Master of International Affairs

Overview

Master of International Affairs - A global perspective on governance

The Hertie School ’s Master of International Affairs (MIA) is a 2-year, full-time programme in English that prepares students for careers in government, diplomacy, security, international organisations, as well as in the private and third sectors. The curriculum incorporates practical skills for global careers and interdisciplinary training.

Specialise in one area of international affairs 

For your second semester, you will choose one of three areas of concentration:

• International security – tackle today's global security problems in national governments, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks and academia, as well as the private sector.

• European governance – gain a solid foundation in the EU's internal workings and explore the interaction between EU and national law, politics and policy.
• Human rights and global governance – focus on human rights and international law, and understand the complex challenges posed by multi-national policymaking.

In addition, complete courses from a wide portfolio of electives to deepen your expertise in a specific policy field. In your final semester, you will write your master’s thesis on a topic relevant to international affairs.

Get a head start on your career

Career development and practical training are integrated into the MIA curriculum. In addition to developing soft skills in two professional development workshops, MIA students take an international negotiation simulation course. All students must complete a summer internship between their first and second year of study. If you would like to delve more deeply into a work environment, you can also apply to complete a Professional Year. To help you meet future employers, the school has established relationships with a range of institutions such as ministries, international companies and NGOs.

At the Hertie School, we know that career planning is a lifelong matter. Our dedicated career team is here for you – both during your time at the Hertie School and after you graduate. Schedule a one-on-one career counselling session or take part in group workshops, alumni panels and other exclusive events.

Dual-degree programmes

Want to gain even more international experience? Spend one year at the Hertie School in Berlin and one year at a world-renowned partner institution. At the end of the two-year programme, graduate with a degree from each university and get a foot in the door in two countries. The Hertie School has dual degrees with the following partners for the MIA programme:

• Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto

• Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University

• Bocconi University

• School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University

Berlin – an exciting city for students

Explore one of the coolest European capitals with your public transport ticket! With your student ID, not only can you use Berlin's extensive network of buses, trams, trains and subway lines to discover the city at a discount, but you can also take part in many cultural and social events at specially reduced rates. From art, music and politics, to shopping, trying different international cuisines, exploring nature and more, Berlin has something for everyone.

Apply today

The MIA programme is open to graduates from all academic disciplines with a strong motivation to study international affairs. Academic performance, personal suitability and motivation are taken into account when evaluating applications. Admission offers and scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis. If you wish to apply for financial assistance, we encourage you to apply by the priority deadline on 1 February. Applications will be accepted until 1 May.

About the Hertie School

The Hertie School is an international teaching and research centre of excellence located in vibrant and cosmopolitan Berlin.

Our motto is Understand today. Shape tomorrow. We attract a highly talented student body from diverse national and disciplinary backgrounds—united by a desire to make a difference and to bring about a better future. We offer them a study environment characterised by close interaction with faculty, lively public debates and engagement with current policy developments. As a member of the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN), the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) and CIVICA – the European University of Social Sciences, the Hertie School gives students access to an exciting global network that includes the London School of Economics and Political Science, Sciences Po in Paris, Columbia University in New York and many other excellent public policy schools worldwide.

As an ambassador of good governance and public stewardship, the Hertie School is a hub for top scholars, experts and representatives from the spheres of politics, business and civil society, who contribute to events at the school. Our students actively contribute to these debates and regularly spearhead their own initiatives to foster the public good.

Accreditation

The Hertie School is a private university based in Berlin, Germany, and is accredited by the state and the German Science Council. The MIA programme is accredited by ACQUIN.