Program Overview
In the research-oriented master's degree program in Geoecology at KIT, you will deepen your knowledge from your bachelor's degree (Geoecology or related subjects) and expand your skills in the analysis of complex environmental processes. The standard period of study is 4 semesters and you will earn 120 ECTS credits.
With around 25 students per year, the degree program offers plenty of room for individual support, personal development and a close exchange with fellow students. Small group sizes and an open, collegial atmosphere create a pleasant learning environment - both in the lecture hall and outdoors in nature.
In the master's degree program, you choose two of the four areas of specialization, which represent central geoecological issues:
The specilization areas can be found in each of the following subjects:
Key Program Features
- • master's orientation phase • involvement of students in current research projects • numerous elective and specialization options • access to cutting-edge technologies • professionally relevant key qualifications • interdisciplinary orientation • integration into the Eucor university network enables participation in courses at the universities of Freiburg
- Basel
- Strasbourg
- Colmar and Mulhouse • study abroad via Erasmus+ or overseas program • possibility of part-time jobs at associated scientific institutes / laboratories • master's thesis also possible in companies or at another KIT department
Career Opportunities
After studying geoecology, you will have a wide range of opportunities in chemical and physical analysis laboratories, engineering offices for technical planning, waste management companies, environmental and nature conservation authorities, universities or environmental protection organizations.
The spectrum of activities ranges from analysis and conception to consulting and expert opinions to scientific research and teaching. In addition to direct entry into a job, a doctorate is also possible if you have a very good master's degree, which will enable you to pursue a career in research and teaching at a later stage, for example.
Program Curriculum
The curriculum includes three subjects: Methods of Environmental Research, Advanced Geoecology, and Research Project. Each of these subjects contains areas that are assigned to the specializations. You choose two specializations and the areas in each subject that correspond to your specializations.
Please note: the study plan varies greatly depending on the chosen specializations and whether you start your studies in the winter or summer semester. The example here refers to a start in the winter semester.
• Methods of Environmental Research (16 CP)
specialization: Soil, Vegetation, Water, Climate Impact
compulsory 2 of the 4 above mentioned specializations: 8 CP each
• Advanced Geoecology (12 of 14 CP)
specialization: Soil, Vegetation, Water, Climate Impact
compulsory 2 of 4, 6 CP each
• specialization: Soil, Vegetation, Water, Climate Impact
• compulsory 2 of the 4 above mentioned specializations: 8 CP each
• specialization: Soil, Vegetation, Water, Climate Impact
• compulsory 2 of 4, 6 CP each
• Advanced Geoecology (2 of 14 CP)
Excursion Geoecology (compulsory, 2 CP)
• Research Project (18 CP)
specialization: Soil, Vegetation, Water, Climate Impact
choice of 2 out of 4 (9 CP each)
• Scientific Supplementary Courses of Geoecology
36 CP according to your own choice (12 CP each)
• Interdisciplinary Qualifications (6 CP)
modules from HoC, Language Center and FORUM
• Excursion Geoecology (compulsory, 2 CP)
• specialization: Soil, Vegetation, Water, Climate Impact
• choice of 2 out of 4 (9 CP each)
• 36 CP according to your own choice (12 CP each)
• modules from HoC, Language Center and FORUM
• Master's thesis (30 CP)
Admission Requirements
The requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Geoecology are based on the current admission regulations:
• bachelor's degreea bachelor's degree (or at least an equivalent degree) in Geoecology (or a degree program with essentially the same content) from a university, university of applied sciences or university of cooperative education or from a foreign university. The program must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 ECTS credits.
• minimum knowledge and minimum achievements in the following areasMathematics to the extent of 8 CPPhysics to the extent of 8 CPInorganic Chemistry to the extent of 7 CPOrganic Chemistry to the extent of 4 CPClimatology to the extent of 4 CPGeomorphology and Soil Science to the extent of 5 CPBiogeography and Vegetation Science to the extent of 4 CPEcology to the extent of 3 CPGeology to the extent of 4 CPEnvironmental Chemistry to the extent of 2 CPSoil Field Courses to the extent of 3 CPHydrology to the extent of 4 CPBotany to the extent of 4 CPZoology to the extent of 6 CPSpatial Planning to the extent of 2 CPLanguages R, Python or Matlab to the extent of 2 CPStatistics to the extent of 3 CPGeographical Information Systems to the extent of 2 CPField Courses and Excursions to the extent of 5 CP Important: if minimum achievements amounting to a maximum of 30 CP are missing, admission can be granted on the condition that these achievements are made up by the end of the third semester of the master's degree program at the latest. The required conditions are listed by the admissions committee and will be communicated to you as part of the admission process.
• internshipa six-week internship including all internships completed in the bachelor's program
• previous experiencewill be taken into account if they provide particular information about the applicant's suitability for the intended degree program. This includescompleted vocational training in a relevant training occupation and previous professional experience relevant to the degree program even without completed vocational trainingpractical activities and special previous training related to the subject In addition, special academic achievements, such as relevant publications, outstanding academic work, research activities and research stays in academic institutions or industry can be taken into account.
• Mathematics to the extent of 8 CP
• Physics to the extent of 8 CP
• Inorganic Chemistry to the extent of 7 CP
• Organic Chemistry to the extent of 4 CP
• Climatology to the extent of 4 CP
• Geomorphology and Soil Science to the extent of 5 CP
• Biogeography and Vegetation Science to the extent of 4 CP
• Ecology to the extent of 3 CP
• Geology to the extent of 4 CP
• Environmental Chemistry to the extent of 2 CP
• Soil Field Courses to the extent of 3 CP
• Hydrology to the extent of 4 CP
• Botany to the extent of 4 CP
• Zoology to the extent of 6 CP
• Spatial Planning to th
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
- Start Date Winter semester
- Language German
- Duration 4 semesters
- Credits 120 ECTS
