We believe in Curiosity-Driven Education

At CODE, we stand out with a completely new educational concept that challenges traditional university norms. We’ve moved away from teacher-centered classrooms and the usual focus on rote memorization for exams. Our approach doesn’t rely on grades that only show a fraction of your true capabilities. Instead, we’ve developed a learning model that enables you to acquire core competencies that help you succeed in a dynamically changing world – even in fields that don’t yet exist. We call it: Curiosity-Driven Education (which is also evident in our name “C<>DE”).

Real-life projects

While the first semester focuses on orientation and onboarding, it also sets the stage for the core semesters. 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. Covering all different kinds of areas, students follow their curiosity to choose a project that’s right for them. Each project, from simple apps to complex data analysis, represents a leap towards innovative problem-solving and tangible impact in the real world. Basically, studying at CODE is like a series of hackathons.

Interdisciplinary teams

Following the initial project pitch phase, students dive into forming interdisciplinary teams, spanning our study programs in Software Engineering, Interaction Design, and Product Management. The selection of these particular disciplines is deliberate, reflecting the comprehensive skill set required for developing digital products. This strategy empowers students to not only craft meaningful digital solutions but also hones their skills in collaboration and communication. In this environment, diverse talents and ideas merge, nurturing a culture of teamwork and innovation that is pivotal for achieving success in the digital realm.

Self-directed learning

With the vast resources of ChatGPT, Google, and Stack Overflow readily available, traditional, lengthy theoretical lectures have become outdated. At CODE, we understand that today’s knowledge is just a click away. Our approach is not about repeating what’s already accessible but guiding our students to effectively utilize these resources. We emphasize self-directed and peer-to-peer learning, fostering collaboration and the sharing of diverse experiences. This approach not only allows to delve into areas of interest but also enriches learning with the varied perspectives and insights of different peers.

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.

How our learning concept translates into the study timeline

  • Orientation semester

    The Orientation Semester is meticulously designed to welcome and acquaint new students with our unique learning concept and the details of our study programs.

  • Decision for study program

    Based on the experience of the orientation semester students can make a truly informed decision on which study program and specialization to choose.

  • Core semesters

    Each Core Semester students get together in projects through which they acquire new skills, master key concepts, and gain state-of-the-art expert knowledge.

  • Synthesis semester

    In the final Synthesis Semester, students apply everything learned by leading a self-initiated capstone project. The Bachelor thesis will then delve into a crucial aspect of this project.

Still curious?

Grab some popcorn and watch our co-founder Manuel talk about the need to transform education and the invention of our learning concept at TEDx.