What you can expect in our master's program

The English-taught Master’s program Computational Modeling in Engineering is designed for motivated students with a background in engineering, natural sciences, or computer science who want to shape sustainable technologies in an increasingly digital world. The program offers a strong foundation in mathematical and physical modeling, complemented by advanced numerical and data-driven methods that are essential in modern engineering practice. As a student, you will learn to develop, analyze, and critically evaluate complex computational models while working in interdisciplinary teams that reflect real-world engineering environments. The curriculum combines fundamental theory with practical applications across various engineering domains, equipping you with skills that are both academically rigorous and highly relevant for your future career. A broad range of elective courses allows you to tailor your studies to your personal interests - whether you are passionate about materials science, fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, or innovative data centric approaches. Thanks to the close integration of teaching and active research, you will gain insights into current scientific challenges and collaborate with international researchers. Graduates benefit from excellent global career prospects in academia, research institutions, and forward thinking industries.

Program structure

The study program does not follow a rigid schedule but rather offers a flexible structure and can be tailored to your needs. You will earn 120 credit points under the ECTS system (CP). These are distributed as follows:

Sample study plan

Master's thesis

At the end of your studies, you will complete your master's thesis worth 30 CP. You choose the topic in consultation with an examiner at the KIT Department of Mechanical Engineering or the KIT Department of Chemical and Process Engineering. You can suggest a topic or find it on the website of an institute. The master's thesis takes 6 months to complete. You can start as soon as you have achieved 74 CP. Upon request, the master's thesis can also be completed at a company or at another KIT Department. The master's thesis also includes a presentation of your results.

Internship

The study program does not include a compulsory internship. You can complete a voluntary internship during your studies. If it serves the objectives of your studies and covers at least half of the lecture period, you can apply for a semester off (leave of absence). Such an internship offers you valuable experience outside the university and can make it easier for you to start your career later on.

Make your studies international

You have various options for integrating a stay abroad into your master's degree program. For example, you can study at a foreign university of your choice for one or two semesters via Erasmus+ or as a freemover. You can also do an internship abroad. In addition, selective mobility is possible via Eucor - The European Campus: KIT students can flexibly attend individual courses in addition to courses at KIT or study full-time for an entire semester or year at an Eucor partner university.

Additional information is available from the International Students Office and International Service in Mechanical Engineering.

Completing the Master’s program in Computational Modeling in Engineering opens up excellent opportunities on the international job market. With your strong foundation in mathematical and physical models, data driven methods, and advanced simulation techniques, you will become a highly sought-after expert in research and development. Graduates work in fields such as energy, mobility, materials science, manufacturing, or computer science - wherever complex technical systems are simulated, optimized, or sustainable technologies are developed. Your broad and interdisciplinary training gives you the flexibility to adapt quickly to new challenges across industries. In addition, the English-taught program qualifies you for global career paths in companies, research institutions, and universities worldwide.

Characteristic features of Computational Modeling in Engineering M.Sc. 

• interdisciplinary orientation with content from various areas of engineering
  
• orientation towards current developments in research and technology
  
• teaching of well-founded and versatile methodological skills
  
• very good supervision ratio and close cooperation with lecturers
  
• international environment
  
• optimal preparation for work in research and development in industry and scientific institutions
  
• very good prospects for a subsequent doctorate
  

What KIT has to offer

• central campus close to the city forest and right next to the city center
  
• 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
  
• internationally oriented degree programs and diverse exchange programs
  
• modern laboratories and practical teaching methods
  
• Lernraum app
  
• diverse student initiatives, clubs and opportunities to actively participate in campus life
  
• stay in touch after graduation via the alumni network
  

Admission requirements

The requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Computational Modeling in Engineering are:

• bachelor's degree
  a bachelor's degree or at least an equivalent degree from a university, university of applied sciences, university of cooperative education or a foreign university with a minimum final grade of 2.3. The program must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 ECTS credits;
  
• required minimum knowledge and minimum achievements in the areas of
  • mathematics with a total of at least 15 credit points
    
  • natural sciences and engineering with a total of at least 40 credit points. Applicants who cannot provide evidence of the required minimum knowledge and minimum achievemtns in the amount of 40 credit points, but at least 25 credit points, can still be admitted to the master's degree program in Computational Modeling in Engineering if they are among the top 10 percent of graduates of their graduating year in the qualifying degree program.
    
• proof of successful participation in a selection interview. Applicants who meet the above requirements will be invited to the interview. It takes place on site or online. During the interview, engineering issues are discussed and the motivation for this degree program is assessed. Applicants who have achieved 10 of the maximum 20 points are considered suitable for the program.
  

Language requirements and certificates

For the master's degree program in Computational Modeling in Engineering, you need sufficient knowledge of the English language. Your knowledge of English must correspond to 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 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 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
  • English is the only official language of instruction at the school and this is confirmed by the school management
• 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
  
• a bachelor's thesis written in English
  

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.

The number of study places in the Computational Modeling in Engineering study program is limited.

If more people who meet the admission requirements apply than there are study places available, a selection procedure will be in place. This consists of an interview lasting around 20 minutes, which can take place online or in person. If the number of applicants is very high, the grade of your bachelor's degree is used to minimize the number of invitations to the selection interview.

In the selection interview, we will check whether you are suitable for the program and sufficiently motivated. In particular, you will be asked questions from your previous studies about the basics of engineering. The aim is to find out whether you can analytically transfer technical content to issues in engineering and natural sciences. A maximum of 10 points are awarded for this part. You will receive up to 5 points for the presentation of engineering content, e.g. from your bachelor's thesis, and a maximum of 5 further points for the presentation of your personal motivation for this degree program. A total of up to 20 points can be achieved in the selection interview; you need at least 10 points to pass.

You will be informed of the date and format of the interview at least two weeks in advance.

Teaching calendar

Course catalog

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