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Hertie School
Master English Social Sciences

Master of International Affairs (MA)International Affairs

Master

Hertie School Berlin · Berlin

About the Program

The Master of International Affairs (MIA) is a two-year, full-time programme taught entirely in English that equips students with tools of international policy-making to tackle global challenges and devise sound policy proposals in a global multi-level system. Understanding how to navigate this complex landscape of diverse actors and disciplines is at the core of the programme. The MIA programme prepares students for positions requiring a profound understanding of today's global policy challenges in government, diplomacy and international organisations, business and civil society. Specialise in one area of ​​international affairs Students attend courses in global politics, international law and security policy. In a practice course on international negotiation, students gain highly applicable skills in conflict management, EU problem-solving or international diplomacy. In their second semester, students choose one area of concentration: International security – Tackle today's global security problems in national government, 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 multinational policy-making. Additionally, students take courses from a wide portfolio of electives to deepen their expertise in a field of international affairs. These courses give students the knowledge, concepts and tools they need to write their Master's thesis on a concrete problem in international policy.
▶ Show the original English text
The Master of International Affairs (MIA) is a two-year, full-time programme taught entirely in English that equips students with tools of international policy-making to tackle global challenges and devise sound policy proposals in a global multi-level system. Understanding how to navigate this complex landscape of diverse actors and disciplines is at the core of the programme. The MIA programme prepares students for positions requiring a profound understanding of today's global policy challenges in government, diplomacy and international organisations, business and civil society. Specialise in one area of ​​international affairs Students attend courses in global politics, international law and security policy. In a practice course on international negotiation, students gain highly applicable skills in conflict management, EU problem-solving or international diplomacy. In their second semester, students choose one area of concentration: International security – Tackle today's global security problems in national government, 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 multinational policy-making. Additionally, students take courses from a wide portfolio of electives to deepen their expertise in a field of international affairs. These courses give students the knowledge, concepts and tools they need to write their Master's thesis on a concrete problem in international policy.

General Requirements

Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.

Academic qualification

A recognised Bachelor's degree in a related field; some programs require a minimum grade or specific prerequisites.

Language

English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.

Typical documents

  • Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
  • Language certificate
  • Passport and passport photo
  • Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
  • Letter of motivation (for many programs)
  • Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

See Social Sciences professions "International Relations"
Explore all professions →

Subjects / Topic Areas

International Relations

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How do I apply to Master of International Affairs (MA) at Hertie School?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Master of International Affairs (MA) at Hertie School

Is Master of International Affairs (MA) at Hertie School taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Master of International Affairs (MA) programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Master of International Affairs (MA) at Hertie School? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Master of International Affairs (MA)? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Hertie School — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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