Predominantly, Hertie School's students have backgrounds in law, economics, political science and international relations and pursue a Master of Public Policy or Master of International Affairs degree. The school offers its students the opportunity to complete a "professional year" at a multinational corporation, government ministry or an international organization. In addition to this possibility, research collaboration with faculty is encouraged. The Hertie School also offers an Executive Masters of Public Administration and will, as of September 2021, welcome its first cohort for the newly established Master of Data Science for Public Policy programme.