Program Overview
"Using scientific methods to work on the creative design of the world - that is our goal as the Karlsruhe Department of Architecture at KIT."
In the bachelor's degree program in Architecture at KIT, you will deal with the design, creation and construction of buildings as well as the planning of urban and landscape spaces. You will acquire the in-depth specialist knowledge required for planning and implementation and develop a sound judgment of space and context, material and construction, history and theory, use and effects, management, economics and sustainability.
One focus of the program in terms of content and methodology is design theory, which you will deepen in so-called design studios with changing thematic focuses. This is accompanied by a coordinated range of basic courses in artistic, technical, historical and social science subjects. In the higher semesters, you have the opportunity to set your own priorities and deepen your knowledge in a targeted manner.
During your studies, you have various subjects, which consist of one or more modules. A module deals with a specific topic and consists of one or more courses. In the module handbook for your degree program, you will find a description of the modules and their subject assignment as well as a study plan. This gives you an orientation as to which courses you should attend in which semester in order to complete your studies within the standard period of study. It takes into account a balanced distribution of courses over the individual semesters. It also ensures that you are first taught the important basics before moving on to more advanced topics. Your individual course of study may differ from this.
Key Program Features
- • the bachelor's degree program is structured as a project course
- in which the focus is on a design (studio) each semester • practice-oriented teaching of the basics with excursions
- design and construction projects up to a scale of 1:1 • drawing workstations for all students on the bachelor's degree program • supervised study workshops with equipment hire • separate Art History program and resulting additional course offerings • internship not compulsory
- but highly recommended • orientation week and mentoring program at the start of studies • numerous opportunities to study abroad • possibility of a German-French double degree in the subsequent master's program (application is already made during the bachelor's program) the bachelor's degree program is structured as a project course
- in which the focus is on a design (studio) each semester practice-oriented teaching of the basics with excursions
- design and construction projects up to a scale of 1:1 drawing workstations for all students on the bachelor's degree program supervised study workshops with equipment hire separate Art History program and resulting additional course offerings internship not compulsory
- but highly recommended orientation week and mentoring program at the start of studies numerous opportunities to study abroad possibility of a German-French double degree in the subsequent master's program (application is already made during the bachelor's program)
Career Opportunities
The profession is associated with a high degree of responsibility. As a cultural and public practice, architecture is closely linked to social, technological and economic developments. The diversity of the discipline means that it combines the humanities, social and natural sciences as well as technical and artistic subjects. Against this background, the program is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge in order to train creative and critically thinking personalities and to enable you to work on complex tasks in an interdisciplinary manner.
The bachelor's degree in Architecture is a self-contained study program. The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree qualifies you to work in all areas of planning and construction. However, it does not yet meet the criteria of the Chambers of Architects and the internationally recognized UIA (Union International d'Architecture) to be admitted to the Chamber of Architects and to be able to use the professional title of architect. Further qualification criteria for later admission to the profession are regulated by the Chambers of Architects of the individual federal states. The bachelor's degree program forms the first part of an overall degree program consisting of a bachelor's and a master's degree.
The professional field of activity includes the design, technical and economic planning of buildings and groups of buildings, interiors, urban districts and even entire residential areas. However, the job profile in the field of architecture and urban planning is changing. In recent years, a whole series of new fields of activity have been added to the traditional areas of activity. In particular, the examination of existing buildings and structures is becoming an increasingly important part of the work spectrum.
Graduates of the KIT Department of Architecture work in renowned architecture and urban planning offices, public authorities and cultural institutions in Germany and abroad. Even during your studies, you will benefit from a
Program Curriculum
During your studies, you have various subjects, which consist of one or more modules. A module deals with a specific topic and consists of one or more courses. In the module handbook for your degree program, you will find a description of the modules and their subject assignment as well as a study plan. This gives you an orientation as to which courses you should attend in which semester in order to complete your studies within the standard period of study. It takes into account a balanced distribution of courses over the individual semesters. It also ensures that you are first taught the important basics before moving on to more advanced topics. Your individual course of study may differ from this.
Your studies are divided into the following subjects:
• Designing: here you will learn the basics of architectural and urban design and deal with spatial, functional and design requirements.
• Integral Designing: you will deal with interdisciplinary approaches and link design, technical and sustainability-related aspects in your design projects.
• Construction Technology: this subject provides you with the necessary knowledge of construction, materials science, building physics and structural design.
• Theoretical and Historical Basics: you will explore the theoretical and historical contexts of architecture in order to make informed design decisions.
• Designing and Representation: the focus here is on drawing, modelling and digital methods for visualizing and communicating architectural concepts.
• Urban and Landscape Planning: you will analyze and design urban planning and landscape architecture concepts in the context of social and ecological developments.
• Specialization: in this subject, you can choose from a wide range of seminars, exercises and weekly seminar courses and set your own focus according to your interests.
• Interdisciplinary Qualifications: this subject offers you the opportunity to acquire key skills that go beyond the core content of the degree program, e.g. through interdisciplinary courses or language courses.
Admission Requirements
For the bachelor's degree program in Architecture, you need sufficient knowledge of German and English. Your knowledge of German must be at least level C1 and your knowledge of English 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
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
No tuition fees (German public university — see fee_details)
Semester contribution ~€235 covers public transport (KVV) and student union services.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
No tuition fees at KIT (German public university). Semester contribution of approx. €235 covers public transport and student services. Funding available via DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Baden-Württemberg Stipendium, and KIT internal scholarships.
About Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe, Germany
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of Germany's leading public research universities and among Europe's most prestigious institutions for science, engineering, and technology....
University Profile- Application Deadline EU/German nationals: July 15 | Non-EU nationals: July 15
- Language German
- Duration 6 semesters
- Credits 180 ECTS
