Short profile
| Degree Type: | Master of Science (B.Sc.) |
| Standard period of study: | 4 semesters (full-time study) |
| Credit points (ECTS): | 120 credit points |
| Language of instruction: | German |
| Admission restriction: | yes |
Master's degree in architecture
Content
The Master's programme in Architecture comprises four semesters. After passing the final examination, it concludes with the Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Architecture. A total of 120 ECTS credits must be earned for this degree. During the course of study, the scientific qualifications acquired in the Bachelor's programme are to be further deepened.
A wide range of courses for this purpose is provided by four institutes with their respective professorships and teaching areas.
In many respects, the Master's programme corresponds to project studies. Thus, in each semester, a project including a thematic deepening is to be worked on.
Overall, students have a great deal of freedom of choice in selecting the project topics. There is also a wide range of options when it comes to taking courses.
However, it is advisable to seek academic advice before selecting courses, which supports students in drawing up an individual study plan in terms of possible profiling up to the master's thesis.
The examination regulations and the study plan based on them contain all binding specifications for the study programme.
The standard period of study is four semesters. In addition to the courses, it includes participation in compulsory excursions, examinations and the Master's thesis.
In principle, the study programme is divided into modules. Each module can consist of one or more courses, which are concluded by one or more examinations.
The scope of each module is marked by credit points, which are credited after successful completion of the module.
Click to download the study plan of the study regulations 2021
Click to download the study plan of the study regulations 2016
Information
As part of the implementation of the Bologna Process for the establishment of a European Higher Education Area, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has set itself the goal that, as a rule, the Master's degree will be awarded at the end of the student's education. The Bachelor's and Master's degree course in architecture offered by the KIT Department of Architecture is therefore to be regarded as an overall concept with a consecutive structure.
In any case, the proof of at least four years of study is required for admission to the Chamber of Architects.
Degree and duration of studies
2 years to the degree of Master of Science (M.Sc.); a total of 120 credit points (analogous to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System - ECTS) must be acquired, deviations from the standard period of study are possible.
Study structure
The modularised Master's programme corresponds in many cases to a project study. One major project is planned per semester. In addition, elective and optional modules are offered by the four institutes of the KIT department. In addition, seminars on key qualifications have to be attended. The study program ends with the master project. Overall, there is a great deal of freedom in the selection of in-depth projects in the Master's program. The individual modules are defined in the study plan, which is announced before the beginning of the study.
Application and admission
Admission to the Master's programme is restricted.
Prerequisites for admission to the master's program in architecture at KIT are:
1. bachelor degree
a passed* Bachelor's degree (or at least an equivalent degree) in the study course Architecture (or a study course with essentially the same content) at a university, university of applied sciences or university of cooperative education or at a foreign university. The course of study must have been completed within the framework of a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 ECTS credits,
2. minimum knowledge and minimum performance in the areas**:
- Design to the extent of 60 LP, of which one urban design project to the extent of at least 10 LP.
- Building technology to the extent of 30 LP
- Theoretical and historical foundations to the extent of 20 LP
- Design and representation to the extent of 20 LP and
- 20 LP in urban and landscape planning.
Important!
The assignment of the achievements in the Bachelor's degree programme to the areas must be made by the applicant on a form.
3. internship***
A twelve-week full-time internship in an architectural office or in a structural engineering department of an office or a large company.
4. knowledge of German
for applicants whose native language is not German, proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language in accordance with the requirements of the admission and matriculation regulations of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT),
5. passing of examinations
that in the course of studies in architecture or a related course of studies with essentially the same content there is no final failure of an examination required according to the examination regulations and that the examination entitlement still exists for other reasons.
6. subject-specific aptitude test (project portfolio/conversation)
Successful participation in a subject-specific aptitude test consisting of a project portfolio and, if applicable, an interview.
The design or project portfolio with work samples should consist of the final thesis of the undergraduate Bachelor's degree, further self-selected own work from the Bachelor's degree as well as a tabular curriculum vitae and is to be submitted as a PDF-File with a maximum of 30 pages in DIN 4 format.
The design or project portfolio will be evaluated on a scale of 0 to 80 points.
If the score is at least 61 points, the portfolio meets the requirements and the subject-specific aptitude test is passed.
If the score is below 41 points, the subject-specific aptitude test is not passed.
If the score is between 41 and 60 points, the applicant will be invited to an interview.
In the interview you should be able to apply specialist content from your studies and your professional experience to questions and objectives in architecture. This includes the areas of design, the understanding of architectural issues, the ability to work scientifically and the technical language competence. Your interview behaviour will also be assessed in terms of expressiveness, approach to discussing problems and coherence of argument.
The interview will take place on the premises of the KIT in Karlsruhe and will last approximately 20 minutes.
The exact dates and the place of the interview will be announced by KIT one week before the interview at the latest. The applicants admitted to the interview will be invited by KIT in due time. The time period for the interview will be fixed and announced before the application deadline.
The interview will be evaluated on a scale of 0 to 20 points.
If the total score in the interview is at least 10 points, the subject-specific aptitude test is passed.
Letter of motivation
For the formation of the ranking list, a letter of motivation of a maximum length of 500 words for the choice of the Master's program in Architecture at KIT has to be enclosed.
In the letter, please explain why you are applying for the master's degree program in architecture at KIT, why you consider yourself suitable for this program, and what goals and expectations you have for the study of architecture at KIT.
Ranking list
A ranking list will be drawn up among the applicants who meet the admission requirements:
Overall grade of the academic degree (15 points)
Letter of motivation (5 points)
Design/project portfolio (80 points)
Due to the high number of applicants, not all applicants who meet the admission requirements can be admitted. This means that even after successful completion of the interview, it is possible that no admission will be granted because the placement on the ranking list is in the lower range.
Footnotes:
* Admission to the Master's programme in Architecture can also be applied for if the Bachelor's degree has not yet been obtained by the application deadline, and if it can be expected, based on the applicant's previous course of study, in particular his/her previous examination results, that the applicant will complete the Bachelor's programme in good time before starting the Master's programme in Architecture.
In this case, an average grade can be taken into account in the admission and selection decision, which is determined on the basis of the previous examination results. The applicant takes part in the admission and selection procedure exclusively with the average grade determined and the previous study and examination achievements. The subsequent result of the Bachelor's degree is disregarded. The application must be accompanied by a certificate of the study and examination achievements (e.g. extract of grades) up to the end of the application period.
** If up to 30 LP of the aforementioned achievements are missing, the applicant can still be admitted with the achievements actually made if he/she successfully completes and proves these achievements within the first three semesters of the Master's degree programme in addition to the study and examination achievements required according to the relevant study and examination regulations of the Master's degree programme in Architecture.
*** If the twelve-week professional internship pursuant to Paragraph 2 No. 4 is missing, the applicant may nevertheless be admitted in individual cases on the condition that he/she successfully completes the internship by the beginning of the third semester of the Master's degree programme. The fulfilment of the condition must be proven at the latest for re-registration in the fourth semester.
- Handoutfor the Master's application procedure
- Form for the verification of professional knowledge from the first degree for the application to the Master's programme in Architecture
Application and admission
Application deadline
Application is only possible for the winter and summer semester.
Application deadline: July 15 for the winter semester, January 15 for the summer semester.
Please note
All application documents must be be uploaded in digital form (PDF) in the application portal. Submission in paper form is not possible. This also applies to the design or project portfolio.
Admission restriction
The Master's program is admission-restricted.
Prerequisites for admission to the master's program in architecture at KIT:
1. bachelor degree
a passed* bachelor's degree (or at least an equivalent degree) in the study program Architecture (or a study program with essentially the same content) at a university, university of applied sciences or university of cooperative education or at a foreign university. The studies must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 ECTS credits,
2. minimum knowledge and minimum achievements in the areas**:
- Design to the extent of 60 LP, of which one urban design project to the extent of at least 10 LP.
- Building technology to the extent of 30 LP
- Theoretical and historical foundations to the extent of 20 LP
- Design and representation to the extent of 20 LP and
- Urban and landscape planning to the extent of 20 LP.
Important!
The assignment of the achievements in the Bachelor's program to the areas must be made by the applicant on a form.
3. internship***
A twelve-week full-time internship in an architectural office or in a structural engineering department of an office or a large company.
4. German language skills
for applicants whose native language is not German, proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language according to the requirements of the admission and matriculation regulations of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT),
5. passing of the examination
that there is no final failure of an examination required by the examination regulations in the course of studies in architecture or a related course of studies with essentially the same content and that the examination entitlement still exists for other reasons as well
6. subject-specific aptitude test (project portfolio/conversation)
Successful participation in a subject-specific study ability test consisting of a project portfolio and, if applicable, an interview.
The design or project portfolio with work samples should consist of the final thesis of the undergraduate Bachelor's program, further self-selected own work from the Bachelor's program as well as a tabular curriculum vitae and is to be submitted as a PDF document with a maximum of 30 pages in DIN A4 format.
The design or project portfolio is evaluated on a scale from 0 to 80 points.
If a score of at least 61 points is achieved, the portfolio meets the requirements and the subject-specific study skills test is passed.
If the score is below 41 points, the subject-specific aptitude test is not passed.
If you score between 41 and 60 points, you will be invited to an interview.
In the interview, you should be able to apply specialist content from your studies and professional experience to questions and objectives in architecture. This includes the topics of design, the understanding of architectural issues, the ability to work scientifically and the technical language competence. Your interview behavior will also be evaluated in terms of expressive language, approach to discussing problems, and coherence of argumentation.
The interview will take place on the premises of KIT in Karlsruhe and will last about 20 minutes.
The exact dates and the place of the interview will be announced by KIT at least one week before the date. The applicants admitted to the interview will be invited by KIT in due time. The time period for the interview will be determined and announced before the application deadline.
The interview will be evaluated on a scale from 0 to 20 points.
If the total score in the interview is at least 10 points, the subject-specific study ability test is passed.
Letter of motivation
For the formation of the ranking list, a letter of motivation of a maximum of 500 words for the choice of the Master's program in Architecture at KIT must be attached.
In the letter, please explain why you are applying for the master's program in architecture at KIT, why you consider yourself suitable for this program, and what goals and expectations you have for the study of architecture at KIT.
Ranking list
A ranking list will be drawn up among the applicants who meet the admission requirements:
- Overall grade of the academic degree (15 points)
- Letter of motivation (5 points)
- Design/project portfolio (80 points)
Due to the high number of applicants, not all applicants who meet the admission requirements can usually be admitted. This means that even after successfully completing the interview, admission may not be granted because the placement on the ranking list is in the lower range.
Footnotes:
* Admission to the Master's program in Architecture can also be applied for if the Bachelor's degree has not yet been obtained by the application deadline, and if it can be expected, based on the applicant's previous course of study, in particular his/her previous examination results, that the applicant will complete the Bachelor's program in good time before starting the Master's program in Architecture.
In this case, an average grade can be taken into account in the admission and selection decision, which is determined on the basis of the previous examination results. The applicant takes part in the admission and selection procedure exclusively with the average grade determined and the previous study and examination achievements. The subsequent result of the Bachelor's degree is disregarded. The application must be accompanied by a certificate of the study and examination achievements (e.g. extract of grades) up to the end of the application period.
** If up to 30 LP of the aforementioned achievements are missing, the applicant can still be admitted with the achievements actually made if he/she successfully completes and proves these achievements within the first three semesters of the Master's program in addition to the study and examination achievements required according to the relevant study and examination regulations of the Master's program in Architecture.
*** If the twelve-week professional internship pursuant to Paragraph 2 No. 4 is missing, the applicant may nevertheless be admitted in individual cases on condition that he/she successfully completes the internship by the beginning of the third semester of the Master's degree program. The fulfillment of the condition must be proven at the latest for re-registration in the fourth semester.
Applicationinterviews for the masterdegree program in architecture
Part of the subject-specific aptitude test for the master's degree program in architecture may include participation in an interview conducted in German.
Please note that sufficient knowledge of German is absolutely necessary!
The interviews for the application for the summer semester 2022 will take place in the period from
Monday, 01.08.2022, until Friday, 05.08.2022 , either in the architecture building, building 20.40, at KIT Campus South or as an online meeting.
All applicants* who have achieved between 41 and 60 points in the design and project portfolio will be invited. The exact date and place of the interview will be announced in the invitation, which you will receive by e-mail at least one week before the interviews.
Applicants* who are invited to an interview must confirm participation by registering via a link sent to them immediately after receipt of the invitation, but no later than 24 hours after delivery.
KIT does not bear any costs incurred by applicants as a result of the selection interview.
Dates for the start of the semester
All dates of info sessions, draft presentations, seminar choices on one page.
Semester dates
| Winter 2022/2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester duration | 01.10.2022 - 31.03.2023 | |
| Lecture period | 24.10.2022 - 18.02.2023 | |
| Lecture-free period | 24.12.2022 - 06.01.2023 | |
| Exam registration | follows | |
| Examination period | follows | |
| Summer 2023 | ||
| Semester duration | 01.04.2023 - 30.09.2023 | |
| Lecture period | 17.04.2023 - 29.07.2023 | |
| Lecture-free period | 29.05.2023 - 03.06.2023 | |
| Exam registration | follows | |
| Examination period | follows | |
| Re-registration periods: | |
|---|---|
| for the summer semester | 15.01. - 15.02. |
| for the winter semester | 01.07. - 15.08. |
Semester dates architecture
| Winter semester 2021/22 | |
|---|---|
| 15.07.2021 | Application deadline for the Master's programme in Architecture |
| 11.10. until 15.10.2021 | Orientation phase All dates under this link |
| follows | Examination period |
Timetables
Summer semester 2023: German and English
Past semesters:
Winter semester 2021/22: German / English
Summer semester 2021: German / English
Studien- und Prüfungsordnung
Der Ablauf des Studiums ist in den jeweiligen Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen geregelt.
- Neue Studienordnung ab SoSe 2021: SPO 2021 (AB 011)
- Studienordnung ab WS 2016/17: SPO 2016 (AB 070)
- § 18/19 Anerkennung von Studien- und Prüfungsleistungen
Module Handbook
The module handbook describes the modules belonging to the respective study program, the interdependencies between them, the learning objectives as well as the type of success control.
Summer Semester 2023:
PDF download
Master Architecture (SPO2016) :german
Master Architecture (SPO 2021): german
Online version
Master Architecture (SPO2016): german
Master Architecture (SPO2021): german
PDF download
Master Architecture (SPO2016):german
Master Architecture (SPO 2021): german
Online version
Master Architecture (SPO2016):german
Master Architecture (SPO2021): german
Online Module Handbook Master of Architecture (SPO 2016)
Module Handbook Master Architecture - Winter Term 2016/17 (SPO 2012)
Module Handbook Master of Architecture - Winter Semester 2018/19 (SPO 2016) as PDF
Online Module Handbook Master of Architecture (SPO 2016)
Module Handbook Master of Architecture - Summer Semester 2018 (SPO 2016) as PDF
Online Module Handbook Master of Architecture (SPO 2016)
Module Handbook Master of Architecture - Winter Semester 2017/18 (SPO 2016) as PDF
Module Handbook Master of Architecture - Summer Semester 2017 (SPO 2016)
Module Handbook Master of Architecture - Winter Term 2016/17 (SPO 2016)
Module Handbook Master of Architecture - Summer Term 2016
Module Handbook Master Architecture - Winter Term 2015/16
Module Handbook Master of Architecture - Summer Term 2015
Module Handbook Master of Architecture - Winter Term 2014/15
Module Handbook Master of Architecture - Summer Term 2014
Module Handbook Master Architecture - Winter Term 2013/14
Module Handbook Master of Architecture - Summer Term 2013
Study plan
- Study Plan Master Architecture (SPO 2016), 21.09.2018
- Exemplary Study Plan Master (SPO 2021) german | english, 01.10.2022
Weitere Informationen und Downloads rund um die Studienorganisation
linkAnsprechpersonen
Das Studiendekanat ist Anlaufstelle für alle Fragen zur Organisation des Studiums (Zulassung, Studienablauf, Anerkennungen, Prüfungen, Praktikum etc.), die nicht direkt mit den Lehrenden bzw. an den Professuren geklärt werden können.
Studiendekanat
Geb. 20.40, 1.OG, Raum 139
Ute Hofmann
Tel: 608-43879
Öffungszeiten:
Mo bis Do, 09:00-12:00 Uhr
und Di 14:00-16:00 Uhr
Studienkoordination / Studienberatung
Dipl.-Ing. Doris Kern
Tel: 608-42673
Geb. 20.40, 1. OG, Raum 140
Sprechzeiten: dienstags 14–17 Uhr
nach Vereinbarung: doris kern ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
Studiendekanin Architektur
Prof. Dr. Barbara Engel (Architektur)
Tel: 608-42170
Geb. 11.40, 1. OG, Raum 109
Courses
An overview of the courses can be found
- in the online course catalog
- in the semester program booklet
- and as a poster exhibition in the dean's office corridor (between room 136 to 143) on the 1st floor of building 20.40
Start in the Master
Welcome to the master's program in architecture at the KIT Department of Architecture! We would like you to arrive well and for this purpose we have compiled the information and offers that make the start easier.
The orientation phase for the winter semester 2023/24 will take place in the week from 9 to 13.10.2023.
To the start
The semester brochure of the department
The semester brochure provides an overview of the department as well as course offerings and the semester schedule. It is published shortly before the semester begins.
All the information you need to plan and carry out your studies:
Under "Study Programs" on the department website you will find the important dates, links and information to keep track of the organizational matters of your studies.
Dates Master degree program architecture
| Monday, 10/16-23 9:30 | Welcome, appointment announcements and presentation of draft topics. Fritz Haller Lecture Hall |
| from Monday, 10/16-23 | Information on all courses can be found in the online course catalog. |
| Monday 10/16-23 14:00 | Information about the major in urban planning |
| Place assignments in the SignMeUp tool: | |
| Tuesday, 10/17/2013 10:00 a.m. to Wednesday, 10/18/2013 10:00 a.m. | Allocation of places for master drafts Link follows |
| Tuesday, 10/17-23 10:00 | Allocation of places for other events Link follows |
| Wednesday, 18.10.23 10:00 | 1st lottery of the places |
| Thursday, 19.10.23 10:00 | Registration deadline Until the 1st draw the registration is only possible for a maximum of 3 events, afterwards unlimited. From the time of the 1st draw, vacant or free places will be reallocated. Please return any places you do not want in the system. |
Important info / FAQ
Technical Information of the SCC
The Steinbuch Centre for Computing (SCC) is responsible for the information technology of KIT. To help you get started technically, the SCC has compiled some relevant information such as how to activate your KIT user account, how to set up your e-mail box, how to prepare your KIT card, and much more.
http://www.scc.kit.edu/dienste/erstsemester.php
Overview of important websites and portals
KIT and the Faculty of Architecture use information and administration systems that directly affect your study organization, be it in teaching, when documents are made available, when dates for the semester schedule are published, or when you have to register for exams. The various portals and websites fulfill different functions. The most important ones for you are briefly presented here.
Website of the KIT Department of Architecture
The website of the KIT Department of Architecture functions as a pure information website. It provides an overview of the various institutions, persons, and committees of the department as well as of the courses offered. It also announces current events, dates, and publications. In the section "Organisation of studies" you can find important dates, timetables, forms etc.. There are also video tutorials on how to register for and deregister from exams to help you with this process.
The various professorships of the department also have websites. The links to these can be found under the menu item "Institutes". The websites are maintained by the professorships themselves and differ in scope and offer.
Campus Management Portal
https://campus.studium.kit.edu
The Campus Management Portal is a central platform of KIT, which manages courses, exam registration and deregistration, re-registration for the next study semester and all possible certificates. Compared to the department website, it is not only about information, but about your personal study organization. If you have difficulties with the Campus Management Portal, the Dean of Studies Office of the Department (Building 20.40, Room 139) can often help.
WiWi Portal
https://portal.wiwi.kit.edu/ys?id=6
The WiWi-Portal is used to allocate places for courses. It is only relevant in the weeks before the lecture period. Registration usually takes place via the KIT account, but if this is not yet available, registration with a private email address is also possible.
ILIAS
KIT uses the learning platform ILIAS. Here, teachers can set up courses for individual learning events and modules and then make learning materials available or set up submissions. ILIAS can also be used to send e-mails or set up calendars for courses. In most cases, the professorships set up a course and then inform the students concerned about the respective joining procedure. This can be done by the professors themselves or with a link and/or password. You should definitely join the corresponding ILIAS courses in order to receive the emails and materials for the courses and to be able to hand in required performances on time!
Consulting Services
Subject-specific study consultations
For subject-specific questions about the study of architecture, the KIT Department of Architecture, and department visits:
studienberatung ∂does-not-exist.arch kit edu
+49 721-608 43879
For subject-specific questions on the study of art history:
Apl. Prof Dr. Martin Papenbrock
Phone: +49 721 608-42191
(secretary's office)
martin papenbrock ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
http://kg.ikb.kit.edu/
Student Representatives
For questions concerning student concerns and student life at the department:
KIT ArchitectureStudent Council
https://fsarchi.com
fachschaft ∂does-not-exist.arch kit edu
Instagram: fsarchkit
KIT Art HistoryStudent Council
fachschaft-kunstgeschichte ∂does-not-exist.web de
Facebook: fachschaftkunstgeschichtekarlsruhe
Instagram: fachschaftkunstgeschichteka
Center for Information and Counseling (zib)
For general questions about study organisation, application and admission as well as choice of subject:
+49 721 608-44930
info ∂does-not-exist.zib kit edu
http://www.sle.kit.edu/vorstudium/zib.php
Social Media
To stay up to date, it is worth visiting the website regularly and following the KIT Department of Architecture on social media:
arch.kit.edu
facebook.com/KITArchitecture
instagram.com/kitarchitecture
