We believe in the power of curiosity

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.

Because C❮❯DE stands for Curiosity-Driven Education.

Self-directed Learning

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of ChatGPT, Google, and Stack Overflow are readily available, traditional, lengthy theoretical lectures have become outdated.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. We emphasize self-directed and peer-to-peer learning, fostering collaboration and the sharing of diverse experiences. This approach not only allows students to delve into their own areas of interest but also enriches learning via the varied perspectives and insights of peers.

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, as they reflect the comprehensive skill set required for developing digital products. This strategy not only empowers students to 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.

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. Students follow their curiosity to choose a project that’s right for them. Each project, whether a simple app or complex data analysis, represents a leap towards innovative problem-solving and tangible impact in the real world: studying at CODE is like a series of hackathons.

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 new students and acquaint them with our unique learning concept and the details of our study programs.

  • Decision for study program

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

  • Core semesters

    For each core semester, students get together in project teams, 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.

Our Three Bachelor Programs

Software Engineering B.Sc.

Software Engineering is more than just coding; it’s a systematic fusion of engineering principles applied to software systems development.

Product Management B.A.

Product managers develop strategies and concepts for digital products, coordinate their development, and analyze and validate ideas to help them grow.

Interaction Design B.A.

Future designers are on a journey that explores the look, feel, and behavior of digital products to create positive experiences through technology.

Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

A Liberal Arts Education for Digital Pioneers

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.

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.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence

An integral part of our curriculum and learning concept

We promote a growth mindset and thus support critical thinking, flexibility and adaptability as well as the ethical use of AI. Our students are encouraged to use AI models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and other models of their choice to deepen their understanding of this revolutionary technology.

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.

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