Bioinformatics University of Potsdam

Bioinformatics is considered one of the disciplines whose discoveries are expected to have a lasting mark on modern history. Without bioinformatics, the prospects of modern systems biology, systems medicine, and systems genetic would be unthinkable to achieve. These include: personalised and effective medicine, the development of new and efficacious drugs, and ensuring a high-quality supply of food. At its core, bioinformatics has the development of modern techniques for the analysis of large-scale biological data, which allows us to dissect the organising principles and functions of complex biological systems.

The English-language Master's degree programme in bioinformatics at the University of Potsdam provides the knowledge necessary to address the demands of the analysis of biological systems together with data gathered by various technologies. The programme is principally geared towards students with a Bachelor's degree in life sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, or physics – but is not intended for students studying chemistry, pharmacy or medicine. We assume that a thorough knowledge of the basics of natural sciences or computer sciences provides an advantage in mastering the cross-disciplinary science of bioinformatics.

For more information, please see here.

All information about the programme structure and course organisation can be found here.

All information concerning the admission requirements can be found here.

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 around 320 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 941 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.

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.

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. For more info, visit https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/career-service.

There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Brandenburg's Association for Student Affairs ("Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg"). 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.