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, research-oriented education at the interface of water-related engineering and natural sciences. Graduates are able to independently develop strategies and technical solutions for the sustainable management of water resources. In doing so, they are active in the complex field of tension between the efficient use of limited water resources, the increasing demands on their protection, the handling of extreme hydrometeorological events and the effects of global change on the water cycle and water-related material cycles.

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
• if only up to 3 CP are missing, conditional admission is possible

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 2025. 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.

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

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