Water Resources MSc / Diploma

Programme background

Recent floods and droughts in the EU, India, China, USA, and the Middle East 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.

The Water Resources programme in Dubai Campus builds on the success of our MSc Water Resources programme in Edinburgh Campus which trained many people who are now working in different parts of the world. In terms of research income and outputs, this is one of Scotland’s most successful academic groups.

The MSc programme is suitable for both engineers who wish to specialise and non-engineers (e.g. science, geography and mathematics graduates) who wish to join the engineering profession.

Research activities

Water Management Research has a strong and established track record in delivering cutting-edge research in all aspects of water management. Research activities are focused on the development and application of advanced numerical models for the prediction of both flow and transport problems, providing engineering solutions and improved management practices for a range of water-related environmental problems. Contributing staff possess a broad range of expertise, with particular strength in: environmental flow interactions; flood risk management; urban drainage and culvert design; environmental fluid mechanics; pollution incident modelling; river dynamics; water resources management; hydroinformatics and the application of GIS to water problems.

Programme structure

The MSc programme is offered as full time (one year) and part time (two years). The PG Diploma programme is offered as full-time (9 months) and part-time (two years). The programme is also available by distance learning.The taught element of the programme comprises eight courses. MSc and PG 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%). Most courses have compulsory coursework elements and written examinations.

Semester 1 courses

  • Environmental Hydrology & Water Resources
  • Water Conservation - optional
  • Marine Water Discharges – optional
  • Desalination & Water Reuse – optional 

Semester 2 courses

  • Water & Wastewater Treatment – mandatory 
  • Water Supply & Drainage – mandatory 
  • Integrated Water Resources Management 
  • Irrigation Water Management 

Hours per week

Typically, classes will be constrained to weekday evenings and weekends (approximately 4 hours per course). The remaining time is available for private study.

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 the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) 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 locations.

Graduate opportunities

Education 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 international consultants (e.g. Jacobs, HR Wallingford, JBA, Halcrow, Hyder Consulting and Fairhursts)
  • Local and National Government
  • Environmental regulators
  • Academic institutions (including PhD study and research associate posts)
  • Non-Governmental Organisations

Entry requirements

Normal entry qualification is a good University degree (usually a UK 2:2 Honours or equivalent) in a relevant subject including engineering, environmental science, geography, geology, mathematics, etc.

It is also recognised that good water practitioners may not have this entry level qualification; consequently, consideration will be given to relevant professional and field experiences and candidates who show promise will be admitted for the programme.

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.