Water Science and Engineering Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

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

In the framework of the Master's programme in Water Science and Engineering, there is also the opportunity to study a double-degree programme with the University of Strasbourg in France on the topic Continental Water Sustainability (CWS). Interested students must apply specifically to CWS. Find more information here.

The Master's programme in Water Science & Engineering comprises a total of 120 credit points (CP) across the following subjects:

• Profile Studies (51 CP)
  • Advanced Fundament
  • Specialisation
• Cross-Cutting Methods & Competencies (12 CP)
• Supplementaries (12 CP)
• Study Project (15 CP)
• Master's Thesis (30 CP)

The degree programme provides the opportunity to specialise within the following four areas of expertise:

• Profile A: Water Technologies & Urban Water Management
• Profile B: Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulic Engineering
• Profile C: Hydrological Dynamics & Hazards
• Profile D: Sustainable Management of Rivers and Floodplains

Profile studies: Each profile has two compulsory elective subjects: Advanced fundamentals (27 CP) and Specialisation (24 CP). In the Advanced Fundamentals, water-related engineering and science fundamentals are taught. All students attend the lecture series “Think Like a Scientist: Research Integrity and Best Practices in Water Science and Engineering”. They further choose four subject-specific modules according to their fields of interest and their selected study profile. The Specialisation subject allows students to acquire the competence to link fundamental and advanced knowledge with engineering applications in their selected profile.

Cross-Cutting Methods & Competencies: Specialised academic training is complemented by a solid foundation in interdisciplinary methods and skills. Students must select modules totalling at least 12 credit points. Due to the programme’s international focus, they may also take language courses for up to six credit points.

Supplementaries: In the Supplementaries course, students can select modules from across the entire catalogue that they have not yet taken or scheduled for another course.

Study Project: Students complete an interdisciplinary research project, which introduces them to independent academic work and project management. In addition to developing their ability to integrate approaches from different disciplines within the context of the project, students also learn to work in a team and critically discuss results.

Master's Thesis: Upon completing their studies, students apply the specialised knowledge and methods they have acquired to design and carry out an independent research project. They can engage with the current state of research and address a complex problem using scientific methods, either theoretically or experimentally.

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

Approx. 200 EUR per semester

Approx. 900 to 1,100 EUR per month

Students can work part-time during their studies. At KIT, there are various positions available as student assistants – see https://www.careerservice.kit.edu/en/.

https://www.careerservice.kit.edu/en/

Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 370 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 start looking for accommodation at an early stage and consider commutes of up to 30 minutes for more affordable rent.

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