Computer Science | Master

One degree program – many opportunities! The master’s degree program in Computer Science is characterized by its many practical components and interdisciplinarity. With a choice of six different tracks, students can specialize in a specific IT topic of their choice and also have the opportunity to develop their professional skills and foster international networks for their future career path.

At the Hasso Plattner Institute, students benefit from a good student/teacher ratio, a modern and green lakeside campus, and excellent contact opportunities in business and research.

The master’s degree program in Computer Science can be completed in four semesters at the joint Digital Engineering Faculty of the HPI and the University of Potsdam. The consecutive master’s degree program is science and research-oriented. It teaches in-depth scientific basics, advanced specialist knowledge, and skills in the field of computer science as well as advanced methodological, social, and HR skills.

The master’s degree program in Computer Science can be studied without a focus area (open track) or with one of the focus areas (tracks) “Data and AI”, “Algorithms and Foundations”, “Digital Health”, “Security Engineering”, or “Systems.”

The mandatory modules for all tracks include “Research Methods & Ethics” and “Critical Reading and Discussion”, which teach methodological skills in the fields of science and research. They are applied in the “Computer Science Lab” module, in which students work in project groups on a chosen research-related problem from one track of the degree program. In addition, students choose one of various practice-oriented professional skills modules, such as “Design Thinking”, “Entrepreneurship and Innovation”, or “Management and Leadership.”

Upon graduation, students obtain another professional qualification. They will be able to take on management and leadership positions, particularly in areas where the design, implementation, maintenance, and operation of complex IT systems, applications, infrastructures, and solutions play a key role (e.g. as a software architect, software project lead, IT consultant, software developer, application developer, software quality officer, data scientist, IT entrepreneur, etc.). In addition, they have in-depth specialist knowledge in their chosen tracks. Graduates are also able to carry out research and development work independently, set up companies with an IT focus, or gain further academic qualifications in a subsequent doctoral program. They are able to use the skills acquired during their studies to accompany and help shape the necessary change processes resulting from digitalization in business, science, and society.

In general, the prerequisite for master’s studies is a first academic degree qualifying for a profession, such as a bachelor’s degree, in a subject that is relevant to the master’s program and with a scope of at least 180 credit points. A subject is considered relevant to the master’s degree program if it fulfills the central subject-specific requirements for the master’s degree program in Computer Science. These are, for example, knowledge and experience of theoretical computer science, software development and programming languages, linear algebra and stochastics as well as computer engineering.

Applicants must provide proof of English language skills that correspond at least to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

You can read about the subject-specific admission requirements in the respective Admission Regulations.

In the four-semester master’s program, you earn a total of 120 credit points, consisting of the modules listed below and your master’s thesis.

For additional information, please consult the subject-specific degree regulations or the Departmental Advisory Office.

This description is based in part on information from the subject-specific regulations for a master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Potsdam dated February 7, 2024 (AmBek No. 9/24, p. 240).