The language of instruction is English. German language skills are not required.
15 August for the following winter semester
Healthy eating and physical activity are fundamental lifestyle factors that profoundly influence health throughout one's life. They serve as the cornerstones of healthy development, maintenance, and disease prevention, playing pivotal roles in mitigating non-communicable, lifestyle-related diseases at both individual and population levels. Dietary choices and exercise habits impact various aspects of health, including body composition, musculoskeletal integrity, physical and cognitive performance, mental well-being, and the prevalence of metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases.
In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged concerted action against the global burden posed by leading risk factors—namely, tobacco consumption, unhealthy dietary patterns, and sedentary lifestyles—calling for integrated efforts across health sciences, prevention, and treatment.
Our Master's degree programme addresses critical epidemiological, psychological, behavioural, and public health dimensions of well-being. Through its interdisciplinary approach to lifestyle-related physical and mental illnesses as well as conditions that are increasingly pertinent to ageing populations, the programme confronts demographic shifts and their implications. Emphasising a research-oriented framework, it empowers students to bolster interprofessional health research, contributing to the evolution of innovative medical care models and the scientific validation of preventive strategies, optimal medical interventions, and rehabilitation protocols.
By the end of the programme, students acquire comprehensive understanding of the following:
Moreover, students develop the capacity to:
The Master's programme in Public Health, Exercise, and Nutrition is structured around four core disciplines: Society & Health, Public Health, Exercise Science, and Nutrition Science.
During the first semester, which commences in the winter semester of 2024/25, students delve into theoretical and methodological fundamentals across all four disciplines, forming the foundational component of the programme. These basics lay the groundwork upon which advanced analytical techniques and applied methods are built during the specialisation phase in the second semester.
In the third semester, known as the elective phase, students have the opportunity to select two disciplines from the four offered for a research internship. During this semester, they apply the knowledge acquired from both the foundational and specialised segments of the programme within the specific departments and laboratories conducting research.
Finally, in the fourth semester, students undertake their Master's theses, drawing upon the comprehensive understanding and skills developed throughout the programme.
https://www.fgw-brandenburg.de/en/studies-teaching/study-offerings/courses/master-public-health/
The third semester presents an exciting opportunity for students to plan an international stay abroad and apply to renowned laboratories or scientific institutions worldwide. Engaging in research within an international context not only broadens students' perspectives but also enhances their cross-cultural understanding and academic prowess.
In the elective phase during the third semester, students have the flexibility to choose two disciplines from the four offered—Society & Health, Public Health, Exercise, and Nutrition—for a research internship. During this period, they apply the theoretical foundations and specialised knowledge gained from earlier parts of the programme in practical research settings within specific departments and laboratories.
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.
15 August for the following winter semester
https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/application-enrollment/application-master/admissions-portal
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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