Executive Master of Public Management (EMPM)

Contents

The programme is divided into fixed modules: Eight compulsory core courses in the field of Governance and Management (Module 1 and 2), three electives from the chosen area of concentration (Module 3) as well as two additional electives (Module 4), two practical skills courses as well as a one-week workshop in Brussels or Copenhagen (Module 5) and the Master's thesis (Module 6).

In Module 1 ("Understanding Governance"), participants learn about traditional and current governance challenges. The different kinds of actors operating in inter-sectoral networks are analysed, as well as the impact this phenomenon has on modern policy-making. Governance is not only analysed in an international and inter-sectoral perspective or with a focus on the interaction between various institutions from the same sector, but the intra-organisational aspect is tackled just as much.

In Module 2 ("Management: Concepts, Instruments and Finances"), participants learn to critically analyse and deal with various dimensions of management. Participants are provided with an overview of the key concepts of strategic management, performance management, and human resource management, focusing on the underlying theories and main concepts. Participants also learn to assess and design measures and instruments necessary for long-term success. Moreover, this module elaborates on key issues of financial management in general and the public sector in particular.

A particular advantage of the EMPM programme is the wide range of electives, which suits the participants' diversity of backgrounds and interests. The electives deepen the knowledge conveyed in the core courses. Participants choose five out of more than fifteen electives offered each year. While three of the chosen electives (Module 3: "Concentration") must be from one of the three Areas of Concentration ("Leadership and Management", "Financial Management and Methods", or "Intersectoral Management"), the other two electives (Module 4: "Complement") can be chosen from any of the Areas of Concentration.

The Professional Development module (Module 5) provides participants with practical training in areas such as presentation, team-building, project management or negotiation (skills courses) and gives them an in-depth-insight into either the day-to-day work in the European context (Workshop in Brussels), or into certain fields of the Danish public management system (Workshop in Copenhagen).

Last but not least, participants complete their studies in the Master's Thesis (Module 6) which they mostly write in cooperation with a practical partner, often with their employer.

In each module the participants receive credit points in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (60 ECTS in total). There is no final examination.

Accreditation

The EMPM is a fully accredited (ACQUIN) programme. The Hertie School of Governance is an accredited and state-recognised institution of higher education in Germany.

Funding details

Most students will be sponsored by their home institutions, which will cover all or part of the costs. A limited number of scholarships (full/partial tuition waivers) are available within the EMPM programme. The funds will be granted with a view to the quality of the application, the diversity of the student body and the financial need of the applicant. A selection committee, composed by Staff and Faculty members of both Hertie School of Governance and University of Potsdam will decide about admission and stipends. These fees only account for a small percentage of the overal annual budget of the School. The main part of the budget is provided by the Hertie-Foundation.

Applications for scholarships must be submitted online after the submission of the online application form by 15 March 2012. In view of the limited number of scholarships, candidates should seek alternative sources early.

EMPM candidates may also apply for scholarships of various institutions and foundations.

Apart from scholarships, financial support is also available through student loans. As the Hertie School has been added to the master designation list of educational institutions for Canada and the United States of America, we are authorized to certify "in-school" loan deferment applications for students from the U.S. and Canada.

In 12 of the 16 German Länder legislation allows employees to attend continuing education courses (paid educational leave – Bildungsurlaub) for several working days per year with no loss in earnings.

In Germany, tuition fees are also tax-deductible as professional training expenses.