Digital Health University of Potsdam

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".

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
• two specialisation areas with three 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.

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.

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.

Admission information:

1. Proof of a first professional qualifying university degree (e.g. Bachelor's degree) in Computer Science or a related subject
2. Proof of the content and structure of the academic training
3. Documents providing complete proof of all previous periods of study
4. Current and complete curriculum vitae in tabular form from the age of 16
5. Proof of knowledge in data science, machine learning, statistical concepts and models or empirical research processes
6. Proof of programming skills in R, Python, Matlab, C++, Java or another suitable programming language
7. Proof in the areas of “Principles of IT Systems” and “Fundamentals of Programming” or in the areas of “Introduction to Principles of Medicine” and “Fundamentals of Healthcare Systems”
8. Proof of language skills in English
9. Proof of nationality
10. Answers to the questions of the subject-specific test
11. Proof of qualifications acquired outside the university system
12. Evidence of special subject-related achievements
13. APS certificate for applications with a school or university degree from India, China or Vietnam
14. Translations, if applicable

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 currently amounts to 322 EUR. This semester contribution includes a "Deutschlandticket" entitling you to free use of 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 and if you're living in Berlin or Potsdam. 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.