Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Management

Public Management & Governance (M.A.)

Q: How can I apply?

Secure your place on your desired degree programme easily online! Our campus management system HISinOne makes it possible: Simply upload all your application documents in PDF format to the relevant fields in the online portal, and if you need to submit any additional documents, that's no problem! You can easily send any missing documents by e-mail to our Student Service Centre: Simply contact us at ssz@hs-nordhausen.de.

Public Management & Governance - Manage, lead, shape - with you!

What is Public Management & Governance?

Public Management & Governance is concerned with the efficient management and administration of public organisations. It is about how public organisations can be managed in such a way that they respond effectively to the needs of citizens, implement laws and regulations efficiently and make optimum use of resources. Management strategies and governance methods play a central role in adapting the public sector to modern challenges.

Fields of work

A degree in Public Management & Governance opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the public sector. You can work in management positions in local or state administration, take on management roles in public organisations or work in political consulting. Other fields of activity include the management of non-profit organisations, the development of administrative strategies and the implementation of reform projects in public administration.

At a glance

Study programme	Info
Short description:	PMG
Academic degree:	Master of Arts (M.A.)
Standard period of study / scope of services:	3 semesters / 90 ECTS credits
Teaching language:	German
Study format:	StudyPractice, full-time
Study start:	either for the summer semester or the winter semester
Pre-internship:	not required
Application period:	from 1 April to 31 August via the university's online application system
Admission restriction:	none
Admission requirements:	A Bachelor's degree in an administrative, economic, legal or social science subject is required. A good final grade (minimum overall grade of 2.5 or ECTS grade "C") is required.
Tuition fees:	none

The Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences prepares you comprehensively for challenging management positions in public administration and other public sector institutions. In just three semesters, you will acquire the in-depth knowledge and practical skills you need to efficiently organise administrative processes and work in leading positions in the public sector.

The degree programme combines sound theory with practical application modules that will help you to master the challenges of modern public administration. With a clear focus on teaching management and governance skills, you will be optimally prepared for a career in the public sector, where you can make a decisive contribution to shaping and developing public institutions.

Information about the degree programme

Programme content

The degree programme provides in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the areas of administrative management, governance approaches, regulatory science and empirical methods. Important subject areas include controlling public institutions, process management, administrative marketing and organisational management, which you will learn in a modular study structure. In the third semester, you will write your Master's thesis, which is supported by an accompanying seminar.

Target group

The Master's programme is aimed at Bachelor's graduates from the fields of administrative sciences, economics, law and social sciences who aspire to a management role in the public sector. The programme is also suitable for those who wish to continue their career in the public sector and qualify for higher positions.

Career prospects

A Master's degree in Public Management & Governance opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the public sector and beyond. The skills and knowledge you acquire will qualify you for challenging management positions in various areas of public administration, state and municipal institutions and international organisations.

Typical occupational fields and areas of application:

Leadership in public administration:

You can take on management positions in ministries, city and municipal administrations, district offices or in authorities at state and federal level. In these roles, you will be responsible for strategic planning, the management of administrative processes and the implementation of political decisions.

Political counselling and policy making:

Your expertise in Public Management & Governance qualifies you to advise political decision-makers. You can work in think tanks, political consulting agencies or directly in ministries and contribute to the development and implementation of public policies. Here you will be able to provide well-founded analyses, develop governance strategies and design political programmes.

Management of non-profit organisations:

The non-profit sector also offers numerous career opportunities where you can utilise your skills. For example, you could take over the management of an NGO, lead strategic projects or be responsible for the operational and financial management of organisations in the social, cultural or environmental fields.

International public institutions:

International organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union or the World Bank are also looking for qualified specialists in the field of Public Management & Governance. You could work in development cooperation programmes, international administration projects or in global environmental policy, where you can apply your skills in an international context.

Public Finance and Controlling:

In this area, you can work in financial administration, at audit offices or in budget planning. Your task would be to manage public funds efficiently, monitor budgets and ensure the financial performance of public institutions.

Academic career and research:

With your Master's degree, you also have the opportunity to pursue an academic career. You could work in research or teaching, work at universities or pursue a doctorate to gain further expertise in the field of administrative sciences and governance.

Promotion opportunities:

In addition to the direct professional fields, the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance offers the opportunity to advance to the higher civil service, which gives you access to top positions in the public sector. After three years of professional experience in the senior civil service, you can also progress to civil servant status, which offers further career security and promotion opportunities.

Salary prospects:

The salary prospects for graduates of the degree programme are promising. You can expect an attractive salary in management positions in the public sector and in advisory roles. Access to the higher civil service in particular, which is possible with this Master's degree, offers very good long-term financial prospects.

What documents are required for the online application?

To apply, you will need a certified copy of your Bachelor's certificate and - if this is not or not fully recognisable - a list of all modules completed with grades and ECTS credit points.

Degree, recognition, accreditation

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Public Management & Governance. The degree programme is accredited by the Accreditation, Certification and Quality Assurance Institute (ACQUIN). The degree opens up access to the higher civil service.

Head of degree programme:

Prof Dr Stefan Zahradnik

Dean of the WiSo Faculty, Professor, Dean of Public Management Studies

+49 3631 420-541
Building 18, Room 18.0211

Advantages of public service

The civil service offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive career option. One of the biggest advantages is job security: employees and civil servants in the public sector enjoy a high level of job security, as their positions are independent of economic fluctuations and crises. In addition, jobs in the public sector often offer a good work-life balance with regular working hours and generous holiday arrangements.

Another advantage is the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to society. In the public sector, you work to promote the common good, be it through education, healthcare, security or administration. Career opportunities are also varied and range from administrative positions to specialised fields. Many jobs also offer opportunities for further training and promotion, enabling long-term growth in this field.

The salary is also attractive, especially when you consider the extensive additional benefits. These include, for example, a company pension scheme, benefits and, if applicable, the opportunity to become a civil servant, which brings further financial and professional advantages.

Overall, the public sector offers a stable, meaningful and varied career with good opportunities for development and promotion.

Details

Orders

The regulations for your degree programme, published in the official announcements of the HSN:

11/2023

General Examination Regulations for the Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in Public Management at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences

10/2023

Second amendment to the study regulations for the Master's programme in Public Management & Governance at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences

10/2019

First amendment to the examination regulations for the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance

04/2018

First amendment to the study regulations for the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance

04/2015

Winter semester 2015/16

Study regulations for the Master's programme in Public Management & Governance

Examination regulations for the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance

14/2012

Winter term 2012/13

Second amendment to the study regulations for the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance

Examination regulations for the Bachelor's degree programme in Social Management

03/2010

Summer term 2010

Study regulations for the Master's programme in Public Management & Governance

Examination regulations for the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance

09/2009

First amendment to the study regulations and examination regulations for the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance

04/2007

Study regulations for the Master's programme in Public Management & Governance

Examination regulations for the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance

04/2012

Second amendment to the examination regulations for the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance

Note:
Semester details apply to first-time enrolments from this date (e.g. valid for first-time enrolment from winter semester 2020/2021)

Module handbook:

PMG modules

Flyer:

PMG

Flyer PMG

FAQ

Below you will find a summary of some of the questions about the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance that are frequently asked by the student advisory service. If you have any further questions, we will of course be happy to answer them.

Application and admission:

A consecutive Master's degree programme builds on the content of a professionally qualifying degree programme and serves to continue and deepen the subject matter and/or expand it in an interdisciplinary manner. For this reason, admission to the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance requires a suitable first degree in administration, economics, law or social sciences and, depending on the content of the completed degree programme, a qualification adjustment through bridging modules.

Yes, for admission to the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance, it is only important that your Bachelor's degree is in administration, economics, law or social sciences and that you have a qualified degree. The name of the academic degree does not matter.

No. As this is a consecutive Master's degree programme, there are no tuition fees. However, if the total standard period of study of the first degree programme and the consecutive Master's degree programme is exceeded by more than four semesters, fees of 500.00 euros/semester must be paid. Further details and special regulations can be found in the Thuringian Higher Education Fees and Charges Act (ThürHGEG) of 21 December 2006 (GVBl. p. 601), last amended by Article 15 of the Act of 11 June 2020 (GVBl. p. 277, 284). In addition, fees of EUR 74.00/semester are payable to the Studierendenwerk, EUR 5.00/semester to the student body, EUR 49.48/semester for the DB Regio Thüringen semester ticket and EUR 32.10/semester for the public transport ticket, i.e. a total of EUR 160.58/semester (as at: winter semester 2023/2024). For the first semester, there is an additional one-off charge of 20.00 euros for the thoska card, unless you already have one from your previous studies.

Please apply online or complete an "Application for admission to the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance". Submit the required documents to the Study Service Centre at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences. This is possible until 28 February (for studies starting in the summer semester) and until 31 August (for studies starting in the winter semester). If you fulfil the admission requirements, you will then receive a letter of admission authorising you to enrol as soon as you have paid the fees for the first semester. If you have to complete bridging modules, this will be indicated on the letter of admission.

Yes, this is possible. If it is expected that you will fulfil the admission requirements, you will receive a letter of admission subject to the fulfilment of the admission requirements. You can then enrol as soon as you fulfil the admission requirements and have paid the fees for the first semester. If you are unable to provide proof of meeting the admission requirements by the start of the semester, but have already submitted your final thesis (Bachelor's or Diplom thesis), you can be provisionally enrolled, but must then provide proof of completion by 25 October (for enrolment for the winter semester) or 25 April (for enrolment for the summer semester). If you are enrolled at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, you may already attend the courses of the Master's degree programme.

Bridge modules:

In accordance with international requirements, 300 ECTS credits are required for a Master's degree, including the previous degree programme. These are usually acquired in degree programmes with standard study periods of ten semesters in total (30 ECTS credits/semester). The Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance comprises a study volume of 90 ECTS credits. If you have earned fewer than 210 ECTS credits through your first professionally qualifying degree - this usually applies to degree programmes with a standard period of study of six semesters - the missing ECTS credits must be earned through bridging modules. If you have already earned 210 ECTS credits, bridging modules may still be required to enable you to continue your first professionally qualifying degree programme consecutively (qualification adjustment).

If at least 10 credits have not been acquired in the previous degree programme through business administration content from the fields of human resources, organisation, investment, financing, accounting, controlling and/or management, the missing credits must be made up in bridging modules. If you have not earned at least 10 credits in the field of public law in your previous degree programme, you must make up the missing credits in bridging modules. You can also choose bridge modules from the wide range of our degree programmes according to your interests. It is only not possible to choose modules as bridging modules that are already covered by your previous degree programme.

You will be enrolled on the Master's degree programme when you start your studies at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences. You can already complete modules on the Master's degree programme from the first semester. You complete the bridge modules until you register for the Master's thesis. If you have to catch up on bridging modules totalling 30 ECTS credits (especially because you only earned 180 ECTS credits in your first professional degree), you will generally need four semesters for the Master's degree programme. Individual bridging modules can usually be completed "on the side" without extending the duration of your studies (with "overtime", of course).

This is possible and can sometimes shorten the overall duration of your studies. If, for example, you have some time left over during your first professional degree programme, you can complete additional modules at the respective university, which will be credited to you as bridging modules at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences. The decisive factor is that you achieve a total of 210 ECTS credits through your first professionally qualifying degree and, if necessary, the bridging modules and thus cover the content expected for admission to the consecutive Master's degree programme. It is up to you to decide at which state or state-recognised university you complete the bridge modules. Please seek advice from the Dean of Studies before you specifically complete bridging modules at another university to ensure that you can then start the Master's programme without any conditions or that the modules will be credited to you as bridging modules. You are welcome to contact the Dean of Studies, Prof Dr Zahradnik.

If you have completed the Bachelor's degree programme in Public Business Administration/Public Management or the Bachelor's degree programme in Social Management with 210 ECTS credits at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, you do not need any bridging modules.

If you have completed the Bachelor's degree programme in Health and Social Services or the Bachelor's degree programme in Curative Education/Inclusive Studies with 210 ECTS credits at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, you will generally have to make up 10 ECTS credits of bridging modules in business administration.

If you have completed the Bachelor's degree programme in Business Administration or the Bachelor's degree programme in International Business at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, you must complete a sufficient number of bridging modules to achieve a total of 300 ECTS credits by the time you graduate with a Master's degree. As a rule, these are bridging modules totalling 30 ECTS credits (if you have not already completed voluntary additional work during your Bachelor's degree). Of these, at least 10 credits must be earned through content from the field of public law.

Access to the higher civil service:

The Master's degree programme opens up access to the higher civil service and is therefore equivalent to Master's degree programmes at universities in this respect. However, "access to the higher civil service" should not be confused with a "career qualification", as can be obtained, for example, as a result of completing our Bachelor's degree programme in Public Business Administration/Public Management for the higher non-technical administrative service. While the two practical semesters in the Bachelor's degree programme correspond to the preparatory service and the Bachelor's examination can replace the career examination for the higher non-technical administrative service, a preparatory service (administrative traineeship) and a career examination would have to be added to the Master's degree programme in order to obtain the "career qualification for the higher service". However, after completing the Master's degree programme, employment as an employee in a pay grade corresponding to the higher civil service (EG 13 TVöD/TV-L) is possible, as well as subsequent appointment as a civil servant. The federal and state governments have made different regulations for their respective areas of responsibility. It is usually possible to become a civil servant after two and a half or three years of employment at the higher civil service level.

Why you should study Public Management & Governance at HSN:

The decision to study the Master's degree programme in Public Management & Governance at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences offers you a wide range of benefits that will prepare you optimally for a successful career in the public sector.

Practice-orientated learning:

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences attaches great importance to practical training. The Public Management & Governance degree programme is designed in such a way that you not only acquire theoretical knowledge, but can also apply it directly in real projects and case studies. Through close cooperation with public administrations, ministries and non-profit organisations, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience and build a network in the industry.

Individual support and small study groups:

With us, you benefit from a personal learning atmosphere characterised by small study groups and direct contact with professors and other teaching staff. This individual support enables you to organise your studies according to your personal interests and strengths and to receive intensive support. The close collaboration with experienced teaching staff helps you to develop your skills in a targeted manner.

Modern equipment and innovative teaching methods:

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences has modern facilities and excellent technical equipment to provide you with optimal conditions for your studies. You will be familiarised with the latest technologies and software solutions. In addition, HSN uses innovative teaching methods such as blended learning, which gives you flexibility in your learning.

Strong regional and international networking:

HSN is not only excellently networked in the Thuringia region, but also internationally. You benefit from co-operations with public institutions, companies and universities, which offer you a wide range of opportunities for internships, project work and exchange. This network opens doors to exciting career prospects both in Germany and internationally.

Highly recognised and accredited:

The Public Management & Governance degree programme at HSN is accredited by the renowned accreditation, certification and quality assurance institute ACQUIN. This accreditation confirms the high quality of the degree programme and the recognition of the degrees both nationally and internationally. This gives you the certainty that you are receiving a high-quality education that offers you the best opportunities on the labour market.

Sustainability and social responsibility:

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is known for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The Public Management & Governance degree programme prepares you to take into account not only economic and organisational aspects, but also social and ecological aspects in your future career. This value-orientation of HSN runs through all course content and makes you a manager who is committed to the sustainable development of society.

Attractive study conditions:

In addition to an excellent academic education, HSN also offers you attractive study conditions. These include low semester fees, a lively campus culture and a high quality of life in the region. The familiar atmosphere of the university and its proximity to nature make Nordhausen an ideal place for your studies.

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Contact

How can I apply?

It's easy to secure your place on your desired degree programme online!

Our Campus Management System HISinOne makes it possible:

Simply upload all your application documents in PDF format to the relevant fields in the online portal.
And if you still need to submit something, that is No problem! You can easily send missing documents by e-mail to our Study Service Centre:
Simply contact us at .

How can I finance my studies?

We know that student budgets are often tight. That's why we want to reassure you right away: At our university there are No tuition fees!

To support you in financing your studies, we provide you with the following information at BAföG helpful tips on how to apply and ensure that your application is complete. You will also find important contacts there.
We want to support and encourage particularly talented and motivated students.

Under Scholarships you will find information on various scholarship programmes. There are also other funding options, such as the 'StudiumThüringenPlus' study start-up grant, parental funding, child benefit and the opportunity to earn your own money through a student job.

What is the difference between studying at a college and a university?

Unlike at a university, you will receive more support in your learning process at our university. We provide learning objective control questions, enable you to deepen your knowledge through exercises and also facilitate a great deal of interaction in lectures and seminars. These are big differences to courses with >300 students.