International Programmes 2023/2024

Water Science and Engineering Water Science and Engineering

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology • Karlsruhe

Degree
Master of Science
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

English and German

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

Participants can choose to write the Master's thesis in either language.

KIT offers language courses for all students. Up to 6 CP can be included in the programme curriculum.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application deadline

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

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
1,500 EUR
Additional information on tuition fees

Tuition fees apply for international students from non-EU countries:

https://www.intl.kit.edu/istudies/12606.php

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

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
  • hydraulic engineering and fluid mechanics
  • 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
Course organisation

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 Cycle: 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: Environmental System Dynamics & Management: Processes of the water cycle in terrestrial systems and related matter and energy cycles; integrated management of river basins; protection of surface and ground waters; prediction of water-related extreme events; development of prevention and mitigation measures.
    • Profile D: Water Resources Engineering: This profile aims at training generalists as the individual specialisation. Consequently, it features a diversification into the topics of the three profiles A-C.
  • 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.
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A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
1,500 EUR
Additional information on tuition fees

Tuition fees apply for international students from non-EU countries:

https://www.intl.kit.edu/istudies/12606.php

Semester contribution

Approx. 170 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Approx. 800 to 1000 EUR per month

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

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 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, water treatment, hydrology, hydrogeology, hydrometeorology, etc.
Language requirements

English: TOEFL 90 (Internet-based), IELTS 6.5, or equivalent

Application deadline

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

Submit application to

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
International Students Office
Adenauerring 2
76131 Karlsruhe
Germany

Possibility of finding part-time employment

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.

Accommodation

Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 300 EUR per month. Private rooms are more expensive (approx. 400 to 600 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 mins for more affordable rent.

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

Career advisory service

https://www.irm.kit.edu/english/careerservice.php

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Specialist counselling
  • Support with registration procedures
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

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

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

University location

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