What you can expect in our master's program

A master's degree at KIT offers you the opportunity to design your studies flexibly and individually - with a clear focus on research-oriented teaching and practice-oriented work. The standard period of study is 4 semesters and you will earn 120 ECTS credits.

The master's degree in Mechanical Engineering offers you the opportunity to specialize in two chosen subject areas, as well as a horizontal expansion in the direction of natural sciences, business and society. In terms of specialization, you will find the greatest available choices in the areas of design, production, materials, mechatronics, energy and automotive engineering. You should have a comprehensive basic knowledge of mathematics and physics and technology from a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related programs in order to build on this in the master's degree program with in-depth knowledge of the chosen areas of application. The teaching of state-of-the-art methods and interdisciplinary qualifications will make it easier for you to transfer to professional life.

Program structure

The master's program offers you numerous options. It is divided into the following areas:

• Electives Mechanical Engineering (22 CP): in this subject, you will complete the modules Mathematical Methods, Data Science in Mechanical Engineering, Modeling, Simulation and Design, in which you will have numerous elective courses on the respective topics at your disposal. You will also choose a laboratory course in which you can put your acquired knowledge into practice.
• Interdisciplinary Electives (20 CP): here you will broaden your horizons and take interdisciplinary modules, for example in economics and law, technology and society, or classic interdisciplinary qualifications.
• Specialization (24 CP): you choose two focus fields from almost 20 options, such as Microsystems Technology, Supply Chain Technologies, or Robotics & AI. Of the 24 CP, you must complete at least 8 with fundamental modules from your chosen specialization.
• Master's thesis (30 CP)

Sample study plan

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 6 months to complete. You can start it as soon as you have achieved 74 CP. Upon request, the master's thesis can also be completed in a company or at another KIT Department. The master's thesis also includes a presentation of your results.

Internship

A 12-week internship is required for admission to the master's degree program. If you have not completed one before starting your studies, you can make up for this during the master's program. There is no compulsory internship in the master's curriculum. However, you can complete a voluntary internship. There are numerous offers via the student representatives and the KIT Career Service. Perhaps this will lead to later employment or a master's thesis.

Designing your studies internationally

The special feature of the master's degree program in Mechanical Engineering at KIT is the lively international exchange activities. You have the following options:

• double degree program with a first-class university in France, Argentina, South Korea or China
  
• one or two semesters of study within Europe with ERASMUS+
  
• self-organized as a freemover
  
• study in North America via the Baden-Württemberg program
  
• either take modules at partner universities in the Upper Rhine region via Eucor - The European Campus - or study for an entire semester
• complete a professional internship abroad

International Studies in Mechanical Engineering (ISIM) provides information about the department's programs. Further information can be obtained from the International Students Office.

The master's degree in Mechanical Engineering provides an insight into current technologies, an in-depth understanding of the technical content and an application-oriented specialization. After completing your master's degree, you will have the opportunity to enter a wide range of industries, such as vehicle technology, special machinery and plant engineering, power plant engineering, production engineering, intelligent automation or materials engineering. The tasks range from research and development, project management, quality management, construction and commissioning, production management to consulting and sales.

Those with a good master's degree can apply for a doctorate and later work as a “Dr.-lng.” in science and industry.

Characteristics features of Mechanical Engineering M.Sc. at KIT

• can be studied in German or English (or both)

• master's orientation phase

• study abroad via Eucor, GEARE and ERASMUS+

• double degree programs with France, Argentina, South Korea and China

• mechatronics application center for your own experimental work

• good networking with research and industry partners all over the world

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 Mechanical Engineering are based on the current admission regulations:

• bachelor's degree
  A bachelor's degree in an engineering or natural sciences program at a university, university of applied sciences, university of cooperative education or a foreign university. The degree program must have been compelted within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 ECTS credit points.
• minimum knowledge and minimum achievements
  To be admitted to the master's degree program in Mechanical Engineering, you must demonstrate certain minimum knowledge from your bachelor's degree program. Specifically: Theoretical engineering fundamentals (in particular higher mathematics, engineering mechanics and thermodynamcis): 37 CP
• application-related engineering fundamentals
  (in particular machine design, materials science and fluid mechanics): 26 CP
• electrical engineering and information technology fundamentals
  (in particular measurement and control engineering, electrical engineering, mechatonics and computer science): 12 CP
• internship
  an internship of at least twelve weeks, which is recognized by the Praktikantenamt of the KIT-Department of Mechanical Engineering. A work placement certificate must be submitted for this, stating both the duration of the internship and the content. If the internship is missing, admission can be granted on the confition that it is compelted during the first three semesters, at the latest by the time the master's thesis is registered.

Students who cannot provide proof of the above-mentioned academic achievements can qualify for the degree program by taking an entrance test. This test takes pleace in March for the summer semester and in September for the winter semester. Registration is possible online.

Language requirements and certificates

For the master's degree course in Mechanical Engineering, you need sufficient knowledge of German or English. It is sufficient to demonstrate proficiency in one of the two languages at the required level.  Your knowledge of German must be at least level C1 and your knowledge of English 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 contacts:

• KIT-Department for Mechanical Engineering
• Academic advisor
• Examination board
• Information about exchange programs and studying abroad
• Student representatives MACH/CIW

Teaching calendar

Course catalog

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