Computer Science

The bachelor’s course in Computer Science gives students a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, enabling them to work scientifically, make scientifically valid judgements, reflect critically on subject-related findings and act responsibly. Students in the programme will have acquired the ability to independently solve problems that arise in connection with the development, deployment and use of IT systems. This applies in conjunction with a qualification for post-graduate master’s courses, as well as preparation for working in IT-related careers.

The mono-bachelor programme in Computer Science is a six-semester course. Students learn the scientific basics of computer science and at the same time, all the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in typical computer -science-related careers. We achieve both objectives through carefully selected, modular teaching sessions:

• The scientific foundations of Computer Science are taught in several modular courses. They start as early as the first semester, to ensure that the students get off on the right foot from the very beginning. Later, seminars enable students to develop their own, in-depth specialisation in areas of their choice. We continually highlight the relevant methodological fundamentals in the subjects with a more practical orientation - the abstraction of current trends and the concentration on conceptual aspects are two of the strengths of our programme. Our bachelor’s course is an ideal qualification for students to progress on to a postgraduate master’s course in Computer Science.
• Our course’s professional orientation is supported by a broad range of practice-orientated events, some of which are mandatory and some of which students can choose freely. The relevant lectures are also always accompanied by closely-supervised internships and practical exercises.
• The course finishes with a flourish: a semester project undertaken as a team, which is often organised in conjunction with Berlin-based companies, and the bachelor’s thesis, which is completed on an individual basis.
• To promote interdisciplinarity from the outset, the students also take a subsidiary subject in addition to Computer Science. They can choose from the diverse range of programmes on offer at Humboldt-Universität. The current favourite subsidiary subjects are Psychology and Mathematics, but quite different subjects such as Philosophy or Business Administration are also possible and typical. And by the way, courses on completely different topics, such as learning a foreign language or improving confidence in public speaking, can be credited to the Computer Science course – although only to a limited extent.
• It is not only what we teach, but the added extras that make us an attractive place to study Computer Science. For example, the fifth semester of the bachelor’s programme is deliberately designed to accommodate a period of study abroad. To make it easier for students to manage their time, we have reduced the number of exams to be taken to a minimum, and most classes do not require 100% personal attendance. Students who lack required knowledge can attend preparatory course whenever possible. Students in the first few semesters can turn to tutors for help in organising their studies and acclimatising to university life. In other words, we try and pick up where secondary school left off - you do not even need an advanced school course in Computer Science or similar qualifications to study Computer Science with us.
• The study location is also attractive: all the buildings and lecture rooms are new, and we have an excellent library with a range of well-equipped workstations. We also offer state-of-the-art computer pools that can usually be used around the clock. All classes benefit from optimal support in the form of presentation technology. And with its lively scene of research institutes and a range of young companies, the Adlershof campus offers excellent working opportunities for all students - and Computer Science trainees are in demand.
• The four-semester master’s course that builds on the bachelor’s provides students with the knowledge they require for taking on management positions in the IT sector or, alternatively, qualifies them for a career in academia. Students receive an in-depth view of current research topics of Computer Science, as well as the tools they need to continue on to a doctoral degree if they so wish. The master’s programme gives them a good deal of freedom in creating their own personal course plan and enables its students to acquire their first experience in project management while at university.