Water Science and Engineering Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

English and German

Graduating is possible with courses in English only. Your choice of possible elective courses increases if you can also follow classes in German.

Participants can choose to write their Master's theses in either language.

KIT offers language courses for all students (one free course per semester). Up to 6 CP can be included in the programme curriculum.

This advanced modular degree programme offers an interdisciplinary, research-oriented education at the interface between water-related engineering and natural sciences. This includes an efficient use of limited water resources, implementing increasing requirements for the protection of water bodies, handling of hydro-meteorological extreme events, and mitigating the impacts of global change on the water cycle and related material cycles.

Students extend their knowledge of scientific and engineering fundamentals from their undergraduate studies. They complement this in-depth knowledge with engineering and scientific methods.

The MSc in Water Science and Engineering imparts expert knowledge in the following areas:

• water technology and urban water management
• fluid mechanics and hydraulic engineering
• earth system science and water resources management

Topics include:

• the efficient use of limited water resources
• implementing increasing requirements for the protection of water bodies
• handling of hydro-meteorological extreme events
• mitigating the impacts of global change on the water cycle and related material cycles

15 June for the following winter semester
30 November for the following summer semester

Tuition fees apply for international students from non-EU countries: https://www.intl.kit.edu/istudies/12606.php.

The Master's degree programme in Water Science & Engineering is structured into the following subjects:

• Advanced Fundamentals
• Profile Studies
• Cross-Cutting Methods & Competencies
• Study Project
• Master's Thesis

The subjects are individually shaped by the selection of modules within the given options. Each module consists of one or more related lectures, seminars, and/or labs, and is completed by taking one or more exams. The scope of each module is given by credit points (CP) that are credited when the module is successfully completed.

• Advanced Fundamentals (27 CP): In this subject, advanced fundamentals of water-related engineering and sciences are taught in lectures and labs. All students attend a lecture series on modelling water and environmental systems. They further choose four subject-specific modules according to their fields of interest and their selected specialisation.

• Profile Studies (36 CP): The degree programme provides opportunity for specialisation within three areas of expertise in the sectoral profiles A-C. In addition, an education of generalists in water engineering is possible in the cross-sectoral profile D.
  • Profile A: Water Technologies & Urban Water Management: Innovative technologies for the treatment of drinking water and wastewater; sustainable design of urban and decentralised water systems; biological, chemical and physical processes of water treatment; planning and dimensioning of infrastructure and facilities for water supply and wastewater disposal
  • Profile B: Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulic Engineering: Advanced hydrodynamic principles, and their application for flows in the environment as well as for planning and dimensioning of hydraulic structures for water management; substantiated education in physical and numerical modelling
  • Profile C: Hydrological Dynamics & Hazards:
    Water cycle processes in terrestrial systems and related matter, and energy cycles and all aspects of integrated management of river basins, such as management strategies for the protection of surface and ground waters, the prediction of water-related extreme events, and the development of prevention and mitigation measures
     
• Cross-Cutting Methods & Competencies (12 CP): The scientific education is complemented by a comprehensive education in methods and technical skills.
• Study Project (15 CP): Students carry out an interdisciplinary study project, which prepares them for independent scientific working and writing, and introduces skills in project management and in combining approaches from different fields.

• Master's Thesis (30 CP): Students apply the acquired knowledge and methodology to independently plan and conduct a scientific study at the end of the programme. They are able to deal with the current state of research, and they are capable to work theoretically and/or experimentally on a complex problem according to scientific standards.

The individual specialisation can be complemented with elective courses, such as modules from related disciplines at KIT like geoecology, meteorology, civil engineering (e.g. geotechnical engineering), applied geosciences (e.g. engineering geology), or chemical and process engineering.

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1,500 EUR

Tuition fees apply for international students from non-EU countries: https://www.intl.kit.edu/istudies/12606.php.

Approx. 200 EUR per semester

Approx. 900 to 1100 EUR per month

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in one of the following:

• engineering (civil or environmental engineering, chemical or biological engineering, mechanical engineering)
• science (geoecology, environmental sciences, geosciences)
• a related topic (degree programme with a minimum regular duration of three years and a scope of 180 ECTS points)

With a transcript of records, applicants need to demonstrate that they have at least 12 ECTS points each in the following:

• higher mathematics
• fundamental science or engineering such as physics, mechanics, chemistry, biology, thermodynamics, etc.
• water-related engineering or 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

Proof is required, e.g. in form of one of the following internationally recognised tests:

• English: TOEFL iBT  with min. 90 points (Internet-based)
• 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 enrolment 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 programme 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.

15 June for the following winter semester
30 November for the following summer semester

No

Students have the possibility to work part-time during their studies. Local industry and businesses are constantly looking for temporary staff. At KIT, there are also various positions available as student assistants.

However, students should check with the authorities to see if they are allowed to work and to what extent they may work. They should also be aware that taxes and social contribution fees may apply.

Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 350 EUR per month. Private rooms are more expensive (approx. 450 to 850 EUR).

The "Studierendenwerk Karlsruhe" manages student residences in Karlsruhe.

https://www.sw-ka.de/en/wohnen/wohnheime_ka/

Students should keep in mind that there is a general shortage of housing in Karlsruhe. They should start looking at an early stage and consider travel time of up to 30 minutes for more affordable rent.

Also see https://www.kit.edu/study/living-and-learning-in-karlsruhe.php.

https://www.careerserviceportal.kit.edu/en/beratung/

https://www.intl.kit.edu/istudies/15479.php

The International Students' Office offers advice and support to all international students, and KIT's Welcome Hub for Internationals also provides support.

The department has its own international officer.