Is Germany a good choice for a BA History graduate, and should they pursue international relations, public policy, or European studies?
Yes, Germany works well given its tuition free public universities and DAAD funding options. Choose International Relations for diplomacy roles, Public Policy for a data driven path into government, or European Studies as the most natural extension of a modern European history background.
You are in a strong position as a history graduate, since Germany's tuition free public universities and DAAD funding make advanced study genuinely affordable. Your choice between the three tracks should follow your career interest rather than picking whichever sounds most prestigious.
Comparing Your Three Options
| Track | Best Historical Fit | Career Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations | Diplomatic, military history | Diplomat, analyst, NGO strategist |
| Public Policy | Socio-economic history | Policy advisor, civil servant |
| European Studies | Modern European, Cold War history | EU administration, think tanks |
Programmes Worth Researching
- Master of International Affairs at the Hertie School, Berlin
- Master of Public Policy at Hertie or the Willy Brandt School, Erfurt
- European Studies at Flensburg University or Göttingen
My Advice
If numbers make you nervous, take a short quantitative refresher before starting Public Policy, since it leans heavily on data analysis. Whichever track you pick, start basic German now, since C1 fluency is what actually opens local government and policy jobs beyond international NGOs.
Looking for a specific course in Germany?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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