Willy Brandt School of Public Policy

Hidden within the University of Erfurt, the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy isn’t just another building. It’s a crucible where future leaders are forged. Established in 2002, the Willy Brandt School was Germany’s first public policy school, offering a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree. The school’s namesake, Willy Brandt, is a significant figure, chosen not just for his political prowess but also for his connection to Erfurt. In 1970, Brandt attended the first German-German summit meeting in Erfurt, receiving a hero’s welcome from the city’s residents. The school echoes Brandt’s focus on east-west and north-south dialogues, emphasizing international cooperation and understanding. The MPP program itself is a rigorous two-year journey. Students delve into policy analysis, administration, management, and research methods. This intensive program even requires a mandatory internship, giving students real-world experience. What truly sets the Willy Brandt School apart is its global perspective. Students from 30 to 40 different countries fill its classrooms, creating a vibrant, diverse learning environment. This international focus is further enhanced by the school’s curriculum, which includes comparative public policy, cross-cultural collaboration strategies, and heterodox approaches to economic analysis. The Willy Brandt School isn’t just training individuals; it’s cultivating a network of future leaders equipped to tackle global challenges. They leave prepared to make a difference, carrying with them the legacy of Willy Brandt and the innovative spirit of the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy.