Apply today for the Master of Data Science for Public Policy and join us this fall.
You asked, we listened! We’ve extended the deadline for the Master of Data Science for Public Policy until 1 June 2021 so that you have some extra time to put your application documents together. Questions about our admissions requirements? Join our upcoming Q&A session on the MDS programme, and check out our application tips blog series for some helpful hints on your CV, letter of motivation, transcripts, reference letters and English proficiency test results.
And now, some frequently asked questions (and our answers) about the MDS:
Yes! Applicants from all academic disciplines may apply. You should, however, be able to demonstrate quantitative and/or technical skills through prior academic, professional or personal experience. This could include:
- courses you took during your undergraduate studies in math or statistics
- programming or coding skills you gained inside or outside the classroom
- hackathons or coding bootcamps you participated in
- personal projects that showcase your quantitative and technical skills
… and more! Make sure to highlight all of this in your CV and upload any relevant certificates or samples of your work with your application.
If you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies you for the MDS, reach out to cardinal[at]hertie-school[at]hertie-school[dot]org!
No, prior coding experience is not necessary. In place of coding skills, applicants may have taken advanced courses in statistics and mathematics during their undergraduate studies. It is also possible to develop your coding skills before starting the programme through free or paid online courses. We would recommend learning to code with R and Python since these are the main programming languages in the MDS.
No, work experience is not a requirement to apply. When it comes to showing us your professional skills, we encourage you also to think beyond employment. For example, have you worked on any personal or extracurricular projects where your quantitative or technical skills came in handy?
Some students may indeed start the MDS programme having worked before, but we’ve also integrated professional development in data science into the MDS curriculum so that those who don’t have prior work experience also have a solid launching pad for their careers.
We will still award financial aid – partial tuition waivers covering between 10% and 50% of the tuition fees – to eligible candidates who submit their MDS applications by 1 June. The latest deadline for our full scholarships such as the Digital Governance Scholarship is on 1 May and cannot be extended.
How can I learn more about the MDS programme?
Register for our upcoming events for prospective data science students!
- 11 May | Careers in Data Science: coffee chat with Cosmonauts & Kings – with Hertie School grad Carlos Ahumada (MPP 2019)
- 12 May | Q&A: Master of Data Science for Public Policy
- 19 May | Q&A: Master of Data Science for Public Policy
And don’t hesitate to drop us an email at grad-admissions[at]hertie-school[dot]org. We’re happy to jump on a one-on-one call to answer your questions, and we’re always here to help!
