What you can expect in our master's program

In the research-oriented master's degree program in Geoecology at KIT, you will deepen your knowledge from your bachelor's degree (Geoecology or related subjects) and expand your skills in the analysis of complex environmental processes. The standard period of study is 4 semesters and you will earn 120 ECTS credits.

With around 25 students per year, the degree program offers plenty of room for individual support, personal development and a close exchange with fellow students. Small group sizes and an open, collegial atmosphere create a pleasant learning environment - both in the lecture hall and outdoors in nature.

In the master's degree program, you choose two of the four areas of specialization, which represent central geoecological issues:

• soil (e.g. soil biogeochemistry, isotope methodology)
  
• vegetation (e.g. vegetation ecology, environmental remote sensing)
  
• water (e.g. ecosystem management, floodplain ecology, hydrology)
  
• climate impact (e.g. geoecological climate impact research)
  

The specilization areas can be found in each of the following subjects:

• Methods of Environmental Research (16 CP)
  
• Advanced Geoecology (14 CP)
  
• Research Project (18 CP)
  

This means that within each subject you will find the modules that match your two specializations. For example:

• specialization in geoecology  focus on soil  module "Soil"
• research project  focus on soil  module Research Project Soil Science
  

Here you select the modules that match your two specializations.

The module Excursion Geoecology in the Geoecology specialization is compulsory and must be taken in the first year of study. This course is the geoecological core of your studies. Here you will learn to "read" landscapes - i.e. to draw conclusions about ecological relationships from what you see (e.g. relief forms, soil types or land use). You will develop hypotheses about the processes behind these patterns and use your previous knowledge of geoecology in a targeted manner.

This module will also familiarize you with the principles of good scientific practice - in other words, what constitutes responsible, comprehensible and transparent research.

In addition to the specializations (48 CP in total), you have a free choice of further geoecological topics in the Scientific Supplementary Courses of Geoecology (36 CP). You can choose from a wide range of electives (12 CP each):

• Geobotany
  
• River Ecology and Management
• Hydrogeology
  
• Water Chemisty, Water Technology and Quality Assessment
• Geopgraphical Information Systems
• Urban Ecology
  
• Human Ecology
  

There is also a Suject-Related Elective (12 CP). Instead of a fixed elective module, you can independently select geoecologically relevant courses - courses from other universities or abroad can also be recognized.

To obtain the Interdisciplinary Qualifications (6 CP), you can choose courses from the respective course catalog of the House of Competence (HoC) or the "Studium Generale, Forum Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft" (FORUM) or language courses from the Language Center (SpZ).

You complete your studies with a master's thesis (30 CP).

The master's program at KIT combines a sound scientific education with practical research and prepares you optimally for activities in science, environmental planning, authorities, NGOs or the private sector - or for a doctorate.

Program structure

The curriculum includes three subjects: Methods of Environmental Research, Advanced Geoecology, and Research Project. Each of these subjects contains areas that are assigned to the specializations. You choose two specializations and the areas in each subject that correspond to your specializations. 

Please note: the study plan varies greatly depending on the chosen specializations and whether you start your studies in the winter or summer semester. The example here refers to a start in the winter semester.

Sample study plan (start in winter tem)

Specializations: Water and Climate Impact

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.

Master's thesis

At the end of your studies, you will complete your master's thesis (30 CP), an academic paper that allows you to apply and deepen the knowledge and skills you have acquired. It deals with a specific topic from your field of study and requires independent research, analysis and the preparation of a written thesis. The master's thesis takes a maximum of 6 to 12 months to complete. You can start as soon as you have achieved a sufficient number of credit points in the specified subjects. Further information on the requirements can be found in the module handbook. Upon request, the master's thesis can also be completed at a company or at another KIT Department. The grade of the master's thesis is included in your final grade with double weight.

Make your studies international

You have various options for integrating a stay abroad into your master's degree course. 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.

Further information on outgoing programs of the KIT Department of Civil Engineering, Geo and Environmental Sciences can be found on the website, from the contact persons of the KIT Department responsible for stays abroad or from the International Students Office.

After studying geoecology, you will have a wide range of opportunities in chemical and physical analysis laboratories, engineering offices for technical planning, waste management companies, environmental and nature conservation authorities, universities or environmental protection organizations.

The spectrum of activities ranges from analysis and conception to consulting and expert opinions to scientific research and teaching. In addition to direct entry into a job, a doctorate is also possible if you have a very good master's degree, which will enable you to pursue a career in research and teaching at a later stage, for example.

Characteristic features of Geoecology M.Sc. at KIT

• master's orientation phase
  
• involvement of students in current research projects
  
• numerous elective and specialization options
  
• access to cutting-edge technologies
  
• professionally relevant key qualifications
  
• interdisciplinary orientation
  
• integration into the Eucor university network enables participation in courses at the universities of Freiburg, Basel, Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse
  
• study abroad via Erasmus+ or overseas program
  
• possibility of part-time jobs at associated scientific institutes / laboratories
  
• master's thesis also possible in companies or at another KIT department
  

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 Geoecology are based on the current admission regulations:

• bachelor's degree
  a bachelor's degree (or at least an equivalent degree) in Geoecology (or a degree program with essentially the same content) from a university, university of applied sciences, university of cooperative education or a foreign university. 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.
• minimum knowledge and minimum achievements in the following areas
  • mathematics to the extent of 8 CP
  • physics to the extent of 8 CP
  • climatology to the extent of 4 CP
  • geomorphology and soil science (5 CP)
  • biogeography and vegetation science (4 CP)
  • ecology (3 CP)
  • geology (4 CP)
  • environmental chemistry (2 CP)
  • soil laboratory (3 CP)
  • hydrology (4 CP)
  • botany in the scope of 4 LP
  • zoology (6 CP)
  • spatial planning to the extent of 2 LP
  • languages R, Python or Matlab to the extent of 2 CP
  • statistics (3 CP)
  • geographical information systems (2 CP)
  • field practicals and excursions worth 5 CP
  Important: if minimum achievements amounting to a maximum of 30 CP are missing, admission can be granted on condition that these achievements are completed within the first three semesters of the master's degree program. The required conditions are listed by the admissions commission and will be communicated to you as part of the admission process.
• internship
  a six-week internship including internships completed during the bachelor's degree program
  if the internship is missing, admission can be granted on the condition that it is completed by the start of the third semester of the master's degree program.
• previous experience
  will be taken into account if they provide particular information about the applicant's suitability for the intended course of study. This includes
  • completed vocational training in a relevant training occupation and previous professional experience relevant to the degree program, even without completed vocational training
  • practical activities and special previous training related to the subject
  In addition, special academic achievements, such as relevant publications, outstanding academic work, research activities and research stays in academic institutions or industry can be taken into account.

The admission and selection commission of the master's degree program in Geoecology decides on the equivalence of the bachelor's degree or individual achievements.

Language requirements and certificates

For the master's degree program in Geoecology, you need sufficient knowledge of the German language. Your German language skills must correspond to at least level C1 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 for your German language skills by the application deadline, admission is still possible if you can present a provisional document proving that you have at least B2 language level. Proof of B2 level only includes

• passed German language test for university admission (DSH) with an overall result of DSH-1
  
• passed Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) with level 3 in all four parts of the exam
  
• passed telc German B2 exam

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.

There are 25 study places available each year. These are allocated on the basis of a ranking list of applicants who meet the admission requirements. The ranking list is based on a maximum of 100 achievable assessment points.

You can achieve in detail

• max. 45 points for the overall grade of the final academic examination and
• max. 40 points for the study and examination achievements to date
• and a maximum of 15 points for your other previous experience

Study and examination achievements that are named differently but have the same content will be taken into account in the selection process if they are equivalent. The admission and selection commission decides on equivalence.

Weitere Ansprechpersonen:

• KIT-Fakultät für Bauingenieur-, Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften
• Institut für Geographie und Geoökologie
• Fachstudienberatung
• Prüfungsausschuss
• Informationen zum Auslandsstudium
• Fachschaft Geowissenschaften

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• Course catalog current term PDF (English)
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