The Water and Environmental Management MSc provides training in the core scientific, technical and interdisciplinary skills that are essential in water resource and environmental management fields. You will acquire specialist knowledge and develop key analytical and scientific skills, particularly in the context of national and international environmental legislation.
Learning from and working alongside our world-leading academic researchers, you will benefit from expertise covering a range of disciplines relating to water resources and environmental management.
Our Aquatic Research Centre provides excellent facilities for your studies, including specialist water chemistry and microbiology laboratories, laboratory-scale water and wastewater treatment systems, an experimental river basin, a water efficiency laboratory, as well as a large pool of aquatic field equipment and computing facilities.
You have the choice from a wide range of option modules in order to tailor the course to your interests and career aspirations. As part of this, there are opportunities for our students to conduct a placement with organisations involved in water resource and environmental management, including industrial members of the Green Growth Platform.
This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators as meeting the requirements for further learning for a chartered engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng-accredited undergraduate first degree. It is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
You will study core modules and complete a dissertation. You will also choose option modules enabling you to specialise in the areas of the course that interest you the most.
As an MSc student, you will also undertake an individual dissertation project in an area of particular interest. Examples of subjects our students have completed their research project on include:
Water Resources Management
Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% exam
The module will be divided broadly into four distinct, but linked sections:
1. Introduction to the challenges of global and national water resource management;
2. Introduction to the fundamental hydrological processes (surface and subsurface) that influence water resource availability;
3. Introduction to the legal and policy framework of the water sector with a specific emphasis on Europe and the UK;
4. Introduction to potential future solutions to the challenges of global and national water
Water Treatment Technology
Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% exam
This module explores the links between drinking water characteristics and treatment plant design. It critically evaluates a variety of treatment technology options and suitable plans for treatment processes according to varying water characteristics and international drinking water quality standards.
It also investigates the principles governing disease control through sustainable water treatment technology in developing countries and explores the process of risk management through the application of Water Safety Plans.
Wastewater Treatment Technology
Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% exam
This module addresses the characteristics of wastewater and how variations in flow rate are dealt with. It explores wastewater treatment theory and practice, and the treatment and disposal of wastewater sludge.
It also considers both advanced wastewater treatment technologies and low-cost wastewater treatment and sanitation options for developing countries; it does so in the context of global and local societal and environmental needs.
Water Quality Analysis
Assessment: 100% coursework
This 20-credit module investigates the principles of safe and accurate environmental water sampling through a local field-based case study. It explores methods for the analysis of the physical, chemical and biological components of water quality and covers approaches to analysing complex data sets.
Option modules
Graduates are well equipped to apply for jobs with water companies, government agencies and regulatory bodies, environmental/civil engineering consultancies, and international non-governmental organisations. Graduates are also well equipped to secure PhD studentships to further their research ambitions.
The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
Water is under increasing pressure from demographic and climatic changes. Treatment processes play a key role in delivering safe, reliable supplies of water to households, industry and agriculture, and in safeguarding the quality of water.
The Water and Wastewater Engineering course is ideal for individuals who want to make a real difference to delivering reliable water supplies, or to maintaining and enhancing river and ground water quality.
Well-educated, skilled and experienced graduates are required to operate and manage vital water and wastewater treatment services. The demand for such graduates is already high and will only increase over coming years as environmental standards for water quality increase, and pressures on our water supplies continue to grow.
The Water and Wastewater Engineering course aims to develop:
Demand for Cranfield graduates has grown steadily as the education provided has become recognised as excellent, producing graduates able to step into a range of positions and make an immediate and real contribution to the effectiveness of water sector businesses and organisations. Graduates from these programmes are highly sought after by industry and government.
These MSc, PgDip and PgCert degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
This course comprises eight taught modules, a group project and an individual project. The modules included lectures and tutorials, and are assessed through practical work, written examinations, case studies, essays, presentations and tests. These provide the 'tools' required for the group and individual projects.
Group project
The group project is an applied multidisciplinary team-based activity. It provides students with the opportunity, whilst working in teams under academic supervision, to apply principles taught during modules whilst taking responsibility for project tasks. Success is dependent on the integration of various activities, working within agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets. Students submit project reports and present their findings to representatives from industry. This develops professional practice in communication skills for technical and business areas of process development. Part-time students complete a single design project individually in a field of their choice.
Individual project
Students select their individual project in consultation with their Course Director. This provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate independent research ability working within agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets. The project is sponsored by industry and usually includes a four month placement with the sponsoring company. Placements have been offered by all ten of the UK water utilities, the leading two French utilities, as well as multinational companies and SMEs operating in the water sector. Part-time students usually undertake their individual project with their employer.
Assessment
Taught modules 40%, Group projects 20%, Individual project 40%
The Cranfield Water Sciences Institute's links to industry, underpinned by the reputation of its courses, enable successful students to secure positions and develop their careers in UK water companies, utilities across Europe, the major international engineering consultancies, major engineering and service contractors, and government agencies.
The Centre is recognised internationally as a centre of excellence for postgraduate courses. It is the UK's largest academic group specialising in process technologies, engineering and policy for water quality improvement, and is a member of British Water.
Industry practitioners teach alongside a wide-range of subject specialists. In addition, group and individual thesis projects are supported by sponsoring companies, and prizes are awarded annually to recognise success. Graduates also go on to academic research.
Former students are invited to join the Centre's Alumni Association which offers excellent networking opportunities throughout the world.
You will study the following taught modules:
Plus two from the following optional modules (each worth 20 credits):
You will also complete a substantial dissertation worth 60 credits, which can be in conjunction with industry, energy/environmental consultancy firms, governmental regulatory agencies, local authorities or within our Sustainable Environment Research Centre.
The subjects taught within the MSc Renewable Energy and Resource Management are underpinned by high quality research which was rated as being mainly internationally excellent or world leading in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.
This included research in Anaerobic Digestion, Analytical Technology, Bioelectrochemical Systems, Biohydrogen and Biomethane Production, Hydrogen Energy, Hydrogen Vehicles and Refueling, Biopolymer Production, Modeling and Control, Nano Materials and Wastewater Treatment.
Full-time students spend about 12 hours in lectures, seminars, tutorials, and computing based practical sessions each week, usually across two days. Part time students will typically attend one day a week. You will also be expected to carry out research and background reading during the other three days of the week individually. We have an exciting programme of site visits and fieldwork trips scheduled within your regular timetable to allow you to plan your time in advance. You can find out more about current work on our Twitter channel.
The taught modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework and examinations. The dissertation is assessed by a proposal, written thesis and an oral examination. Coursework involves individual and group mini-projects, site visit reports, and poster and oral presentations.
Drylands occupy more than one-third of the earth's land surface, including most of the Middle East and Israel. Dwindling water supplies and deteriorating water quality impede the sustainable development of drylands and the well-being of their growing population. The aim of this program is to introduce students to cutting-edge research and graduate education in water sciences, aimed at improving human life in drylands through technologies and policies for the sustainable use of water resources. Read more about the Master’s Degree in Hydrology and Water Quality
The Albert Katz International School for Desert Studies (AKIS) was established in 1999 as part of the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (BIDR).
AKIS is located on the Sede Boqer Campus of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The campus is situated within the picturesque Negev Highlands region, some 50 km south of the city of Beer Sheva.
AKIS offers programs for students from all over the world. International students, as well as Israeli students, experience at AKIS a special and unique educational atmosphere.
If you are looking for a unique graduate program in which to study the compelling features of the desert, you have come to the right place!
This specialised stream provides a firm foundation in the science and engineering of biological processes, ranging from metabolic engineering and tissue engineering to wastewater treatment.
The Department of Chemical Engineering offers four courses that are built around a wide choice of advanced taught modules plus a research project in one of our research focus areas.The Advanced Chemical Engineering course allows students to undertake advanced study in chemical engineering coupled with appropriate background study in basic sciences, mathematics and computing techniques, while the specialised MSc streams give you the opportunity to explore one area of chemical engineering in more depth.
The Biotechnology course provides a firm foundation in the science and engineering of biological processes, ranging from metabolic engineering and tissue engineering to wastewater treatment.
The Civil Engineering MSc at UCL now offers five additional specialist routes which reflect the expertise within the department and the expanding career paths of civil engineers. This programme is for those students who wish to combine a general MSc in the subject with the related discipline of environmental systems.
The programme aims to provide students with a solid academic background in a broad range of civil engineering topics and advanced skills in problem-solving necessary for a successful career in the sector. This route will also offer you the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge in your chosen area of environmental systems and provide a clear path to a professional career in civil engineering.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules including three specialist modules and one professional development module (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research project (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma, four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) is also offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Students choose four from the following:
Please note: combinations of different modules will be determined by timetable constraints
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–15,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory classes and field trips. The research project includes laboratory, computational or fieldwork depending on the nature of the project. Assessment is through examinations, coursework, project reports and the research project.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Civil Engineering (with Environmental Systems) MSc
Civil Engineering graduates are readily employed by consultancies, construction companies and government departments.
Employability
There are excellent employment prospects for our graduates. There is international demand for multi-skilled, solutions-focused professionals who can take a holistic approach to solving problems.
Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering at UCL is an energetic and exciting environment. Students have the advantages of studying in a multidisciplinary department with a long tradition of excellence in teaching and research, situated in the heart of London. We carry out advanced research in structures, environmental engineering, laser scanning and seismic design.
This MSc covers all the major areas of civil engineering, reflecting the broad range of expertise available within the department and its strong links with the engineering profession across the UK and beyond. There is a strong emphasis on developing skills within a teamwork environment, equipping students for subsequent professional practice.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering
60% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This MSc attracts UK and overseas graduates who wish to take advantage of the considerable global interest in water, wastewater, sanitation and waste to develop their careers.
Many graduates from the programme go on to work for consultancies, water utilities, contractors, relief agencies, regulatory bodies and international organisations.
Graduates from the programme also have the potential to progress to relevant specialist PhD or EngD research programmes in the field.
In the past, scholarship students have been accepted from a range of schemes, including: Foreign Office and British Council Chevening, World Bank, Commonwealth, Thames Water, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, and the Royal Academy of Engineering, together with students from numerous overseas national schemes.
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time students must study at least two taught technical modules per academic year. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation project.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Apart from the usual full-time mode, there are also part-time options. The majority of Bridge, Geotechnical and Structural Engineering modules can be studied by distance learning through the use of an interactive web-based e-learning platform (SurreyLearn).
This programme can be studied via distance learning, which allows a high level of flexibility and enables you to study alongside other commitments you may have. Download our distance learning PDF to learn more.
Laboratories and pilot plants
In recent years, CEHE has benefited from investment in new equipment in both the small centre facility, which primarily supports fieldwork, and a larger, more extensively equipped microbiology and chemistry laboratory.
The laboratories are equipped with recently acquired state-of- the-art analytical equipment including ICP-OES, GC/MS, TOC, Ion Chromatograph, Particle Counter, water quality loggers, Delagua kits and so on, available for fieldwork.
A water and wastewater research pilot plant is located at Thames Water’s Shalford and Godalming Water Treatment Works, just a few kilometres away from the University campus. Over the years, many MSc dissertation projects have been completed at this facility, most of them to assist in the development or testing of relief agency systems.
A parallel wastewater research pilot plant has recently been established, again with the support of Thames Water, at Godalming Sewage Treatment Works.
Library facilities
The University library is currently resourced for books, journals and electronic resources, as the postgraduate programme in Water and Environmental Engineering has been well established over the last decade.
The programme draws on science, engineering and other areas of knowledge, and the overall diversity of academic groups within the University ensures that there are library resources to answer most needs.
The provision of British Standards online has reduced the copyright requirements and the quantity of photocopying required. Passwords are available from the library web pages for all other electronic resources.
CEHE resource centre
Provision is made within CEHE to access a limited range of textbooks, previously completed MSc dissertations, a selected range of journals and software mounted on PCs in the Catchment Modelling Laboratory or available on CD.
Professional Institution resources
Library and learning resources are available at the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and other appropriate professional bodies.
All categories of members of the professional institutions are allowed to borrow books from the institution libraries by post, and in some cases to access other services online.
Computing
There are suitable computing facilities available both within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and through central university facilities.
Teaching rooms
Teaching is primarily in flat floor teaching rooms, although there are occasions when formal lecture theatre facilities are used. All of the usual academic support materials and systems are available and pre-printed notes are distributed during every lecture.
The programme aims to provide graduates with:
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
Water management systems are fundamental to society. Through the supply of clean drinking water, the treatment of waste water, as well as flood and coastal protection, high-quality water management can have an enormous social and ecological impact. Significant resources are invested all over the globe to ensure that complex water systems meet the levels of service and performance required by increasing economic and environmental pressures, whilst minimizing financial and social costs. The constant development, operation and management of these systems requires highly trained experts with knowledge and practical skills that cover science, engineering and management disciplines.
The M.Sc. Management and Engineering in Water (MME-Water) program provides the educational basis and professional foundation for water specialists that stand out for their ability to integrate scientific principles, engineering knowledge and management techniques for innovative problem-solving.
Our Engineering graduates of all programs...
As a graduate of the MME-Water program you are qualified to work in, among others:
An expert in water resources is someone who...
... to make a difference. Is this you?
The program Master of Science Management and Engineering in Water combines the wide range of applied science, engineering and management disciplines required in water management.
This Master's degree is designed for students who wish to practice across a broad range environmental engineering and apply new sustainable risk management strategies for complex environmental problems. Water, waste and environmental engineering has been traditionally referred to as public health engineering in the United Kingdom.
In this postgraduate course, the technical aspects of both natural and engineering environmental systems will be covered. There will be broad interdisciplinary subjects synthesizing knowledge from a wide spectrum of science and engineering, expanding the content of public health engineering, which in the UK has traditionally been responsible for developing the infrastructure for managing water and waste.
Students will develop engineering skills and be able to design, develop and apply concepts for water and waste as a resource based on environmental sensitivity and be competent in planning, modelling, design, construction, operations, maintenance and control of both engineered and natural water and earth resources.
Students who select this postgraduate programme will gain a skill set that will enable them to progress in the fields of:
The MSc in Water, Waste and Environmental Engineering will incorporate solid waste management, contaminated land treatment and the use of geographic information systems (GIS) with emphasis on management of the earth's resources.
The programme will explain the relationship between different earth resources including:
The aims of the programme are to:
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
Project work, assignments and laboratory exercises in addition to substantial written examination of course materials will occur in most modules. The Environmental Engineering Research Project will require submission of a substantial final report/dissertation. Assessment of this module will involve participation in a poster and seminar presentation and a final oral examination.
Postgraduate students from this programme will find such employment opportunities as engineers, scientist and technical managers in the private sector (engineering design firms, engineering consultancy, project management, risk management and waste management), in the public sector (environmental protection engineering, regulations and standards, local government) and in non-governmental sectors (NGOs, environmental advocacy) or may wish to pursue further qualifications such as a PhD within the Faculty of Engineering and Science at the University of Greenwich to become even more specialised.
Employers of environmental engineers include engineering consultancies (such as AECOM, Atkins, Mott MacDonald Group, Hyder), government agencies (such as Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and NGOs (such as Oxfam, Engineers without Boarders, Water Aid).
Environmental challenges require complex solutions, bringing together scientific, social, political and economic perspectives. GCU's MSc Environmental Management will provide you with the interdisciplinary perspective and diverse skillset to help solve environmental problems in a leadership role. You can help your community manage environmental concerns responsibly, making a positive impact and supporting the common good.
The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute (EI). With the endorsement of four prestigious professional organisations, the MSc Environmental Management offers a respected credential that's relevant to employers around the world.
You'll have the option to complete a general programme - giving you a broad understanding across a wide range of environmental disciplines - or choos among four pathways for specialisation.
The MSc Environmental Management comprises of eight taught modules. Three compulsory modules, four optional modules and a Masters project. You also have the option to broaden your understanding of environmental issues via the general masters’ curriculum or to select modules from one of four specific pathways; waste, energy, water and oil and gas.
Health, Safety and Environmental Management
This module introduces the health, safety and environmental demands that face industry today. Study the role of legislation in achieving sustainability and the use of environmental management to improve corporate responsibility..
Climate Change and Carbon Management
Examine global climate change issues within the context of the built environment and learn to conduct practical investigation into carbon management.
Energy Technology
Explore conventional and emerging technologies including waste heat recovery, energy storage and fuel cells.
GIS and Environmental Management
Study the principles and concepts of GIS and its role in environmental management.
Renewable Energy Technologies
Explore technologies that allow us to become more energy efficient including alternative energy sources, conversion technologies and sustainable energy use.
Water Quality and Waste Water Treatment
Examine water quality and the provision of potable water in the UK.
Additional Energy modules include:
Renewable Energy Technologies
Examine the renewable energy technologies most likely to succeed in the UK and other temperate countries, i.e. solar energy, energy from waste, wind, hydro and biomass .
Building and Energy Performance Simulation
Study the factors that determine energy efficiency of buildings, including properties of the fabric, and heating and ventilation systems.
This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute (EI). With the endorsement of four prestigious professional organisations, the MSc Environmental Management offers a respected credential that's relevant to employers around the world.
As a graduate of GCU's MSc Environmental Management, you'll have excellent career prospects in both the public and private sectors. Past graduates have found work with organisations such as the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), international consulting companies including Carl Bro Group, ERS Land Regeneration and Valpak, and other government agencies and consulting firms.
Graduate students will find the programme of substantial use in developing their knowledge and skills base for bridge analysis, design and management.
The programme also offers the opportunity for practising bridge engineers to update their knowledge of current design and assessment codes and guidelines, become familiar with developments in new techniques for the design, construction and management of bridges.
The Bridge Engineering programme encompasses a wide range of modules addressing the whole life-analysis of bridge structures from design to end-of-life.
Optional modules from some of our other study streams are also offered, covering structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water engineering, construction management, and infrastructure engineering and management.
Graduates are highly employable and may progress to relevant specialist PhD or EngD research programmes in the field.
This programme is studied over either one year (full-time) or between two and five years (part-time or distance learning). It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation project.
This 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.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Bridge Engineering Group Modules
Structural Engineering Group Modules
Geotechnical Engineering Group Modules
Construction Management Group Modules
Infrastructure Engineering and Management Group Modules
Water and Environmental Engineering Group Modules
Dissertation
The programme aims to provide graduates with:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
Intellectual / cognitive skills
Professional practical skills
Key / transferable skills
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
