Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Regular program length: 4 semester (full-time program)

Credit points (ECTS): 120 credit points

Language of instruction: English

Limited capacity:
First semester: yes
Higher semester: yes
Application possible for:
First semester: winter and summer term
Higher semester: winter and summer term
Application deadline:
German and EU nationals
First semester: June 15 for winter term, November 30 for summer term
Higher semester: June 15 for winter term, November 30 for summer term
Non-EU nationals
First semester: June 15 for winter term, November 30 for summer term
Higher semester: June 15 for winter term, November 30 for summer term

Degree and duration

Regular program length of 2 years leading to a "Master of Science (M.Sc.)" degree; 120 credit points (corresponding to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System - ECTS) must be completed. Individual prorgram length may differ from regular program length.

Program structure

The master’s degree program in Water Science and Engineering offers an interdisciplinary and research oriented education right at where water-related engineering and natural sciences meet. Graduates of this program are capable of independently developing strategies and technical solutions for sustainable management of water resources. Their complex area of work is located between the conflicting priorities of efficient use of limited water resources, increasing demands in their protection, handling of hydrometeorological extreme events and impacts of the global change on the water cycle and water-related cycles of materials.

In Advanced Fundamentalts, advanced principles of water-related engineering and natural sciences are taught. All students sit in on lecture series about environmental system modelling. The scientific education is supported by profound knowledge in cross-sectional methods and competences.

The area of specialization comprises three profiles:

  • Water Technologies & Urban Water Cycle
  • Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulic Engineering
  • Environmental System Dynamics & Management

In an additional profile Water Resources Engineering, "generalist" education in water engineering is possible.

The different choices made within the degree program require compiling a personal study plan for each student. Each student is advised by a mentor who has to be selected before start of the program.

The study program Water Science & Engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) with the degree Master of Science (M.Sc.) provides an interdisciplinary, research-oriented education at the interface of water-related engineering and natural sciences. The objective is to develop strategies and technical solutions for the protection and sustainable management of water resources as well as the handling of hydro-meteorological extreme events.

The students extend and deepen their knowledge of the scientific and engineering fundamentals acquired during the Bachelor's degree program within the offered courses in 'Advanced Fundamentals'. Complementary to this, they acquire cross-cutting competences and knowledge of engineering and scientific methods in the courses offered in 'Cross-Cutting Methods & Competencies'.

This is followed up by a specialization in one of the four profiles 'Water Technologies & Urban Water Cycle', 'Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulic Engineering', 'Environmental System Dynamics & Management', and 'Water Resources Engineering'. The students deepen their specialized knowledge in the selected field and learn to link this to engineering applications. In practical exercises in laboratories, in computer pools or fieldwork they acquire the competence to independently apply methods in specific contexts. The ability to develop structured solutions is supported by an interdisciplinary 'Study Project' and the Master's Thesis project in which specific problems are elaborated in the context of project-based approaches.

Therefore, the graduates have broad and in-depth knowledge, extensive methodological competence and a sound understanding of the complex interrelations in environmental systems. They are qualified for a responsible position in planning offices and engineering companies, industrial enterprises, public authorities, international development cooperations, and research and development. They also acquire qualifications that allow pursuing doctoral studies.

The graduates are able to analyze complex problems and select adequate methods, technologies and management concepts to work solution-oriented. The fulfil their tasks by using various analytical, experimental, technical and planning methods and can evaluate water-related problems taking into account social and economical criteria. They can technically describe problems precisely and justify their solutions towards both experts as well as laypersons in an understandable form. As teaching is predominantly in English and students collaborate in international teams, graduates are also able to communicate their research findings in an international framework.

Excerpt from the diploma supplement of the study program

With a degree in Water Science and Engineering, you are qualified for leading positions in the construction business, engineering offices or in the public construction authority sector, depending on your own personal career goals and interests. Career prospects are excellent for engineers with a master's degree in several different fields of activities - engineers can be found in leading positions in the following fields: structural engineering, civil engineering, in engineering offices, public administration, consulting companies, railroad, mail, insurance, energy industry, software companies and several others. Working in this profession, you design, plan, calculate, construct, administrate residentational, commercial, administration and industrial buildings, travelways (roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, hydraulic structures such as locks, embankements, dams, etc., power stations, plants for environmental protections such as irrigation and drainage systems, sewage treatment plants, waste incineration plans, structures for disaster prevent and management and many more.

If you have scientific ambitions and an excellent master's degree, if could be of interest to you to consider a PhD and a subsequent career at a university or in research.

  • future-oriented engineering program
  • carefully balanced combination of lectures, tutorials and internships
  • training in data analysis and numerical modeling using common programming languages
  • study work in small, well supervised groups
  • large percentage of practical experience (exercises, project work)
  • research-oriented teaching through active involvement in research and engineering projects
  • integration in the EUCOR university alliance offers participation in classes at the universities in Freiburg, Basel, Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse
  • campus close to the city

Admission requirements to the master’s degree program in Water Science and Engineering are:

  • a completed bachelor’s or equivalent degree of at least 3 years duration and based on a minimum of 180 ECTS credits points
  • minimum requirements in advanced mathematics of at least 12 credit points, at least 12 credit points in science and/or engineering fundamentals such as physics, chemistry, biology, mechanics or thermodynamics and 12 credits points in engineering and/or natural sciences such as water management, hydraulic engineering, hydrology, urban water management, hydromechanics, water treatment, hydrogeology, engineering geology, geophysics, physical geography, soil science, environmental systems sciences, climatology and/or hydrometeorology; all credits points need to be completed in the appropriate bachelor's degree
  • proof of sufficient knowledge of the English language is required, e.g. in form of one of the following internationally recognized tests: internet-based Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 90; IELTS with a minimum score of 6,5 and no section under 5,5; University of Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or University of Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE); UNIcert II certificate. If proof is not available by the time of application, admission may only be granted under the premise that proof is presented upon enrollment at the latest. Proof is not required for applicants who have completed their university or high school education in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand or for applicants who have completed a degree program at a university in the European Economic Area or Switzerland with English as the sole language of instruction - this must be stated in the diploma, transcript of records or diploma supplement

The admission process is regulated by the admission regulations for the master’s degree program in Water Science and Engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

Selected applicants are invited to an interview. During this interview it will be determined whether the applicant's expertise gained in their prior studies or in other institutions in regards to their scientific professional qualification is sufficient in order to complete the master's program in its regular length. The interview should indicate whether the applicant is capable and motivated for the selected degree program. The applicants need to demonstrate that they are able to supply subject specific content from their previous studies to analyse problems and objectives in water-related engineering and natural sciences. Problems and objectives in water-related engineering and natural sciences include topics such as transport and transformation processes in natural and urban water cycles, description and analysis of aquatic systems, balance and dimension approaches.

Selection interviews will be held during the current application phase for the summer term 2024. Unfortunately, specific dates are not yet known.

What does this mean for applicants?

Selected applicants who meet the admission requirements will be invited to the selection interview. The invitation will be sent via email to the address provided during the application process. A registration by the given deadline is necessary.

Applicants from abroad have the option of conducting the interview via telephone or internet conference upon request.

If you have any further questions, please contact the representatives of the study program directly.

Application for the 1st semester

 
Application deadline for summer term
has passed

Application for a higher semester

 
Application deadline for summer term
has passed
Annette Hildinger
Student advisor
Student advisory services (ZSB)

+49 721 608 - 44930Annette Hildinger does-not-exist.kit edu

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB)
Engelbert-Arnold-Str. 2
76131 Karlsruhe

Studierendenservice

 

+49 721 608 - 82222

 

Contacts for students

Contacts for applicants

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Studierendenservice
Kaiserstr. 12
76131 Karlsruhe

 

Business hours

International Students Office
First point of contact for international applicants

+49 721 608 - 44911

Contact form

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
International Students Office (IStO)
Adenauerring 2
76131 Karlsruhe

Current studies and examination regulations Water Science and Engineering M.Sc.
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30.03.2023, veröffentlicht 30.03.2023

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WT 2023/24

10-23-2023 to 02-17-2024

ST 2024

04-15-2024 to 07-27-2024

WT 2024/25

10-21-2024 to 02-15-2025

ST 2025

04-22-2025 to 08-02-2025

WT 2025/26

10-27-2025 to 02-21-2026

ST 2026

04-20-2026 to 08-01-2026

WT 2026/27

10-26-2026 to 02-20-2027

ST 2027

04-19-2027 to 07-31-2027

WT 2027/28

10-25-2027 to 02-19-2028

ST 2028

04-18-2028 to 07-29-2028

Lectures will not take place:
  • From 12-24 to 01-06
  • the week after Pentecost
  • on all public holidays in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg