The German University of Digital Science launches its global study programs: Master’s, MBA and micro-degree programs for learners worldwide
Potsdam – On October 1, 2024, the German University of Digital Science (German UDS for short) will open its “digital” doors to students from around the globe. The program offerings include the two MBA courses “Digital Transformation” and “Digital Technologies”, four Master’s courses and eight micro-degree programs.
Digital technologies are a key focus in the era of Industry 4.0. To remain competitive and foster growth and innovation, private companies and public institutions must embrace digital transformation. This requires the use of digital technologies, as well as people and employees who have in-depth training in the areas of digital transformation and digital technologies. And this is exactly what the German UDS will be offering from October 1, 2024. To make participation in the courses, “Open Courses,” and “Micro-Degree” programs accessible to students worldwide, the language of instruction at German UDS is English.
MBA and Master’s degree programs and micro-degree programs at the German UDS
On October 1, 2024, the German UDS will start its digital teaching operations for students worldwide with four Master’s and two MBA programs as well as eight micro-degree programs.
The MBA and Master’s programs at German UDS are designed to teach students to apply theory and critical thinking combined with practical experiments to solve complex problems. During the two-year Master’s program, students learn from thought leaders and role models in their chosen subjects and work with internationally significant industry partners. This increases the practical relevance of their studies and fosters international contacts with companies and institutions during their education.
The Micro-Degree Programs are open to learners worldwide and are ideal for professional development, career boosters or lifelong learning.
Requirements
To apply for one of the MBA or Master’s degree programs, German UDS requires a Bachelor’s degree, and for an MBA, at least three years of professional experience. Participation in the micro-degree programs does not require any prerequisites – any interested learner, whether a working professional or student, can enroll without any requirements.
Why the German UDS?
By integrating teaching, research, and corporate partnerships, German UDS connects theory and critical thinking with practical application. Students not only learn from thought leaders, but also work with internationally renowned industry partners. This collaboration enables students to develop innovative projects in virtual and augmented realities. Graduates are well-prepared to assume positions in virtually every industry and sector, enabling them to understand, influence, and drive digital transformation in their fields.
An MBA or Master’s program is both a time and financial investment in one´s future – another reason to choose the German UDS, as the tuition is affordable compared to national and international standards, with fees of €7,500 for 12 months of education or €15,000 for 24 months. Additionally, Germany’s first digital university is independent of location; neither relocation nor a possible double household management force students to make their decision based on this criterion.
An MBA program at the German UDS earns 60 ECTS points in four quarters, while a Master’s program earns 120 ECTS points in eight quarters.
MBA Digital Transformation and Digital Technologies
The MBA Digital Transformation and Digital Technologies are application-oriented degree programs that provide comprehensive specialist knowledge in business and information sciences and are aimed at international talents with at least three years of professional experience. Graduates of these degree programs acquire a broad range of skills and knowledge of concepts, methods, techniques and procedures for planning and applying digital technologies in a corporate context, for developing and introducing digital business models and for managing interdisciplinary teams in the context of digital transformation in companies. Key competencies include leadership skills and the ability to manage complex digital transformation projects across various industries. Students are also taught to analyze and solve complex problems and address ethical and legal issues in the digital world. During their studies, they will connect virtually with German UDS’s global partner institutions and companies.
Goals of the MBA programs at German UDS
The Digital Transformation and Digital Technologies programs aim to provide students with state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in digital technologies such as cybersecurity and data analytics as well as leadership principles like strategic management, entrepreneurial transformation and decision-making. They foster creativity and innovation, enabling graduates to develop new strategies, applications, and solutions. Graduates will lead digital change in their respective fields, assuming leadership roles and managing complex projects involving digital technologies. They will also be capable of assessing ethical and legal questions in the digital context.
Executives and senior decision-makers for digital transformation are in high demand across all parts of the world and all industries. An MBA in Digital Technology or Digital Transformation provides comprehensive training in emerging digital technologies, preparing graduates for successful senior management careers in diverse industries, including IT, consulting, finance, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and more.
The Master’s degree programs at the German UDS
A Master’s degree program at the German UDS allows students to work individually according to their own schedule – a key requirement for a digital degree program that is accessible from all time zones worldwide. Using a comprehensive online toolset, innovative work in virtual and augmented realities becomes part of everyday studies, ensuring successful completion of the program.
A Master’s degree from German UDS provides a comprehensive education in emerging digital technologies and prepares graduates for successful careers in various sectors. It opens the doors to innovative work and entrepreneurial ventures and positions graduates as leaders in the digital transformation of society.
The German UDS takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining technical expertise with creative application to empower students to solve complex problems in digital environments and develop innovative solutions.
A unique feature of the German UDS programs is the high degree of choice. While students must take 50% of their elective modules from a specific area tailored to their programs, the rest can be freely chosen from the entire pool of elective courses.
Master Applied Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is currently the fastest growing discipline in engineering. The Master Applied AI at German UDS is a study program that covers the theoretical aspects of AI with a focus on concrete applications in industry, services, health and education. The program covers the most important aspects of symbolic AI, sub-symbolic AI (neural networks and deep learning), advanced logic systems, language models, the coding of complex systems, and related technologies and applications. Students also engage with the ethical and security implications of AI from the outset.
Master Advanced Digital Reality
Digital realities are one of the fastest growing markets in the world. From 2022 to 2030, the market for digital reality is expected to grow by 33% per year (Xrtoday.com). The Master’s program Advanced Digital Reality at German UDS is an innovative study program that provides advanced knowledge and skills in the field of digital realities: The program covers various aspects of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR) and related technologies and applications.
Master Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is another rapidly growing market. The demand for young specialists in this field is also increasing rapidly. Graduates of the Master’s in Cybersecurity can take on management and leadership roles, particularly in areas where the development, maintenance and operation of complex security systems play an important role. This innovative program equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. With cyberattacks on governments, businesses, and individuals becoming more sophisticated and frequent, the need to protect digital systems is growing. The program focuses on researching and developing a new generation of security strategies, methods, and techniques for monitoring and securing complex IT infrastructures.
Master Digital Leadership
Digital leaders are sought after worldwide and across all industries. They assume management and leadership roles, particularly where the planning and application of digital technologies, the development and implementation of digital business models, and the leadership of interdisciplinary teams in a digital context play a central role. Typical positions held by graduates include Venture Developer, Digital Transformation Manager, Chief Digital Officer or IT Entrepreneur. The Digital Leadership Master’s program at German UDS is research-oriented, providing comprehensive knowledge and skills in business and information sciences. It is designed for international talents with a deep understanding of digital technologies and their potential for creating transformative business models in their companies.
The Micro-Degree Programs at German UDS
In addition to the MBA programs, modules are also offered as individual or themed blocks through interactive online micro-programs. These three-month modules conclude with a micro-degree and 5 ECTS credits. A major advantage of the micro-degree is that these credits can be transferred towards a full degree program later on.
Micro-degree Big Data, Software Systems and Cloud Computing
Big data and cloud computing are leading IT technologies that play a key role in today’s IT industry with its emerging AI-based solutions. In this module, students learn the basics and advanced topics of Big Data and Cloud Computing, including the design, implementation, and use of these technologies in industrial and commercial applications
Micro-Degree Logic and Symbolic AI
This module introduces symbolic Artificial Intelligence. It begins with the fundamentals of logic systems, followed by the introduction of combinatorial algorithms to solve AI problems. Prolog is used as the implementation language. Students learn to prove predicate logic assertions and to implement simple proof systems in Prolog.
Micro-Degree Coding Camp I – Python
This module provides deep insight into software development. Software is a key component of all modern devices and will play an increasingly important role in all areas of life. In the first coding camp, students will engage in a team software development project, gaining hands-on experience in the scoping, planning, and coding phases of a small project, thereby understanding the challenges of all these phases.
Micro-Degree Cybersecurity Fundamentals
The ongoing digitalization of society means that digital systems are becoming more important, and their protection and security is therefore becoming increasingly important. This module provides a general overview of cybersecurity, current attack and defense concepts and technologies, basic knowledge of IT infrastructure, computer networks, systems and applications as well as the principles (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availabilities – CIA) and common approaches (e.g. cryptography, firewall, antivirus, intrusion detection, etc.) of cybersecurity.
Micro-Degree Complex Problem Solving
This module is part of the so-called “root camp”, which familiarizes students with the program and its teaching and learning methods. Regardless of the area of implementation, digitalization and digital transformation present complex challenges. Often the problems are not clearly defined and need to be tackled in different areas, with many interrelated elements to consider. The ability to solve complex problems is therefore one of the so-called “future skills” that people need to survive and shape the digital age.
Micro-Degree Understanding and Designing the Digital World
In a digital world, applying digital skills to processes, products and assets to increase efficiency, enhance customer value, manage risk and create new revenue opportunities is key to the success of an organization or institution. This module provides an advanced understanding of digital technologies in today’s and tomorrow’s business environment and their impact on the economy and society. The focus of the module is on teaching internet and web technologies and their use in specific application scenarios in various industries and in the public sector.
Micro-Degree Immersive Technology
This module covers the fundamental concepts, tools and applications and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how technologies create engaging and interactive experiences by merging the digital and physical worlds. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises and project-based learning, students will explore the technical aspects of immersive content development, including 3D modeling, real-time rendering and user interaction. In addition, the course will explore the impact of immersive technologies in various fields such as education, healthcare, entertainment and beyond, highlighting their potential to transform everyday experiences.
Micro-Degree Problem Solving & Design Thinking
This module teaches similar content as the Complex Problem Solving module. In addition, it also introduces the principles, techniques, and processes of Design Thinking, a user-centered approach to solving complex problems and fostering innovation.