What is it all about?

How big is the influence of influencers on public opinion? Can we learn from history for the future? Will we soon lose many jobs due to AI? And is it even possible to answer these questions? The Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) degree program at KIT provides you with the skills to analyze complex topics like these in a scientifically sound way, to understand cultural and historical backgrounds, to weigh up arguments, to communicate answers competently and to contribute your knowledge to politics, society and business. If you are interested in interdisciplinary issues in science communication, in the historical analysis of contemporary topics or in transformation processes in the fields of energy, mobility and information technology, then this is the right place for you!

Program structure

During your studies, you have various subjects, which consist of one or more modules. A module deals with a specific topic and consists of one or more courses. In the module handbook for your degree program, you will find a description of the modules and their subject assignment as well as a study plan. This gives you an orientation as to which courses you should attend in which semester in order to complete your studies within the standard period of study. It takes into account a balanced distribution of courses over the individual semesters. It also ensures that you are first taught the important basics before moving on to more advanced topics. Your individual course of study may differ from this.

In the LAS degree program, you choose one of three majors: Science Communication, History of the Present or Technology Assessment and Future Design. In addition, you choose one of currently nine minors, such as literature and media cultural studies, philosophy or art history.

The three majors in the LAS

• Science Communication
  You will learn how to effectively communicate research findings to a broad audience and combine social, communication and media science methods. In this way, you will be optimally prepared for careers in which you create the link between science and the public.
• History of the Present
  Here you will acquire knowledge of political, intellectual and cultural history. You will analyze historical sources and research current topics such as democracy, technology and climate change. Practical projects in collaboration with cultural institutions complement your studies.
  
• Technology Assessment and Future Design
  You will acquire interdisciplinary knowledge to evaluate technological innovations and their social impact. The degree program combines sustainability with progress and prepares you to actively shape the future.
  

The nine minors

• Science Communication
  
• History of the Present and
  
• Technology Assessment and Future Design
  

offer a fixed selection from the study program, which can also be studied in the major.

• Media Culture: Theory and Practice introduces you to theoretical and analytical principles in the field of media culture and prepares you for practical work in the media and cultural sector.
• Literature and Knowledge teaches you literary history and theory in order to understand the connection between literature and knowledge.
• European Literature is historically oriented and offers you the opportunity to study medieval studies and modern German literary studies and history.
• Philosophy introduces you to the fundamental topics of the subject and to problem-oriented questions from either practical or theoretical philosophy.
• History of Art teaches you art historical analysis methods and knowledge of all art genres and forms of artistic creation from Christian late antiquity to contemporary art production, with a focus on painting and sculpture, architecture and new media.
  

Does that all sound interesting? The Minor

• Studium Individuale gives you another option: an interest-driven and self-determined choice from the modules of the entire LAS study program (with the exception of courses from the program of your chosen major).

In addition to the major and minor, you will complete the Media Competence, Scientific Literacy and Academic Skills modules with all LAS students in the core. There is also a choice of international seminars as part of the European University Network EPICUR.

Internship

The six-week professional internship in the bachelor's degree program in Liberal Arts and Sciences offers you the opportunity to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in various professional fields. Depending on the internship position, you can gain valuable experience in areas such as journalism (print, radio, TV, online), PR, corporate communications, marketing or scientific and technical communication. Internships in museums, publishing houses or other cultural institutions are also possible.

An accompanying e-learning course will help you prepare for and reflect on your internship. This allows you to formulate your expectations, exchange experiences and optimally process your practical experience in relation to your studies and career.

Stays abroad

KIT offers a wide range of options for stays abroad, from individual courses to a year abroad. Especially if you are interested in a longer stay abroad, it is advisable to contact the International Students Office early on.

Bachelor's thesis

At the end of your bachelor's degree, you will complete your bachelor's thesis, an academic paper that allows you to apply and deepen the knowledge and skills you have acquired. It usually deals with a specific topic in your field of study and requires independent research, analysis and writing. The processing time is usually three months, but a maximum of six months.

After completing your bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, you have numerous options for further study, depending on your interests and goals. You can continue your studies with a master's degree to deepen your knowledge and apply it in research projects.

At the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, for example, you can continue your studies with a master's in Science - Media - Communication or European Culture and History of Ideas. Other options include programs in communication, history, sustainability or science and technology studies, also abroad.

If you are aiming for a doctorate after your master's degree, the Institute for Technology Futures and the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis at KIT, for example, offer doctoral opportunities in cooperation with national and international partners.

The Liberal Arts and Sciences degree program qualifies you for a wide range of careers in science as well as in interface areas with technology, society, politics, the public and business. This includes, for example, working in media and public relations for companies and public institutions as well as in the education sector, at energy agencies, in parliamentary offices and other transfer institutions.

You also have the opportunity to enter journalism, publishing or cultural work, for example in public authorities, museums and memorials. Other professional fields include expert-based political consulting, for example in public foundations, state or federal centers for political education and in parliamentary offices. You can also shape participation processes, for example through citizens' forums, citizen science or public history.

Characteristic features of Liberal Arts and Sciences B.A. at KIT

• wide range of specialization options through combinations of subjects in the humanities, natural sciences and technical sciences
• practical experience through project work and a six-week compulsory internship
• personal development in a social context
• studying in small seminar groups with dedicated teaching staff
• study internationally with EPICUR and partner universities

What KIT has to offer

• central campus close to the city forest and right next to the city center
  
• orientation week before the start of lectures
  
• 24-hour library offering single and group working places
  
• wide range of inexpensive catering options (dining hall, cafeteria, Koeri and Pizzawerk)
  
• numerous interdisciplinary offers for personal and professional development, e.g. Lernlabor, Schreiblabor and Perspektivenlabor
  
• study abroad, e.g. via Erasmus
  
• excellent university sports facilities with a large selection of sports
  
• comprehensive cultural offerings with university orchestras, choirs and theater groups
  
• extensive support for career entry and self-employment
  
• Lernraum app
  
• internationally oriented degree programs and diverse exchange programs
  
• modern laboratories and practical teaching methods
  
• diverse student initiatives, clubs and opportunities to actively participate in campus life
  
• stay in touch after graduation via the alumni network

Higher education entrance qualification (HZB)

Germans and persons of equal status to Germans (i.e. EU/EEA nationals and non-EU/EEA nationals with a German higher education entrance qualification) are entitled to study at KIT if they have one of the following qualifications:

1. General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
2. (relevant) subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification (not Fachhochschulreife)
3. Delta examination of the University of Mannheim (for holders of a Fachhochschulreife)
4. recognized advanced vocational training (e.g. master craftsperson) or vocational training, professional experience and aptitude test for those with professional qualifications

For further options, see §58 of the "Landeshochschulgesetz" (State Higher Education Act).

Please note: German nationals with a foreign school-leaving qualification must have the relevant "Regierungspräsidium" (regional authority) certify that their qualification is equivalent to the German Abitur.

For non-EU/EEA nationals with a foreign school-leaving certificate (hereinafter also referred to simply as non-EU/EEA nationals), the school-leaving certificate from some countries is recognized as a direct university entrance qualification in Germany. In many cases, however, in addition to the school-leaving certificate, a university entrance examination and/or a successful year of study in the home country and/or the "Feststellungsprüfung" must be proven with valid documents in order to be allowed to study a bachelor's degree in Germany. You can find the country-specific regulations in the DAAD admissions database or on the Anabin website (in German only) of the "Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen" (Central Office for Foreign Education). Further information is available from the International Students Office.

Language requirements and certificates

For the bachelor's degree program in Liberal Arts and Sciences, you need sufficient knowledge of German and English. Your German language skills must be at least level C1 and your English language skills at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Important: you must provide proof of the required language skills regardless of your citizenship and by the end of the enrollment period at the latest, but preferably at the time of application.

In what form do I have to provide the language certificates? Please read the following chapters on this website carefully. If you have any further questions, please contact

• Students Office if you are applying as a German, German national or a person with German equivalent status
• the International Students Office if you are a non-EU national

Proof of sufficient German language skills

As proof of your German language skills, your higher education or master's entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur, university degree or a professional qualification that entitles you to study) is sufficient if you have acquired it at a German-speaking institution with German as the language of instruction.

In concrete terms, this means that you do not have to submit additional proof of German if you

• have obtained your Abitur at a German-speaking school in Germany or abroad,
• are a graduate of a bilingual secondary school in Germany or abroad and have passed a bilingual German examination, such as the AbiBac or the Gemischtsprachiges International Baccalaureat (GIB) or
• you graduated from a foreign school, but there is another official agreement with the respective country regarding the recognition of your school-leaving certificate or language certificate as proof of language proficiency for university studies in Germany.

A complete list of foreign school-leaving qualifications and language certificates that are recognized as proof of sufficient German language skills can be found on the website of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Laender (KMK) in the Federal Republic of Germany.

If you have already completed a German-language degree at a German university, this can also count as proof of German language proficiency - but only if the diploma supplement, transcript of records or degree certificate clearly states that German was the sole language of instruction and examination.

If, on the other hand, you did not obtain your higher education or master's entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution with German as the language of instruction, you must provide proof of German language proficiency at least at DSH-2 level. This corresponds to CEFR level C1.

Only the following certificates are accepted in accordance with the KIT admission and enrollment regulations:

• passed German section of the Feststellungspruefung (assessment test)
• passed German language test for university admission (DSH) with overall result DSH-2
• passed Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) with level 4 in all four parts of the exam
• German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs - second level (DSD II)
• Goethe certificate C1 or higher
• passed telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule exam
• Austrian Language Diploma C1 or higher

Note: The above-mentioned tests are accepted as proof of language proficiency for an unlimited period of time, even if the provider specifies an expiration date.

What if I cannot provide suitable C1 proof of German at the time of application?

If you are unable to provide any of the C1 certificates listed above demonstrating your German language skills by the application deadline, you may still be admitted if you can provisionally demonstrate at least B1 language proficiency. Proof of B1 level is provided by a recognized language certificate or other certification from a language or other educational institution that clearly shows that B1 level has been achieved.

But please don't forget: you still have to submit the C1 certificate by the end of your enrollment period at the latest, which is stated in your admission letter.

Therefore, check early on whether you can provide the necessary language certificates by the deadline and, if necessary, plan to take a recognized language test.

In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of the enrollment deadline to provide proof of your language skills, but this extensvion can only be granted up to the day before the start of the lecture period. Please contact the Student Office or the International Students Office - depending on who is named as your point of contact in your letter of admission.

Proof of sufficient knowledge of English

The following is sufficient proof of your English language skills

• your university entrance qualification, if
  • it certifies English language proficiency at CEFR level B2 or higher or
  • it shows that you have studied English for at least five years up to graduation and your final grade or average grade of the last two years of English lessons corresponds to at least the German grade 4 (sufficient) or at least 5 grade points or
• a university degree with English as the sole language of instruction and examination in the completed degree program - this must be clearly stated in the Diploma Supplement, Transcript of Records or in the degree certificate.

Otherwise, only the following English tests listed in the KIT admission and enrollment regulations are accepted as proof of English proficiency:

• TOEFL iBT (internet-based) with at least 90 points
• IELTS with an overall score of at least 6.5, no section below 5.5
• TOEIC with at least 400 points in Listening, 385 in Reading, 160 in Speaking, 150 in Writing
• Cambridge Certificate C1 Advanced (CAE)
• Cambridge Certificate C2 Proficiency (CPE)
• Cambridge Certificate B2 First (FCE)
• UNIcert, at least level II
• Pearson PTE Academic with at least 58.5 points overall and at least 56.8 in Listening, 60.6 in Reading, 53.5 in Speaking, 74.1 in Writing

Note: The above-mentioned tests are accepted as proof of language proficiency for an unlimited period of time, even if the provider specifies an expiration date.

What if I cannot provide suitable B2 proof of English at the time of application?

If you are unable to provide any of the B2 certificates listed above demonstrating your English language skills by the application deadline, you may still be admitted if you can provisionally demonstrate that you have already acquired English language skills.

But please don't forget: you will still have to submit the actual B2 certificate by the end of your enrollment period at the latest, which is stated in your admission letter.

Therefore, check early on whether you can provide the necessary language certificates by the deadline and, if necessary, plan to take one of the recognized language tests.

In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of the enrollment deadline to provide proof of your language skills, but this extension can only be granted up to the day before the start of the lecture period. Please contact the Students Office or the International Students Office - depending on who is named as your point of contact in your letter of admission.

Additional necessary requirements for enrollment

For Germans and those with German equivalent status, an additional necessary requirement for enrollment is proof of participation in a study orientation test (e.g. www.was-studiere-ich.de) or a study orientation consultation in accordance with §7 of the "Landeshochschulgesetz" (State Higher Education Act), e.g. by the Student Advisory Service (ZSB) of KIT. Non-EU/EEA nationals do not have to provide this proof.

• all year round Information events of the Student Advisory Service (ZSB) on your desired degree programs, application and admission as well as starting your studies
• Try out KIT - clarify your interests and support your study decision by taking advantage of the diverse summer offers or participating in taster lectures.
• Campus Day: experience the campus live (together with your family) in spring and make your first personal contacts with the departments and their students
• Studieninformationstag: visit KIT on the state-wide study information day in November and experience the lecture hall feeling for the first time
• topMINT: you don't know yet what you want to study and need to bridge the summer? Take advantage of our orientation semester before you start your studies.
• Use our central online portal studienstart.kit.edu with all the important information and services you need to prepare for your studies and your first semester at KIT. Be it preparatory courses, study-related courses or mentoring programs.
• Orientation phase before the start of lectures - from students for students to get to know KIT, your fellow students and your student council. You will receive specific information on this when you enrol.
• You will be welcomed by KIT with a colorful supporting program at the welcome event for first semester students. You will receive the invitation after your enrollment.

Ansprechpersonen

• KIT-Fakultät für Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften
• Fachstudienberatung
• Prüfungsausschuss
• Informationen zum Auslandsstudium
• Fachschaft GeistSoz

Teaching calendar

Course catalog

• Course catalog current term
• Course catalog current term PDF (English)
• Archive of previous catalogs