Master of Data Science for Public Policy at Hertie School

The Master of Data Science for Public Policy (MDS) is a two-year, full-time programme taught in English that brings together passionate students from both technical and social science backgrounds. In this master's programme, students deepen their analytical skills, develop an in-depth understanding of the policy world and learn how to leverage algorithmic decision-making to tackle some of the most complex challenges of our time.
 

Global migration, 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. 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. 

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Master of Data Science for Public Policy: Course Content

The Master of Data Science for Public Policy is delivered in eight modules: 
 

I. Foundations of Data Science
II. Foundations of Public Policy
III. Tools of Data Science
IV. Professional Development
V. Advanced Tools of Data Science
VI. Governance and Management for Data Science
VII. Portfolio Electives
VIII. Master's Thesis
 

Within these modules, students take courses in Data Structures & Algorithms, Machine Learning, Causal Inference, Policy Process, Economics and more.
 

In addition to taking two professional development workshops to hone skills useful for the workplace, all students complete an internship in between their first and second year of study. Find out more about the MDS curriculum here: https://www.hertie-school.org/en/mds/curriculum

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Master of Data Science for Public Policy: Career

Career development and practical training are integrated into the MDS curriculum. In addition to taking two professional development workshops to develop your soft skills, you will also complete a summer internship between your first and second year of study.
 

Data science is a transferable skillset which allows graduates to work in many industries – from government, international organisations, think tanks, consulting firms, commercial industry to non-profit organisations. MDS graduates can pursue careers as data analysts, data scientists, data analytics strategists, business intelligence analysts, policy advisors, research scientists and entrepreneurs.
 

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. To help you meet future employers, the careers team has established relationships with a range of institutions such as ministries, international companies and NGOs. Schedule a one-on-one career counselling session or take part in group workshops, alumni panels and other exclusive events.

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Master of Data Science for Public Policy: Admission

Candidates from all academic disciplines are welcome to apply to the MDS programme.
 

Application requirements:

• Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in any discipline
• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of motivation
• Academic transcripts
• Two letters of reference
• English proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge ESOL or Duolingo)
   

Applications for the MDS are assessed based on three criteria: academic excellence, quantitative and technical ability, and personal suitability and  motivation.
 

Application deadlines:
Applications are accepted between 1 October and 1 May. If you are seeking financial assistance, we encourage you to apply by our priority deadline on 1 February. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Please apply via our online application portal: application.hertie-school.org

Early-bird deadline 30 November (automatic tuition waiver of 2,000€ for those who submit their application by this date)

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Master of Data Science for Public Policy - Impressions of your Masters study

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Overview of Masters programmes - Hertie School

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

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Master of Data Science for Public Policy: Financial Support

The Hertie School offers full and partial scholarships that cover 10% to 100% of study fees. About half of our students receive direct financial support from the university. For more information about the scholarships available for the Master of Data Science for Public Policy: https://www.hertie-school.org/en/mds/funding
 

Our student life team offer advice on additional financing options. In addition to our scholarships and tuition waivers, there are a number of ways students can finance their studies, such as with grants, stipends, funds and loans from private and public foundations, national and international institutions as well as banks. Visit our external funding website for more information: https://www.hertie-school.org/en/study/external-funding

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Master of Data Science for Public Policy: Praktika

All MDS students must complete a mandatory internship as part of the curriculum. If you want to gain even more work experience, you can also pursue a Professional Year in between your first and second year. Students who participate in this programme leave the Hertie School for 9 to 15 months in order to acquire professional experience. The university has established relationships with a range of institutions such as ministries, international companies and NGOs in order to help students find positions that match their interests.
 

Learn more about the Professional Year: https://www.hertie-school.org/en/professionalyear

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