Water Resources MSc/Diploma

  • Delivery: Full Time, Part Time, Distance Learning
  • Programme type: Taught Programme
  • Study location:
  • Edinburgh
  • Entry date:
  • January, September

Overview

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.

Professional recognition

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.

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 content

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.

Course Choice, Semester 1

  • Environmental Hydrology & Water Resources – mandatory
  • Marine Water Discharges - optional
  • Sustainability & Civil Engineering – optional
  • Water Conservation – optional
  • Computer Simulation of River Flows – optional

Course Choice, Semester 2

  • Water & Wastewater Treatment – mandatory
  • Urban Drainage & Water Supply – mandatory
  • Integrated Water Resource Management – mandatory
  • Irrigation Water Management – optional 
  • Construction Financial Management - optional 
  • Desalination and Water Re-use - Dubai campus only

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. 

Assessment

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.

Entry requirements

For MSc level entry applicants must have:

  • Minimum of 2:2 honours degree or equivalent academic qualification in cognate and semi-cognate subject area. For PG conversion programmes, non-cognate degrees will be considered. Corporate (or chartered) membership of relevant professional institutions will also be considered.

 

For PG Diploma level entry applicants must have:

  • Third class honours degree in a cognate or semi-cognate subject area PLUS 2 years of relevant experience at an appropriate level completed post qualification.
  • Cognate or semi-cognate ordinary degree PLUS 3-4 years of relevant experience at an appropriate level following graduation. 
  • Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements or have no formal academic qualifications will be considered individually based on their CV and interview.  Admission via this route will be at the discretion of the Director of Admissions and the number of successful applicants will be restricted. 

 

There is no entry at PG Certificate level except through exceptional agreement with approved learning partners.

 

Non-graduating study at masters level:

  • Entry is based on CV or on formal academic qualifications or graduate (or incorporated) membership of a relevant professional institution. 

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required with all elements passed at 6.0 or above. 

Applicants who have previously successfully completed programmes delivered in the medium of English language will be required to provide documentary evidence of this.  Examples would be secondary school education or undergraduate degree programme.   A minimum of one year of full time study (or equivalent) in the medium of English language will be required.

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.

Tuition fees

Fees for this programme can be found on our Tuition fees page.

Scholarships & bursaries