Politics and economics are no longer separate areas. The interaction and links between the two sectors have increased dramatically during the recent years due to a step-up in market regulations and compliance protocols. Furthermore, the set of stakeholders that have gained influence in the decision-making processes of businesses has expanded steadily, reflecting a mature civil society. Nevertheless, both sectors still have different governance requirements and distinct functionalities that challenge these essential ties and mutual understanding. At the same time, civil society organisations have witnessed a dramatic rise in their importance and influence.
This certificate focuses on the interface between these three sectors. The ability to capture opportunities and to cooperate with other sectors will be a key competence acquired, driving the transformation to a government that has the necessary governance capabilities.
Three of the following seminars or workshops*
- Social Innovation for Public Purpose (30 October - 01 November 2025)
- Bureaucracies & Evidence-Based Policy-Making (20 - 22 November 2025)
- Effective Decision-Making in Government and Business (01 - 03 December 2025)
- Public Policy & Demographic Change (CIVICA Honours Seminar) (26 - 29 January 2026)
- Challenges to Democracy in the 21st Century (02 - 06 February 2026, online)
- Budgeting & Priority-Setting in Government (16 - 18 February 2026)
- When to Trust the Numbers: Informed Data Consumption (04 - 06 March 2026)
- Sustainability (26 - 28 March 2026)
- Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Implications and Societal Impact (30 March - 1 April 2026)
- Microeconomics of the Public Sector (07 - 09 May 2026)
- Workshop in Brussels (02 - 05 June 2026)
One of the following skills trainings*
- Looking at the Future: Foresight & Scenario-Building Methods (05 - 07 November 2025)
- Public Affairs (18 - 19 November 2025)
- Managing Non-Profit & Non-Governmental Organisations (24 - 25 November 2025)
- Scenario-Building & Foresight (04 - 05 December 2025)
- Writing for Impact & Structuring Policy Communications (02 - 03 March 2026)
- Negotiation & Mediation (21 - 22 April 2026)
- Political Communication (11 - 12 May 2026)
*Participants make their choice.
Most courses take place on an annual basis.
Target group
Professionals from all sectors (public, private, and from NGOs)
Requirements
- Higher education degree
- At least three years of relevant professional experience (average is ten years)
- Good knowledge of English
Workload
- Three seminars and one skills training, amounting to a total of 11-12 days.
- Additional time for the preparation of the seminars, as well as for the follow-up assignments.
- 11 ECTS credits are acquired.
Seminar fee
8,800 euros per certificate (9,890 euros if certificate includes a workshop).
Certificate fees are exempted from tax according to Value Added Tax Act (UStG) §4 Nr. 21a. In Germany and many other countries, tuition fees for continuing education programmes are also fully tax-deductible as professional training expenses.
Certificate fee includes (unless otherwise indicated):
Attendance, online access to course literature before the seminars, materials during the seminars, beverages in the Hertie School cafeteria (open on weekdays), correction and rating of assignments, and a final certificate after full and successful attendance (11 ECTS credits are acquired). Participants of the certificate programme must complete the certificate within two years. Most courses take place on an annual basis. All seminars take place at the Hertie School in Berlin, workshops take place in London or Brussels.
Registration
Registration is possible throughout the year, on a first-come, first-serve basis via our online application module. Admission is subject to availability.
