What you can expect in our master's program

The master's degree program in Water Science and Engineering at KIT offers you an interdisciplinary, research-oriented education at the interface of water-related engineering and natural sciences. The standard period of study is 4 semesters and you will earn 120 ECTS credits.

In this degree program, you will learn how to develop strategies and technical solutions for the sustainable use and protection of water resources. In doing so, you will navigate the field of tension between the efficient use of limited water resources, their protection, dealing with extreme weather events and the consequences of global change on water and material cycles.

The degree program provides you with in-depth engineering and scientific fundamentals as well as cross-sectional skills. You will translate theoretical knowledge into quantitative models and learn to analyze and model complex systems using quantitative methods.

There are four study profiles to choose from, which you can use to sharpen your professional profile. The wide range of modules allows you to design your studies flexibly and individually.

The study profiles on offer are based on current job profiles. You can choose from:

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

The program is characterized by the large number of elective options - even within each profile. You choose your thematic focus during the first semester under the guidance of a mentor.

There are two areas in the Profile Studies (36 CP): the actual Profile (24 CP) and an area in which you can freely choose suitable Supplementary Modules (12 CP).

The choice of profile also influences the choice of modules in the Consolidation Studies (39 CP). Depending on your profile and previous knowledge (e.g. from your Bachelor's degree), certain modules are more suitable than others. The module handbook provides you with an initial orientation.

Consolidation Studies is divided into the subject Advanced Fundamentals (27 CP) and the subject Cross-Cutting Methods & Competencies (12 CP). Advanced Fundamentals teaches advanced fundamentals of water-related engineering and natural sciences. Cross-Cutting Methods & Competencies teaches overarching and cross-sectional methods and competencies.

In the interdisciplinary Study Project, you will learn how to work scientifically and apply project management. You will work on a topic at the interface of different areas of water research at KIT. As part of a team, you will develop practical and structured solutions. It makes sense to start the study project only after you have acquired the necessary technical and interdisciplinary skills (especially from the specialization and profile studies).

Program structure

Sample study plan

Profile: Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulic Engineering

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 6 months to complete. You can start it as soon as you have achieved 42 subject-related credit points. 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.

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 offered by 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.

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.

Characteristic features of Water Science and Engineering M.Sc. at KIT

• future-oriented engineering degree program
  

• balanced combination of lectures, exercises and practicals
  

• training in data analysis and numerical modeling with common programming languages
  

• student research projects in small, well-supervised groups
  

• high practical component (exercises, project work)
  

• research-oriented teaching through active involvement in research and engineering projects
  

• integration into the Eucor university network offers participation in courses at the universities in Freiburg, Basel, Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse
  

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 Water Science and Engineering are based on the current admission regulations:

• bachelor's degree
  a Bachelor's degree (or at least an equivalent degree) in an engineering degree program such as Civil or Environmental Engineering, Chemical or Bioengineering, in a natural sciences degree program such as Geoecology, Environmental Sciences or Geosciences (or a degree program with essentially the same content) at a university, university of applied sciences or university of cooperative education or at 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
  • higher mathematics of at least 12 LP
  • basic science and engineering subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, mechanics and/or thermodynamics amounting to at least 12 CP
  • engineering and/or natural sciences such as water management, hydraulic engineering, hydrology, urban water management, hydromechanics, process engineering of water treatment, hydrogeology, engineering geology, geophysics, physical geography, soil science, environmental system sciences, climatology and/or hydrometeorology, amounting to at least 12 CP
  If up to 3 credit points of the above-mentioned courses are missing, admission may be granted on condition that you successfully complete these missing courses by the end of the first semester of the master's degree program. Proof that the condition has been fulfilled must be provided by the time you re-register for the 3rd semester at the latest. Conditions are set by the admissions commission and will be communicated as part of the admission process.

Language requirements and certificates

For the master's degree program in Water Science and Engineering, you need sufficient knowledge of the English language. Your English language skills 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 English language skills

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 only language of instruction and examination in the degree program completed - this must be clearly stated in the Diploma Supplement, Transcript of Records or in the degree certificate.
• a secondary school leaving certificate or university degree from a school or university in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand

Otherwise, only the following English tests are accepted as proof of English proficiency in accordance with the statutes for the university's own admission and selection procedure for the master's degree program in Water Science and Engineering:

• TOEFL iBT (internet-based) with at least 90 points
• IELTS with an overall score of at least 6.5, no section below 5.5
• Cambridge Certificate C1 Advanced (CAE)
• Cambridge Certificate C2 Proficiency (CPE)
• UNIcert, at least level II

Note: The above 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.

There are 24 places available each year on the master's degree program in Water Science and Engineering. 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 200 achievable points.

You can achieve in detail

• max. 45 points for the overall grade of the final academic examination and
• max. 45 points for previous study and examination achievements and
• max. 10 points for other academic and professional achievements, including e.g:
  • 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
  • extracurricular achievements and qualifications, e.g. scientific publications, prizes and awards
  Study and examination achievements that are named differently but have the same content will be considered in the selection process if they are equivalent. The admission and selection commission decides on equivalence. You must enclose the necessary documents (e.g. transcript of records, module descriptions) with your application.
• a maximum of 100 points are allocated to the interview. The interview is conducted by the admissions and selection commission (in English). It lasts 20 minutes. The following will be assessed in detail:
  • your ability to relate content to questions and objectives in water-related engineering and natural sciences based on your previous scientific education and specialist training with up to 50 points
  • your motivation to study with up to 30 points
  • your ability to discuss subject-related problems in a structured manner with up to 20 points

Please note:

• invitation: you will be invited to the interview if you meet the admission requirements and have been shortlisted on the basis of your previous academic and examination achievements. The invitation will be sent by email to the address you provided in your application approximately two weeks before the interview. It will include the time and place of the interview.
• registration: after receiving the invitation, you must register for the interview. If you do not register on time, the appointment will be canceled.
• dates: The interview dates are usually three to six weeks after the application deadline.
• the selection interview takes place in person. On request, it is possible to conduct the selection interview by telephone or internet conference, e.g. if you are applying as an international student and are still abroad.

If you have any further questions, please get in touch with the contact person for the degree program directly.

Additional contacts:

• KIT-Department of Civil Engineering, Geo- and Environmental Sciences
• Academic advisor
• Examination board
• Information about exchange programs and studying abroad
• Student representatives Civil Engineering

Teaching calendar

Course catalog

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