Computer Science

This English-taught Master's in Computer Science at the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI, University of Potsdam) prepares you to work at the leading edge of computing — from improving internet security to enabling more accurate medical diagnoses. The curriculum is organized into focused tracks so you can dive deeply into the areas that interest you most while still exploring the breadth of the discipline. An Open Track allows you to combine courses across areas to create a personalised study path.

You will develop strong methodological skills for scientific work and learn to handle ethical questions in research through compulsory modules such as “Research Methods & Ethics” and “Critical Reading & Discussion.” The programme also builds transferable skills: elective modules in “Professional Skills” cover topics like Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship and Management so you graduate with both technical expertise and enhanced soft skills.

Hands-on collaboration is central: you work on a research-related question — often application-oriented in partnership with project partners — within your chosen track. This project work gives you practical experience in developing innovative solutions and strengthens your abilities in scientific investigation and academic writing. The programme is based at HPI’s Bergholz-Rehbrücke campus and is delivered in English, making it suitable for international students.

Program requirements (student obligations and structure)

• Choose one study track (or the Open Track) from the five-plus-one options
  • Algorithms and Foundations
  • Data and AI
  • Digital Health
  • Security Engineering
  • Systems
  • Open Track (mix-and-match curriculum)
• Complete mandatory methodological modules: “Research Methods & Ethics” and “Critical Reading & Discussion”
• Take elective professional-skills courses (e.g., Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Management)
• Undertake a collaborative, research-related project (often with external project partners) to develop and document innovative solutions and scientific writing skills

Curriculum overview

The programme is designed for flexibility: you can organise your timetable to suit your interests and pick specialisation subjects from a wide range of topics. Study combines a set of compulsory core modules with elective professional-skills courses and defined focus areas, concluding with an independent master's thesis that integrates the knowledge you have built up.

Core modules provide both theoretical depth and practical experience. They include advanced computer science topics, a hands-on computer science lab to apply methods and tools, and a Research Methods & Ethics module that develops rigorous empirical and ethical research practices. A Critical Reading and Discussion module trains you to analyse current literature, evaluate results, and participate in scholarly debate.

Elective professional-skill modules let you broaden your profile beyond technical subjects. Options such as Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Law and Compliance, Management and Leadership, and Technology Communication and Transfer teach practical abilities for product development, start-up thinking, regulatory awareness, leadership, and translating technical results for non-specialist audiences. You then pursue one or more focus areas to gain specialised expertise — choices include Data and AI, Algorithms and Foundations, Systems, Digital Health, Security Engineering, or an Open Track.

The programme culminates in a master’s thesis, where you carry out sustained, independent work. Learning outcomes across the curriculum include advanced domain knowledge in computer science; practical laboratory and experimentation skills; competence in research design, methodology and ethics; critical evaluation of scientific literature; and applied professional skills for transferring technology or leading projects.

Key curriculum elements (requirements)

• Mandatory modules:
  • Computer Science
  • Computer Science Lab
  • Research Methods & Ethics
  • Critical Reading and Discussion
• Elective professional-skill options (choose from):
  • Design Thinking
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Law and Compliance
  • Management and Leadership
  • Technology Communication and Transfer
• Focus areas (specialise in one or more):
  • Data and AI
  • Algorithms and Foundations
  • Systems
  • Digital Health
  • Security Engineering
  • Open Track
• Final requirement: Master's thesis (independent research project)
• Schedule: Flexible arrangement with individual choice of specialisation subjects

Graduates leave with broad technical expertise in core and specialised areas of computer science, combined with methodological research skills and applied project experience. The programme’s emphasis on research methods, ethics, and a project-oriented Master’s lab prepares students for roles in industry R&D, software engineering, data science, security engineering, and digital health technology.

The inclusion of professional skills (entrepreneurship, design thinking, management) and close industry partnerships also positions graduates for product development, startup and innovation roles, and leadership positions in tech companies. For those interested in academia or research careers, the research-focused curriculum and thesis work provide a solid foundation for doctoral studies.