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Water Resources MSc/Diploma/Certificate
Duration
Overview
Programme Background
Recent floods and droughts in the EU, India, China, USA and Africa highlight the need for our water resources to be better managed. The aim of the programme is to provide a sound understanding of sustainable water resources issues by developing the knowledge and skills necessary for planning and management to meet the needs of the built and natural environment within the context of climate change.
Programme Structure
The MSc programme is offered as full time (one year) and part time (two years). The PGDip programme is offered as full-time (9 months) and part-time (two years). The PGC programme is offered as full-time (4 months) and part-time (9 months). The programme is also available by distance learning.
Eight courses are selected from the list below. Some of these are mandatory (core), while others are optional. The choice of courses varies slightly with the distance learning option.
MSc and Diploma candidates are expected to pass all eight courses, although the average pass mark required for the MSc is higher (50%) than that of the Diploma (40%). Postgraduate Certificate students only need to pass in four courses. Most courses have compulsory coursework elements and written examinations.
Course Choice, Semester 1
· Environmental Hydrology & Water Resources – mandatory
· Integrated Water Resources Management– mandatory
· Sustainability & Civil Engineering – optional
· Water Conservation – optional
· Computer Simulation of River Flows – optional
Course Choice, Semester 2
· Water & Wastewater Treatment – mandatory
· Water Supply & Drainage – mandatory
· Irrigation Water Management – optional
· Marine Water Discharges – optional
· Geographical Information Systems 1 – optional
Accreditation
This MSc degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree. See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.
Project & Dissertation
After successfully completing the taught elements at the end of Semester 2, the MSc students then embark on an independent research project for about 3 months, leading to the production of a dissertation. To qualify for the award of the MSc, the student would need to also pass the dissertation.
Industry Links
Where possible MSc dissertation projects are set up in collaboration with industry, the aim being to encourage contact between the student and industry, and to underpin the industrial relevance of the projects. Students are also encouraged to suggest their own topics and projects may be undertaken at overseas laboratories.
Graduate Opportunities
Training is provided in water resources engineering, environmental engineering, flood risk management, integrated water resources management, environmental implications of water engineering schemes, and industrial software packages. The programme is suitable for graduates in civil engineering, earth sciences and related disciplines. On completion, graduates will be able to offer employers a broad range of skills and advanced knowledge in a number of important areas of water engineering.
The programme builds on the experience and reputation which the programme team has established over several years.
Primary employment destinations include:
Leading UK and international consultants (e.g. Jacobs, HR Wallingford, JBA, Halcrow, Hyder Consulting and Fairhursts)
Local and National Government (in the UK and elsewhere)
Environmental regulators (e.g. SEPA & EA)
Academic institutions (including PhD study and research associate posts)
Non-Governmental Organisations
Programme Leaflet
Download a copy of the programme leaflet for Water Resources
Entry Requirements
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we’ll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme:
- 2 semesters English (for IELTS of 4.5-5.0);
- 12 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5);
- 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5*-6.0). (*minimum 5.5 reading and writing)
Distance learning students
Please note that independent distance learning students who access their studies online will be expected to have access to a PC/laptop and internet.
Contacts
- Senior Lecturer A J Adeloye
- 0131 451 8236
- 0131 451 4617
- a.j.adeloye@hw.ac.uk
- www.sbe.hw.ac.uk



