Computer Science University of Potsdam

The Master's in Computer Science at HPI is more than just a degree – it is an invitation to be at the forefront of technological development and actively shape the world of tomorrow – whether it's achieving better security on the internet or more precise diagnoses in medicine.

The track structure allows you to explore the diversity of computer science while taking on the track and in an area that excites you the most. With the Open Track, you will be able to mix and match your unique path.

Five plus one tracks

1. Algorithms and Foundations
2. Data and AI
3. Digital Health
4. Security Engineering
5. Systems
6. Open Track

Additionally, we place special emphasis on improving your methodological skills in scientific work. You will learn to understand and address ethical issues related to scientific conduct through mandatory modules such as:

• “Research Methods & Ethics”
• “Critical Reading & Discussion"

You will also be personally challenged and supported in the Computer Science Master's at HPI. Our curriculum integrates elective modules in the area of "Professional Skills", including courses in “Design Thinking”, “Entrepreneurship”, and Management. Technical and interdisciplinary skills will be learned, making you a graduate with comprehensive IT expertise and enhanced soft skills.

You will work collaboratively on a selected research-related question – also application-related through our project partners – in one of the study programme tracks. Through your active participation in the development of innovative solutions, you will gain deep insights into current research work and strengthen your skills in scientific work and writing.

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

• Computer Science Lab
• Research Methods & Ethics
• Critical Reading and Discussion

Elective Modules: Professional Skills
Choose from:

• Design Thinking
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Law and Compliance
• Management and Leadership
• Technology Communication and Transfer

Focus Areas

• Data and AI
• Algorithms and Foundations
• Systems
• Digital Health
• Security Engineering
• Open Track

Master's thesis

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.

The degree programme does not include a traditional internship semester; instead, the so-called Master's project, or "lab," is completed in the third semester. Here, students collaborate in project groups to create workable answers to a chosen, research-related problem. The Master's projects are frequently associated with well-known partnerships. The core of contemporary business, industry, and societal issues forms the basis of the research-based work.

Also, HPI collaborates with diverse partners that offer internships in worldwide companies, e.g. SAP. Find out more about our partnerships here.

We advise taking a semester off for longer internships (which cannot be done in the first semester). View the section here: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/studying/forms-documents.

For the Master's programme in Computer Science at HPI, the following admission requirements apply.

1. A Bachelor's degree* with a minimum total of 180 credit points in either Computer Science, IT-Systems Engineering, Data Science or related fields is needed.

   Further you need to show proficiency:

2. Totalling at least 14 credit** points: Algorithms, Data Structures, and Theoretical Computer Science 
3. Totalling at least 15 credit** points: Software Development and Programming Languages 
4. Totalling at least 15 credit** points: Discrete Structures and Logic, Analysis and Linear Algebra, and Stochastics 
5. Totalling at least 10 credit** points: Technical Computer Science such as Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, or Distributed Systems 
6. English proficiency: at least at the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

* or an equivalent first professional qualifying university degree

** Proof of proficiency is required for admission and must be submitted in full at the time of application. This qualification cannot be obtained after admission.

Please check out the HPI website here to know exactly which documents you need to have for your application.

No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). However, there is an administrative fee that includes a semester ticket entitling you to free use of public transport all over Brandenburg and Berlin as well as regional/local trains all over Germany.
More information here

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.

Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam (UP) is a modern and dynamic institution thoroughly focused on innovative teaching and research. In the 2025 Young University Ranking compiled by Times Higher Education (THE), the UP earned the spot at the top and was ranked number 1 in Germany and number 17 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.