The University of Potsdam - A portrait
Studying
An Excellent Choice!
Twelve Reasons for Studying at the University of Potsdam
Young, modern, close to research - these terms describe Potsdam's Alma Mater twenty years after its foundation. Students are making a conscious decision to come to this university. Here are their most commonly stated reasons:
Photo: Th. Roese
Because good teaching is important to the University of Potsdam
The University of Potsdam is the largest institution of higher learning in the federal state of Brandenburg, but its size is still manageable. Personal contact between students and faculty is important. Students find their way around quickly, and it does not take long before they feel at home. The faculty is highly motivated and "in touch" with the students' problems, expectations, and attitudes.
Because unique programs are offered
The university is committed to variety: each and everyone will find the right combination of academic programs. Some programs only exist here, such as Jewish Studies, which investigate the history and the present of Judaism. Or patholinguistics, which for example study speech impediments and their therapy. The Hasso Plattner Institute, which is affiliated with the university, offers practically oriented training programs for IT-engineers - a degree from this program is practically a job guarantee. Furthermore, the German-French course of study option provided by the Law Faculties of the University of Potsdam and the University of Paris Ouest-Nanterre is unique. Potsdam's Alma Mater is also the only institution for teacher training in the state of Brandenburg.
Because the focus is on my future
What you study at the University of Potsdam is closely informed by current research. Besides knowledge of the field, the professionally focused Bachelor education program also teaches the "soft skills" that are required on the job market. The continuing Master's programs are application and academically oriented. This enables a focused approach towards cutting-edge research and excellence and offers the opportunity to continue on with a dissertation. From the very beginning students are integrated into research. The excellent networking with extramural research institutions in the region offers additional opportunities. And last but not least, the university offers professional counseling to students who want to start up their own business and prepares them for a life as entrepreneurs. The University of Potsdam's start-up service is considered one of the best in Germany.
Because it is a great place to live
With its Campus Am Neuen Palais at Park Sanssouci, the University of Potsdam is likely one of the most beautifully situated German universities. Where else can you take seminars in such historical buildings? In this cultural landscape you can feel the spirit of great scholars and artists, and the almost Mediterranean ease of the palace garden inspires the mind.
Because the facilities are up-to-date
Some of the buildings may look historical from the outside, but they are modern inside. The new seminar and lecture hall building on Campus Griebnitzsee or the new buildings for the natural sciences on Campus Golm are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment - including an electron microscope and mass spectrometer. Campus-wide WLAN allows anyone with a laptop computer to go online. On Campus Golm, a new information, communication, and media center will open in 2010. This center will hold about 1 million books.
Because you are right in the middle of a large research network
Berlin-Brandenburg is one of the largest and most important science regions in Europe. Apart from the University of Potsdam, the big Berlin universities, and a number of universities of applied sciences, there are about a hundred institutes from which the students benefit. They can visit lectures here, find a spot for an internship with relative ease, or simply visit a research laboratory. Naturally, many institutes also offer jobs for students, and there is probably no book that cannot be found at one of the many libraries in the region.
Because I am mobile here
With the University of Potsdam's semester ticket, our students are more mobile here than in any other university town. The ticket is valid for the municipal transportation system as well as for regional trains. Without additional costs, one can travel through Berlin and the entire state of Brandenburg. With only a small surcharge even the Baltic Sea or Dresden can be reached comfortably and quickly.
Because it is an open and tolerant place
The open and tolerant climate at the university and the chance at first-hand access to German history and culture attract many students from abroad. The personal character of the university makes it easy to establish contacts to other students and to make new friends. The tandem initiative finds German students who will advise foreign students in matters relating to their study, take them along to parties, and accompany them in daily life. It is an exchange that benefits both sides.
Because equal opportunity is a given
Students with disabilities arrive at a university that is consistently working on implementing equal opportunities. There has been a deliberate break with outdated ways of thinking that focused on disability as a sign of neediness. Instead, students with and without disabilities create a "university for everyone."
Because children are welcome here
The University of Potsdam is a family-friendly university with child-care and a playground. A broad range of consulting and support services helps student-parents to manage both studying and raising a family.
Because Berlin is just outside the front door
No other city in Germany and few metropolises in the world have such an allure for creative and young people as the German capital. Potsdam's students can participate in this exciting life any time. Comfortable and easy access to Berlin's nightlife is possible by bus and train.
Because there are no tuition fees
NIt is hard to believe: all of Potsdam's benefits are available without paying more!
The University of Potsdam will not introduce tuition in the foreseeable future.
