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Course catalogue

Find individual courses here or browse the curricula of our graduate and executive programmes.
For the PhD programmes, please find more information here.

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

Lobbying in the EU: Skills for Shaping Public Policy

Course-ID: GRAD-SW1106
Instructors: Burçak Inel

Abstract

 

Intended for both future/current policymakers and lobbyists, this workshop is aimed at transferring insights and skills required for strategic, transparent, fact-based and inclusive lobbying as part of sound public policy making processes in the EU and elsewhere in the world.

Towards this goal, participants will receive a primer on how EU public policy is formed in its different stages and at different levels, identifying how lobbying fits in these processes. The workshop will then explore what “good lobbying” might look like, based on examples of how lobbying impacts policy conflicts, and which types of lobbying can be considered as positive for society. Participants will then learn about lobbying strategies that have been proven effective for achieving lobbying goals and the lobbying actions best placed to achieve such strategies.

The major part of the workshop will be dedicated to practicing lobbying skills. Based on case studies and team exercises, the workshop will allow participants to practice a set of core skills required for both setting lobbying strategies and executing lobbying actions included in such strategies. Participants will leave with both the insights to evaluate lobbying as a democratic tool and a set of the professional skills most relevant to successful lobbying, along with an awareness of how to continue to build these skills.

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Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Machine Learning

Course-ID: GRAD-C24
Instructors: Christian Carmona

Abstract

 

This course provides an introduction to the world of machine learning. By the end of this course students will have a sound understanding of the key concepts of machine learning, analyze data using some of its main methods, and a solid foundation for more advanced or more specialized study. The course covers standard topics in supervised and unsupervised learning, including the most common learning algorithms for regression, classification and clustering, but also touches on advanced topics in machine learning particularly important for public policy, such as uncertainty quantification. Students will learn the fundamental concepts underlying machine learning algorithms as well as the practical use of machine learning algorithms using open-source frameworks.

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Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Mathematics for Data Science

Course-ID: GRAD-C23
Instructors: Asya Magazinnik

Abstract

 

This course aims to deliver a compact and tailored introduction to the core mathematical concepts of data science. Linear algebra, probability theory, statistics, and optimisation are mathematical pillars underlying the practice of data science. The course covers foundational mathematical concepts such as statistical estimation, norms, matrix algebra, Lagrange Multipliers and many more in theory and practice. Upon completing the course, students will have a broad knowledge of linear algebra, probability theory, statistics, and optimisation necessary to understand the theoretical underpinnings of modern statistics and machine learning methods.

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

Media Skills for TV, Radio & Social Media

Course-ID: GRAD-SW1018
Instructors: Karsten Kaminski

Abstract

 

This training course will provide students with the essential skills to begin engaging with the media in a professional and competent manner. Students will be guided through preparing for interviews and participating in broadcast news and broadcast social media accounts. The course will also provide a basic insight into managing crisis communication events. Students will mostly gain practical interview experience. Interviews will be reviewed in a constructive feedback-sessions, so that learnings will be offered.

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

Migration & Human Rights

Course-ID: GRAD-E1413
Instructors: Vera Wriedt

Abstract

 

The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to current migration practices and their interconnection with human rights. Despite a growing human rights law framework, rights of migrants remain to be widely violated. The different treatment of non-citizens also poses questions to the logic of universality of human rights. The course examines both global and regional norms and practices, as well as surveys the main debates and controversies concerning migration practices. It aims at equipping students with tools to assess migration practices from a human rights perspective.

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

Military Strategy, Operations & Technology

Course-ID: GRAD-E1497
Instructors: Mauro Gilli

Abstract

 

The course will focus on the preparation and conduct of war, on the threat and on the use of force to pursue political goals, as well as on the preparation against foreign threats and on the pursuit of specific strategies to compete with adversaries and enemies. The course will introduce students to key concepts, such as the difference between grand strategy, strategy, operations, and tactics, and between attrition and maneuver; to critical interdependencies for understanding war and peace, such as between war and politics or between society and strategy; to critical technologies such as radar (air defense) and sonar (anti-submarine warfare); to the principles driving modern military operations as well as military technology; and finally to the key pillars underpinning the military strategies of Russia and China.

 

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

Nationalism & European Governance

Course-ID: GRAD-E1467
Instructors: Erica Benner

Abstract

 

Nationalism is on the rise in Europe and across the globe. But what is nationalism? How is it related to ethnic and personal identities, on the one hand, and to specific social, economic, and security concerns on the other? Does it always threaten world order, or can some forms of nationalism strengthen democracy and global justice?

This course examines the historical roots of nationalist politics and wars in Europe. We will look at reasons for their recent resurgence, the forms they take in different countries, and the challenges nationalism poses to the European Union and beyond. While our focus is on Europe, we will also consider the complex connections between European colonialism and nationalism in other parts of the world today.

Throughout the course well ask questions about political ethics: How can desires for collective self-determination and dignity be addressed without intensifying dangerous national conflicts? Can nationalism be combined with liberal or social democracy? Is it always an obstacle to tackling urgent global issues such as the climate crisis or global poverty?

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

Natural Language Processing

Course-ID: GRAD-E1282
Instructors: Sascha Göbel

Abstract

 

There is an abundance of unstructured data around us. Working with text is key, not just to measure discussions and opinions on social media or in product reviews, but also to gain insights into concepts important to the study of politics such as ideological positions or policy sentiments. The vast amount of textual data that one frequently needs to process and the messy form that it often comes in poses special challenges to researchers. This course introduces students to computational tools and methods that enable them to treat text as data. We will touch upon core theoretical concepts, but the main goal is to give you hands-on experience in using R to collect, load, prepare and analyze text data.

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

Negotiation & Analysis for Global Security: Nuclear Policy Simulation

Course-ID: GRAD-PDC1095
Instructors: Timothy Reno, Letitia Roman, Letitia Roman

Abstract

 

This course teaches and trains basic negotiation, debating, critical and analytical skills, and techniques. It addresses a critically important emerging policy issue: nuclear advancements, deterrence, and security. The aim is to prepare participants for high-stakes negotiations, debates, and discussions in their future professional environments. Utilizing a dynamic, participant-focused approach, the course combines interactive workshops with practical exercises within a Nuclear Policy Simulation framework.

The initial part of the course provides an overview of nuclear norms, policies, and capabilities, along with an understanding of the international organizational framework (such as the roles and powers of the main institutions overseeing the nuclear domain like the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Nuclear Association). Participants will delve into the complexities and challenges of nuclear policy-making through workshops addressing the nuclear threat and possible future directions.

The latter part of the course features a pedagogical simulation, allowing students to step into the shoes of key nuclear and non-nuclear international stakeholders during a high-level crisis management scenario. They will craft policy recommendations responding to an escalating international environment.

Through this simulation methodology, participants will:

Develop insights into nuclear capabilities and their associated challenges.

Learn to produce nuanced policy recommendations for complex, real-world issues.

Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the principal nuclear organizations and stakeholders.

Build confidence in navigating complex environments with diverse stakeholders.

This course is primarily designed for in-person instruction.

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

Negotiation Training

Course-ID: GRAD-SW1021
Instructors: Simon Raiser, Björn Warkalla

Abstract

 

This seminar provides training in basic negotiation skills and techniques. It combines theoretical input with practical exercises to achieve this. The aim is to prepare participants for negotiations in their future work environments. Our methodology relies on active learning and a participant-centred approach. We combine theoretical and analytical tools with practical exercises, teamwork, group discussions and feedback.

The first part of the seminar introduces basic negotiation concepts (such as interest-based negotiation) and enables participants to test and improve their skills in various bilateral scenarios. The second part introduces the specifics of multilateral negotiations involving more than two parties.

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

Nuclear Weapons in International Politics

Course-ID: GRAD-E1468
Instructors: Tobias Bunde

Abstract

 

Russia nuclear threats accompanying its war of aggression against Ukraine have underscored that nuclear weapons remain a defining feature of global politics. All nuclear-armed states are investing in new warheads or delivery systems (or both), and more states may seek to acquire nuclear weapons in the future. Concurrently, key arms control agreements from the past have unraveled or are under severe pressure. This occurs at a time when great-power tensions are increasing, and the development of new technologies may challenge previous assumptions about strategic stability.

The course begins with a general overview of the impact that the invention of nuclear weapons has had on international politics. We will then revisit key debates in the theoretical literature on nuclear weapons and discuss the historical evolution of nuclear strategies. The final part of the course will address contemporary and future nuclear challenges (and the corresponding policy debates) and consider whether the world is indeed entering a new (and more dangerous) nuclear age, as well as the implications of such a development.

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

Open-Source Investigation for Human Rights: Ethics, Methods & Practices

Course-ID: GRAD-SW1069
Instructors: Robin Taylor

Abstract

 

From videos of rights violations, to satellite images of environmental degradation, to eyewitness accounts disseminated on social media, human rights practitioners have access to more data today than ever before. Modern technology - and the enhanced access it provides to information about abuse - has revolutionised both human rights reporting and documentation, as well as the pursuit of legal accountability and future policy. However, open source methods for information gathering and dissemination, have also created significant challenges for researchers and analysists as the capture and dissemination of content is often haphazard. For it to be of use for policy, advocacy and accountability, it must be discovered, verified, and authenticated.

This course will discuss the history, ethics, methods and best practices associated with open source research and how it can be incorporated into documentation and investigation processes for human rights advocacy and accountability.

By the end of the course students taking the course will:

1. Understand how to start, conduct and publish open source investigations

2. Be able to conduct verification on content source from the social web

3. Be able to consider the ethical and wellbeing challenges associated with open source investigations

4. Be familiar with the online tools needed to conduct open source investigations

5. Develop the mindset associated with open source investigations

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