This innovative 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.
English is the language of instruction in the Computer Science Master’s programme.
The application deadline is 1 June.
The Master's in Computer Science offers a comprehensive and challenging education. The course content is tailor-made for students who want to take their IT expertise to a new level.
Students can choose from six different tracks. This track structure allows our students to discover the diversity of computer science while specialising in the area that excites them the most. The tracks are based on our interdisciplinary research clusters:
In the "Open Track", modules from all areas can be taken, so that Computer Science can also be studied without specialisation.
In addition, special emphasis is placed on improving methodological skills at the research level. Through compulsory modules such as "Research Methods & Ethics" and "Critical Reading & Discussion," students learn to understand and implement ethical problems in the context of scientific activities.
Students at the Hasso Plattner Institute are also challenged and supported personally. Our curriculum integrates elective modules from the area of professional skills, which include courses in design thinking, entrepreneurship, and management.
Graduates are equipped with comprehensive IT expertise in technical and interdisciplinary skills.
In the Master's programme, the schedule can be arranged flexibly. Students individually choose their areas of specialisation from a wide variety of subjects.
Mandatory Modules: Computer Science
Elective Modules: Professional Skills
Choose from:
Focus Areas
Master's thesis
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.
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, which is currently 292 EUR. This semester contribution includes the "Deutschland-Semester-Ticket", which entitles you to free use of local public transport all over Germany.
The average monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam are 935 EUR, but this can vary between 600 and 1,100 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.
The scholarship programme offers the opportunity to continue an academic education in Germany with a postgraduate study programme in Computer Science (MSc).
The scholarships of 1,100 EUR/month are aimed at foreign students who demonstrate academic excellence, and who have not obtained their first academic degree in Germany. These scholarships are intended to enable students to finance their studies in Germany regardless of their income situation.
The following admission requirements apply to the Master's degree programme in Computer Science at the Hasso Plattner Institute:
All details on the admission requirements can be found in the subject-specific admission regulations (preliminary) for the Master's degree programme in Computer Science (in German only).
The application deadline is 1 June.
Please submit your application via uni-assist: online application form.
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 research assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.
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 very 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 here.
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.
Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam (UP) is a modern and dynamic institution thoroughly focused on innovative teaching and research. In the 2023 Young University Ranking compiled by Times Higher Education (THE), the UP earned the spot at the top and was ranked number in Germany and number 22 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 (PIK) 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.
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, the palaces and parks of Potsdam 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, Inglourious Basterds or The Grand Budapest Hotel were filmed and produced 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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