A new approach to learning

At CODE, we reimagine how higher education works in the modern tech world. Our unique educational approach abandons outdated conventions and proves that a new way is possible.

How it works

We redefine learning by moving beyond traditional pen-and-paper exams and lecture halls. Our innovative approach focuses on project-based, hands-on experiences that encourage exploration and creativity. Students are empowered to take charge of their education, working on real-world challenges and collaborating across disciplines. This dynamic environment nurtures curiosity and fosters a deeper understanding, preparing you for the ever-evolving demands of the tech industry.

Curiosity-driven education

In a world where the vast resources of ChatGPT, Google and Stack Overflow are readily available, traditional, lengthy theoretical lectures have become outdated. At CODE, we understand that today’s knowledge is just a click away. Instead of repeating what’s already accessible, we guide our students to effectively utilize these resources and create real value in their projects.

Project-based learning

At the beginning of each core semester, students, faculty, and partners pitch diverse project ideas, ranging from deep tech and software development to creative design and user experience research. Students follow their curiosity to choose a project that’s right for them, in which they apply their knowledge and learn in a sustainable way.

Interdisciplinary teams

Following the initial project pitch phase, students dive into forming interdisciplinary teams across all three study programs. Software engineers, designers and entrepreneurs work together as they would in the "real world", as these disciplines reflect the comprehensive skill set required for developing digital products.

Professors as mentors

Holding lectures is a practice from the Middle Ages (literally!). So, don’t expect traditional lecture halls on our campus. At CODE, our professors serve as mentors. They guide group sessions, fostering discussions and practical application of the material, rather than imparting theory. Their role is to inspire creativity, support problem-solving, and step in with learning units when needed.

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember.  Involve me and I learn.

Benjamin Franklin , Founding father of the united states

Semester overview

A Bachelor degree at CODE typically takes three years (6 semesters) and is broken down into three types of semesters: Orientation, Core and Synthesis. The study programs and curricula are designed to accelerate your learning and maximize your curiosity.

Orientation semester

The first semester for every CODE student, where you get practical experience in all three disciplines, with professor guidance and project-based assignments.

Select your program

After orientation, you commit to a study program, which will decide which modules will be mandatory for you. If you change your mind, it is still possible to switch study programs during your studies.

Core semesters

This is where you will spend the majority of your time, building projects, joining Learning Units and doing assessments. You decide which modules you want to take when and how to align them with your project work.

Synthesis semester

The final semester of your studies at CODE, where you combine all you’ve learned into creating a final Capstone Project and writing your Bachelor Thesis.

An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching.

Mahatma Gandhi , Political Ethicist

Science, Technology and Society: Asking the big questions

We believe that all students should think about the social impact of their work, taking into account the political forces of today, in order to become responsible digital pioneers.

That’s where STS comes in: our Science, Technology, and Society program offers students a comprehensive overview of the world, with roots in philosophy, psychology, literature, economics, law, and science.

Ask the big questions. Take time to find answers. Do something wonderful with all the diverse cultural expressions - new and old - that enrich our world.

Learn more about STS

It all started with curiosity

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to 2017, when our co-founder Manuel Dolderer gave a TEDx talk on the idea of curiosity-driven education and the birth of CODE.

Frequently asked questions

We get it. Our learning concept is a bit different. Here are some of the questions we get asked often.

We assume you are wary of overcrowded lecture halls and therefore think “the smaller the better.” We would say: it depends. Small groups of people are excellent for discussions, brainstorming, or project work. But sometimes you want to face a crowd, address them with your ideas and convince them to follow your lead. Or just listen to an inspiring talk together with 200 other CODE members.

The project teams you will be working with most of the time will be between six and 15 members in size (depending on the project needs). Your STS workshops and seminars will have a group size between 10 and maybe 30 (again depending on the topic and the format). So, apart from the aforementioned lectures and talks, we will make sure that the group size always allows for the most intense and dynamic interaction and learning experience.

Yes, all our study programs are accredited by the state of Berlin.

Be honest: Would we be able to stop you? This is one of the great advantages of CODE: It is possible to make your own ideas a part of your study program and even get credit for the results. As great as that sounds, we take our academic responsibility for the program(s) we offer you and your fellow students very seriously. Every idea, whether it is from one of our company partners, students or professors, will be processed with identical criteria for selection and categorization, meaning that they will be defined by project goals, timeline, fitting size of team members, requirements for competencies and learning outcomes. After that, the idea will be published and everyone interested will be able to apply.

We are not big fans of written tests that ask you to reproduce knowledge you extracted from a book or a script in order to pass. That is why you will not find them at CODE. We believe in assessments that let you demonstrate the competence we wanted you to acquire. If your challenge was to solve a problem and provide a solution for a project you were working on, we want you to explain how you did it and what you learned from it. If you attended an STS workshop we expect you to formulate your own critical thoughts on the topic discussed and present an informed opinion.
Additionally – and this may come as a surprise – we want you to learn how to assess the solutions and opinions of others. Therefore, we expect you to assess your fellow students’ performance on a regular basis and assess the quality of your assessment.
(Oh, and there will be a Bachelor thesis. Yes, there has to be.)

There are three different origins for CODE projects: Project ideas presented by our students, professors or ideas from partner companies.
At the beginning of the semester everyone (students, professors and partners) meets for a BarCamp. There all ideas are pitched, then all students who are interested in the same idea meet and discuss about a potential project. This takes place over a two week period during which students are able to find the project that will allow them to learn in the most effective way.