International Affairs

The Hertie School's Master of International Affairs seeks to prepare outstanding students and young professionals for positions requiring a profound understanding of the global challenges in government, diplomacy and international organisations, as well as in the private and civil society sectors. The programme combines academic excellence with practice orientation, to equip successful graduates with tools of international policy-making and conflict resolution, to tackle global challenges, and devise sound policy proposals in a global multilevel system.

Educational organisation

Students take courses in international politics, economics, statistics, and international organisations as well as international law during their first year of study. A practical course in international conflict management supplements the core curriculum. In their second year of study, students choose a concentration in either security and sustainability or finance and trade, which they complete with at least three electives from the respective field.

Students complete a summer internship between their first and second years. Alternatively, they are offered the opportunity to gain even more substantial work experience during a professional year. The Hertie School has established relationships with a range of institutions. Students complete their degree requirements with a Master's thesis.

Study abroad unit(s)

The Hertie School is affiliated with the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN).
Students have the opportunity to apply for a dual degree with SIPA at Columbia University in New York. Dual degree students complete their second year of study at the partner institution and receive degrees from both institutions after successful completion of their study requirements. In addition, we have a special dual degree programme with Syracuse University. Please check our website for more information: https://www.hertie-school.org/graduate-programmes/studyabroad/dual-degree/.

Alternatively, one-semester exchange programmes are offered at a number of partner universities around the world, such as the The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Switzerland, the Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals in Spain or Fudan University in China.

Internships

Between the first and second years, students complete an internship at an institution of their choice with relevance to international affairs.

In addition to the curriculum, students can apply for the Professional Year programme between their first and second years of study. For more information, see: https://www.hertie-school.org/graduate-programmes/career-services/professional-experience/

Forms of assessment

Exams, Master's thesis, seminar papers, memos, oral presentations, etc.

Course objectives

Students attending the Hertie School are encouraged to think about their professional life from the outset of their studies. Our Career Services representatives engage in a dialogue with the students throughout the programme. Students are offered individual career coaching, and they receive training for editing their CV, writing applications, and conducting job interviews.

Hertie School graduates become part of the Hertie School alumni network. Alumni are an excellent resource for current students, as they report about their professional life, contribute to the curriculum, and offer internship opportunities. The Hertie School community is a means of establishing important, lifelong connections, both social and professional.

Language requirements

Unless you are a native speaker or you have completed your entire first degree at an English-language university, English language skills must be verified with an official English test. The Hertie School of Governance recognises the Cambridge ESOL qualifications CPE (C), CAE (B), the IELTS (with an overall score of at least 7.0 and a writing score of at least 7), as well as the TOEFL tests (PBT 600, CBT 250, iBT 100).

Academic requirements

Applicants must have at least completed an undergraduate degree (BA or its international equivalent) and must be fluent in English. If you are not yet in possession of your first degree certificate, please indicate when you will receive it on the online application form. You must have completed all of your academic coursework and exams by 31 August 2017 in order to be able to register for the Master of International Affairs programme beginning in September 2017. The main criteria for the admissions process are that candidates possess academic excellence, professional and international experience, and a high level of motivation.

Enrolment fees

Campus fee: approx. 288.90 EUR
The campus fee includes:
Service fee: 100 EUR*
Berlin public transport ticket: 188.90 EUR**

*The service fee includes access to all services provided by the "Berliner Studentenwerk" as well as additional on-campus services.
**The price for the Berlin public transport ticket (BVG ticket) will increase each semester as follows: 188.90 EUR (Autumn 2016), 193.80 EUR (Spring 2017).

Costs of living

Living costs in Berlin are estimated to be approx. 800 EUR per month.

Funding opportunities within the university

The Hertie School offers scholarships ranging from 8,125 EUR to 32,500 EUR (25% to 100% of tuition fees), based on merit and need.
Candidates are also strongly encouraged to apply for other sources of funding as soon as possible.
http://www.hertie-school.org/scholarships/

Arrival support

The Student Affairs Team welcomes and supports international students upon their arrival in Berlin.

Services and support for international students

All questions related to getting started as a student at the Hertie School and getting settled in Berlin can be directed to the Student Affairs Team. They assist admitted applicants with issues such as obtaining external financial aid, health insurance, visa and residency registration as well as accommodation.

The Graduate Programmes Team supports students in all questions regarding the Master of International Affairs study programme.

Career Services assists students in looking for internships, fine-tuning and focusing their career aspirations, and with practical matters such as writing a strong CV or getting ready for a job interview.

Accommodation

Rent for a single room in a shared flat is around 400 EUR. Additional information on accommodation is available from the Student Affairs Team: https://www.hertie-school.org/campus/campus-services/housing/