International Programmes 2023/2024

Master of Science in Digital Health Digital Health

University of Potsdam • Potsdam

Degree
Master of Science
In cooperation with

This interdisciplinary Master's degree programme is offered by the Faculty of Digital Engineering, a faculty jointly founded by the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) and the University of Potsdam.

Teaching language
  • English
Languages

English is the language of instruction in the Digital Health Master’s programme.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

The application deadline is 1 June.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The progressive digitalisation of the medical field will continue to dramatically alter the healthcare landscape in the years to come. Technical innovations in the fields of hardware and software will allow more personalised prevention, more precise diagnoses, and more tailored therapies - which will mean better healthcare and lower costs in the long run.

The interdisciplinary, English-language Master's programme in Digital Health is aimed at computer science and medical students who want to work as highly qualified experts in the health sector at the interface between IT, computer science, and medicine. The programme covers the basic concepts and methods of IT systems engineering and data engineering as well as the basics of medicine. The programme also provides an understanding of different healthcare systems.

The Master of Science in Digital Health is a four-semester programme at the Faculty of Digital Engineering, a faculty jointly founded by the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) and the University of Potsdam.

During their studies, students acquire the skills to analyse, design, and implement complex and secure IT systems and infrastructures in the healthcare field. They also deal with ethical and legal issues relevant to the design of health systems.

Along with an excellent professional education in IT systems engineering, the Hasso Plattner Institute places great importance on teaching the interdisciplinary and key competencies (soft skills) that play a vital role in the successful management of large, networked IT projects.

In addition, topics about entrepreneurship and the innovative method of design thinking are integral parts of the curriculum.

Learn more about the Hasso Plattner Institute and the Master's programme "Digital Health".

Course organisation

Educational organisation:

  • 30% compulsory courses
  • 30% compulsory elective courses / specialisation areas
  • 5% compulsory elective courses / soft skills areas
  • 10% project lab
  • 25% Master's thesis

Scope of the Master's programme:

In order to graduate with a Master’s degree, 120 credits are required:

  • 24 credits in the module group Digital Health
  • 12 credits in the bridge module or other compulsory elective modules
  • 2 specialisation areas with 3 modules each (totalling 36 credits)
  • 6 credits in soft skills modules
  • 12 credits in the digital health project lab
  • 30 credits for the Master's project

Digital health project lab:

Students will work together on a selected, research-related question from the topic area of digital health. Students will be actively involved in the development of new solutions and gain deep insights into the current research work in the area, thereby consolidating their scientific work and writing.

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A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Integrated internships

Internships are not mandatory, but there are many opportunities: HPI provides up to ten internships per year at the research laboratories of a global software company. Internships in international companies are regularly arranged through the project partners of the HPI research groups.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). There is only an administrative fee of currently 316 EUR. This semester contribution includes a semester ticket entitling you to free use of public transport all over Brandenburg and Berlin.

Costs of living

Living in Germany is rather cheap compared to other countries in Northern and Western Europe. Monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam vary between 870 and 1,200 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

Admission information:

  1. Current or last certificate of university enrolment or a copy of an exmatriculation certificate from a German institution of higher education if you were enrolled in a programme after acquiring the degree on which your application for the Master's programme is based
  2. Documentation of citizenship (e.g. a copy of your passport)
  3. Proof of knowledge (at least 12 credit points [CP]) in data science, machine learning, statistical concepts, and models or empirical research processes
  4. Proof of programming skills in R, Python, Matlab, C++, Java, or other appropriate programming languages
  5. Proof of English language skills that correspond to at least the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (details below)
  6. Discipline-specific test
  7. Curriculum vitae
  8. Proof of additional qualifications earned outside of higher education, such as internships completed domestically and abroad and vocational training or activities
  9. Proof of special recognition of professional qualifications, for example, in the form of prizes or awards
  10. A written application for immediate admission in the context of a hardship quota (hardship application) and documentation required to substantiate such an application, if applicable
  11. Documentation of an earlier offer of admission or proof of a period of attendance, if applicable
  12. Documentation of qualification for the Brandenburg quota ("Profilquote"), if applicable
  13. A written application to shorten your waiting period as well as documentation required to substantiate such an application, if applicable
  14. A written application to improve your average grade as well as documentation to substantiate such an application, if applicable
  15. Documentation regarding ongoing or completed asylum proceedings, if applicable
Language requirements

The Digital Health Master's degree programme recognises the following certificates:

  • UNIcert: at least III
  • TOEFL Internet-Based Test: at least 95 points
  • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English: at least a B grade
  • IELTS “Academic” with at least seven points in every test component
  • Certificate of a degree from an English-language degree programme at an accredited institution of higher education
  • Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): at least a C grade
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: at least 76 points
  • For Chinese students: College English Test (CET): CET-6, at least 550 points

At the applicant's request, the examination board may determine that evidence other than that presented in sentences (1) and (2) confirms that an applicant's language skills in English correspond to at least a C1 level of the European Framework of Reference for Languages. The evidence must confirm appropriate skills in listening and reading comprehension and in written expression. Evidence is required of comprehensive and situation-appropriate communication skills that meet the linguistic requirements of academic study abroad and study in a country where English is the target language.

Application deadline

The application deadline is 1 June.

Submit application to

Please submit your application via uni-assist: online application form.

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. The German capital, Berlin, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.

Accommodation

There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Potsdam's Association for Student Affairs ("Studentenwerk Potsdam"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.

For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click this link.

Career advisory service

The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Accompanying programme
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
  • Visa matters

University of Potsdam

Content Bild
Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering © HPI / Kay Herschelmann

Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam (UP) is a modern and dynamic institution thoroughly focused on innovative teaching and research. In the 2022 Young University Ranking compiled by Times Higher Education (THE), the UP earned the spot at the top and was ranked #1 in Germany and #28 worldwide.

Situated in the multicultural area of Berlin-Brandenburg, the UP attracts more than 20,000 students from 127 countries. We offer a broad range of degree programmes in various fields, including a large number of English-language Master’s degree programmes. Moreover, you can choose from a number of specialised programmes, such as short-term summer courses or a preparatory year.

Students at the University of Potsdam benefit from our co-operations with more than 40 internationally renowned research institutes in the region, such as the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research or the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics. In fact, Potsdam is the city with the highest density of scientists and academics per capita in Germany.

With its many charming castles, surrounding woodland and lakes, Potsdam is the perfect choice for studying in an inspiring and history-soaked environment.

800 Number of students at the Hasso Plattner Institute
22 Number of research groups at the Hasso Plattner Institute

University location

A city of royal residences and enchanting park landscapes, the centre of the German enlightenment, a hotspot of international film production: Potsdam is all of this – and much more.

Potsdam can boast 17 royal palaces and grand buildings. It all started when the enlightened King Frederick the Great dreamt up the Sanssouci Palace and its magnificent park in 1745. Today Potsdam’s palaces and parks form one of Germany’s biggest UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

But living in Potsdam is not only about connecting with its historical heritage; there is also a rich cultural scene to discover. In the town centre, one can find lots of inspiring theatres, concert halls and museums. Potsdam is also home to one of the world’s oldest film studios, Studio Babelsberg. Famous films like Nosferatu, Metropolis, Inglorious Basterds or The Grand Budapest Hotel were filmed here.

The city also has a lot in store for nature addicts. Situated alongside the Havel River and surrounded by lakes and greenery, Potsdam is the perfect spot for long strolls, running, swimming and paddling outdoors. One can easily explore the city and its surroundings by bike.

As a young and medium-sized city, Potsdam offers good conditions for families, providing lots of childcare and family support facilities. Moreover, it provides a very safe living environment.

If you’re someone who enjoys big cities, then just hop on the next train and within only 30 minutes, you’ll reach Germany’s bustling capital of Berlin.

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