| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Sustainable Water Management MSc program at the University of Aberdeen equips graduates with the technical, environmental, and socioeconomic skills to address water resource challenges. The program offers three pathways, including Hydrological Sciences, Water and Society, and an Open Pathway, and culminates in a research-based dissertation project. Graduates are prepared for careers in government agencies, private sector firms, NGOs, and research institutions, contributing to sustainable water management practices.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Aims to equip graduates with the necessary tools to address environmental and socioeconomic water resource management challenges.
- Focuses on technical, environmental, social, economic, commercial, and political aspects of sustainability.
- Welcomes students with diverse backgrounds in social sciences, environmental science, geosciences, and engineering.
- Designed for completion in 12 months (or 24 months for part-time study).
- Provides students with the skills and knowledge to solve complex issues in water resource management.
- Covers topics like water security, climate change impacts on water resources, flood risk, water pollution, ecosystem services, and related management approaches.
- Offers three pathways: Hydrological sciences, Water and Society, and Open Pathway (combining both).
Outline:
The program structure comprises three semesters:
Semester 1:
- Introduces core concepts and provides foundation knowledge for both pathways.
- Emphasizes the physical hydrology aspects and their link to water resource availability and quality.
- Covers "Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques, Cartography & Geovisualization," "Near Surface & Environmental Geophysics," "Sustainability Transitions: Challenges and Opportunities," "Water in the Environment," and "Hydrological Extremes under Global Change".
- Offers optional courses for each pathway.
Semester 2:
- Focuses on advanced topics and builds on the foundation laid in Semester 1.
- Explores "Catchment Management," "Advanced Spatial Analysis and Programming," "Governance and Political Economy of Sustainability," "Partnerships for Sustainability," "Research Methods", "Integrated Water Resources Management," and "Sustainable Water Management in Scotland: Field course".
- Offers optional courses for each pathway.
Semester 3:
- Culminates with the MSc Sustainable Water Management Dissertation.
- Requires students to independently complete a research-based dissertation project in their chosen field of water resource management.
Assessment:
The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student understanding and performance, including:
- Examinations: Written tests assess knowledge and comprehension of theoretical concepts.
- Coursework: Assignments and projects evaluate application of knowledge and analysis skills to practical scenarios.
- Presentations: Oral presentations assess communication skills and ability to effectively convey research findings.
- Dissertation: A rigorous independent research project demonstrating critical thinking, research methodology, and writing skills.
Teaching:
The program employs various teaching methodologies to cater to diverse learning styles and enhance understanding:
- Lectures: Experts in water resource management deliver theoretical foundations and key concepts.
- Seminars: Interactive sessions facilitate discussions, critical analysis, and problem-solving.
- Field trips and practical work: Hands-on experiences and data collection exercises reinforce theoretical learning and develop field skills.
- Individual and group projects: Encourages collaboration, communication, and application of knowledge to solve real-world problems.
- Independent study: Promotes self-directed learning, research skills, and critical analysis.
Careers:
The program equips graduates for successful careers in various sectors related to water resource management:
- Government agencies and environmental organizations involved in river and coastal management, flood defenses, and flood warning systems.
- Private sector opportunities with environmental consultants, engineering firms, and water management companies.
- Opportunities for further research and PhD studies in the field of water resource management.
Other:
- The University of Aberdeen holds the #5 ranking in the UK and #70 globally for the SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation within the THE Impact Rankings.
- Partnerships and collaborations exist between the university and organizations like The Glenlivet distillery, NatureScot, and the Scottish Government, leading to real-world research collaborations and solutions for sustainable water management.
EU / International students
£22,000
UK
£10,000 In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
University of Aberdeen
Overview:
The University of Aberdeen is a renowned institution of higher learning located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It boasts a rich history, having been established in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the UK. The university is known for its commitment to research and teaching, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to support students in their academic journey. These include:
Academic Support:
Access to libraries, study resources, and academic advisors.Student Life:
Opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, and sports.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Career Services:
Guidance and support for career planning and job hunting.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Aberdeen can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:
Sports:
Participation in various sports teams and leagues.Societies and Clubs:
Joining student-led clubs and societies based on interests.Events and Activities:
Attending social events, concerts, and cultural performances.Student Union:
Engaging with the student union for representation and advocacy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.Global Reputation:
It holds a strong international reputation, attracting students from around the world.Beautiful Campus:
The university is situated on a picturesque campus with historic buildings and modern facilities.Vibrant City:
Aberdeen offers a lively city environment with a rich cultural scene.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.Academic Programs:
The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Degrees:
Bachelor's degrees in various disciplines, including Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Law.Postgraduate Taught Degrees:
Master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas in specialized fields.Postgraduate Research Degrees:
PhD programs and research opportunities in various research areas.Online Learning:
Flexible online programs for students who prefer distance learning.Other:
The university is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area. It is also a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to study at the University of Aberdeen.Entry Requirements:
EU and International Students:
- A 2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours degree, or an equivalent Honors degree from a non-UK institution, in any discipline.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 with minimum scores of 5.5 in each band (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 90 with minimum scores of 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 62 with minimum scores of 59 in each band (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
- Cambridge English Language Assessment: Overall score of 176 with minimum scores of 162 in each band (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).
Document Requirements:
- Degree Transcript: Full transcript showing all subjects studied and marks achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation).
- You may be required to provide additional documents depending on your individual circumstances.
