Master of International Affairs
International security, European governance or the future of human rights – our rapidly transforming world calls for solutions that positively shape the trajectory of our societies.
The Master of International Affairs (MIA) equips you with tools of international policymaking and the practical skills to devise sound policy proposals in a global multilevel system. Learning how to navigate this complex landscape of diverse actors and disciplines is at the heart of the programme. You can choose one of three areas of concentration:
- International Security
- European Governance
- Human Rights & Global Governance
If you want to prepare yourself for a career that requires a profound understanding of today’s global policy challenges – be it in government, international organisations, business or civil society, the Hertie School and its Centres of Competence are where you need to be.
- 2-year, full-time programme (120 ECTS) in English, MA degree
- Specialise in international security, European governance or human rights and global governance
- Integrated professional development: Internship and Professional Year programme
- Career services, professional and alumni network
- Leading international faculty
- Scholarships available
- International academic exchanges and dual degrees
- Qualifies for a job-seeking visa in Germany (up to 18 months after graduating)
- Accredited by German Accreditation Council
In the Master of International Affairs, you can specialise in one of three key areas of global policy challenges:
- International Security
prepares you for positions that require a profound understanding of today’s global security challenges in national governments, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, academia as well as in the private sector.
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- European Governance
equips you with knowledge of the policies, institutions and laws of the European Union. The interaction between EU and national law, policy and politics will be a particular focus. This concentration prepares you for careers where deep knowledge of the EU’s internal workings is required, be that at the national, supranational or global level, and across sectors.
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- Human Rights & Global Governance
gives you an in-depth substantive and analytical understanding of today’s global public policy challenges, with a focus on human rights and international law. This concentration prepares you for careers in national governments, international organisations, the voluntary sector, think tanks, academia and advocacy.
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In the first year of study, you will develop robust analytical skills in statistics and economics and gain a foundation in global politics, international law, and the basic tools of policy analysis. You will be introduced to the techniques of argumentation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Toward the end of the first semester, you will select one of three areas of concentrations. In the second semester, you will take two concentration courses that equip you to engage both with research and applied questions within your specialisation.
- In the European Governance area of concentration, you learn about the policies, institutions, and laws of the European Union, focusing on the interaction between EU and national law, policy, and politics. You will be prepared for careers where deep knowledge of the EU’s internal workings is required at the national, supranational, or global level, and across sectors.
- In the Human Rights & Global Governance area of concentration, you gain an in-depth substantive and analytical understanding of today’s global public policy challenges, focusing on human rights and global governance. You will be prepared for careers in governments, international organisations, the voluntary sector, think tanks, academia, and advocacy.
- In the International Security area of concentration, you learn about how states plan, formulate and realise national interests in the context of peace and war. You will engage with the major current debates in the area of political conflict and violence. Furthermore, you will be prepared for careers that require a profound understanding of today’s global security challenges in national governments, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, academia, and the private sector.
In the second year, you will deepen your policy expertise in your area of concentration and also have the opportunity to take courses outside your concentration. You will make an original contribution to the scientific study of a specific policy challenge by writing a master’s thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.
Regardless of the concentration you choose, the MIA will equip you with a theoretical, interdisciplinary, and practical toolkit to effectively navigate and tackle public problems in a global multi-level system. At the core of the programme are not only analytical and critical thinking skills but preparation for the particular dynamics of cooperation and conflict in transnational settings and international organisations.
Get to know the International Security track
Hear from our faculty and students from the Centre for International Security what the International Security track in the MIA is all about.
Get to know the European Governance track
Hear about the MIA concentration of European Governance from people you will meet on the course.
Get to know the Human Rights & Global Governance track
Hear from Başak Çalı, Professor of International Law and Co-Director of the Centre for Fundamental Rights, about the Human Rights & Global Governance track.
