets for sustainable technologies.

This course is about how you can become an effective climate negotiator. For this, you will:

  • Develop skills for claiming and creating value at the negotiation table
  • Learn about the characteristics of negotiations in (international) politics and diplomacy
  • Apply your new skills when conducting a negotiation simulation called the “Climate Club”.


Learning objectives for this workshop:

  • Practical competence and knowledge: Students will 1) become better at creating and claiming value in negotiations and 2) sharpen their understanding of political and diplomatic negotiations
  • Reflective competence: Students will improve their skills to constructively provide and receive peer feedback.
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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Media skills

Year 1 | Skills course (PDC1018 , 1 credits )
Module: 4. Skills Workshop | 5. Professional Development
Instructors: Angela Kea

Abstract

This training course will provide students with the essential skills to begin engaging with the media in a professional and competent manner. Students will be guided through preparing for interviews and participating in broadcast news. The course will also provide insights into managing crisis communication events. Students will gain practical interview experience. Interviews will be reviewed and guidance for improvement will be offered. This training course offers an excellent opportunity for students to learn directly from journalists about working with the media.

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Professional writing for public policy

Year 1 | Workshop (PDC1038 , 1 credits )
Module: 4. Skills Workshop | 5. Professional Development
Instructors: Sebastian Gallander

Abstract

Whether you will work in government, an NGO, a political party, on parliamentary staff or in a think tank, you will always strive to put forward public policy ideas. Public policy ideas, however, can only really succeed when their goals get recognised and understood by the public. Therefore, they need to be explained clearly to the news media. To that end, policymakers should package their ideas into one of the two main products that can be processed by journalists and editors: The press release and the article. The press release is written like an objective, factual report highlighting the new aspects of the policy idea and putting it into the larger political context. The article (often referred to as an Op-Ed) gives a strong, well-argued opinion about the policy idea and is supposed to be published under the name of the policymaker – may it be in the New York Times or at huffingtonpost.com.

Of course, offering these two products to the media does not guarantee that they will cover it and that your policy idea will be readily embraced by the public. But it gives you a fair chance to make your voice heard. Hence, everyone working in public policy should be confident in structuring their thoughts like this and writing them down in an easy-to-comprehend fashion. To prepare you for this, the course will teach you the basic techniques of these two types of texts. At the same time, it aims to help you sharpen your writing skills overall. Ultimately, this course should also strengthen your sense of developing storylines and narratives that resonate with the public.

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs

Running for public office

Year 1 | Skills course (PDC1055 , 1 credits )
Module: 4. Skills Workshop
Instructors: Dr. Cornelius Adebahr

Abstract

Populism and distrust of politicians are on the rise across Europe. The ‘political class' is blamed for being aloof, self-interested and out of touch with voters' (and non-voters') concerns. Increasing political polarisation has citizens at the political centre frustrated about how the fringes are dominating much of the public discourse.

To refresh political processes all over Europe and to overcome voter apathy, more people of different backgrounds should run for political office. In many countries it is indeed ‘old elites' controlling access to important political positions, which is why people seek to influence decision-making outside of the established structures. Yet, the cases where new political parties emerged to channel citizens' anger have so far produced mixed results - whether Neos in Austria, En Marche in France, Alternative for Germany just there, or Ciudadanos and Podemos in Spain.

The course's aim is to encourage more - and in particular young - people to become a candidate by raising their awareness of the related challenges and equipping them with some tools for a political campaign. It is a leadership training for those who dare consider running for public office, be it at the local, state, federal, or European level.

The course combines elements such as personal motivation and goal formulation, democratic theory and political campaigning, team leading and communication training. It will also tackle the question of whether to join a party, found a new one, or run as an independent. Over time, it is intended to develop a cross-party network of aspiring candidates, fostering both an individual can-do attitude as well as a group spirit among those who partake in the course.

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Social entrepreneurship

Year 1 | Workshop (GRAD-PDC1083 , GRAD-PDC1083 credits )
Module: 4. Skills Workshop | 5. Professional Development

Abstract

In this two-day course, attendees will develop ideas as well as hands-on steps for setting up their own social business. This includes brainstorming ideas, developing a business model and first prototype, as well as collecting feedback from potential clients.


At the end of the course, attendees will have their own social business idea and a guide to transforming this idea into a business.

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs

Starting a social business from scratch

Year 1 | Skills course (PDC1060 , 1 credits )
Module: 4. Skills Workshop

Abstract

This course is for Hertie School students who are interested in starting a business/nonprofit, who have a project or an idea but don't know how to pursue it further, who wish to work in ‘start-up adjacent' industries of corporate innovation, digitalisation or innovation in the public sector or consulting, where they may have to deal with ‘innovation' or ‘start-up' topics, etc.

This course is designed as a conceptual overview as well as a ‘how-to' guide where students will both be offered a broad overview of the field, giving them the basic concepts to further engage with a stronger conceptual basis. It is also partially a crash course, offering them a basic blueprint on ‘getting started' with an idea or concept. While not exhaustive, the course should offer a ‘jumping off point' for would-be entrepreneurs to understand how to test, prototype and plan an iteration of a new business concept.

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