Overview This modular, research-focused master's programme brings together water-related engineering and the natural sciences to address contemporary challenges in the management and protection of water systems. Taught in English, the course places strong emphasis on interdisciplinary thinking and scientific methods, preparing students to analyse, model and design solutions that respond to both technical and environmental constraints.
What you will study The curriculum deepens the scientific and engineering fundamentals gained in undergraduate study and complements them with applied engineering and research methods. Core areas of expertise developed in the programme include:
Topics and outcomes Students work on problems such as efficient use of limited water resources, implementing stricter requirements for the protection of water bodies, responding to hydro‑meteorological extreme events, and reducing the effects of global change on the water cycle and associated material cycles. The programme is well suited to graduates who want to pursue careers in water management, environmental protection, consulting, infrastructure planning or research.
Typical entry information
This MSc is organised around five subject areas that together make up a 120 CP programme: Advanced Fundamentals, Profile Studies, Cross‑Cutting Methods & Competencies, a Study Project, and the Master’s Thesis. Teaching is delivered through combinations of lectures, seminars and laboratory classes; each module is assessed by one or more examinations and awards the stated credit points (CP) on successful completion. All students take a dedicated lecture series on modelling water and environmental systems as part of the Advanced Fundamentals.
The Profile Studies allow students to specialise in one of three sectoral tracks or to follow a cross‑sectoral generalist path. Profile A (Water Technologies & Urban Water Management) focuses on technologies for drinking‑ and wastewater treatment, sustainable urban and decentralised water systems, and the biological, chemical and physical processes that underpin treatment and infrastructure design. Profile B (Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulic Engineering) emphasises hydrodynamics, physical and numerical modelling, and the planning and sizing of hydraulic structures. Profile C (Hydrological Dynamics & Hazards) covers terrestrial water‑cycle processes, basin‑scale integrated management, prediction of water‑related extremes, and prevention/mitigation strategies. The cross‑sectoral Profile D provides a broader, generalist education in water engineering.
The curriculum’s method and skills training (Cross‑Cutting Methods & Competencies) complements subject knowledge with technical and scientific methods. The compulsory interdisciplinary Study Project prepares students for independent scientific work and project management by integrating approaches across fields. The Master’s Thesis (30 CP) requires students to design and carry out a substantive scientific investigation — theoretically and/or experimentally — demonstrating familiarity with the current research literature and the ability to solve a complex problem to scientific standards. Elective modules from related disciplines (for example geoecology, meteorology, civil engineering such as geotechnical engineering, applied geosciences like engineering geology, or chemical and process engineering) can be taken to broaden or deepen the chosen specialisation.
Key requirements and credit breakdown
Learning outcomes (summary)
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree (or an equivalent qualification) in a relevant technical or scientific field. Degrees considered acceptable include engineering disciplines, specific earth and environmental sciences, or a closely related programme that was delivered over at least three years and corresponds to 180 ECTS credits.
In addition to the degree itself, your academic record (transcript of records) must document that you have completed sufficient coursework in three core areas. If your country uses a different credit or grading system, provide a clear conversion or course descriptions so the admissions committee can verify equivalence.
Degree:
Coursework (applicants must demonstrate at least 12 ECTS points in each of the following three categories):
If any of these requirements are unclear on your transcript, include detailed course descriptions or syllabi to help assessors confirm that the content and workload meet the stated ECTS expectations.
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Summer Semester (International)
30 November 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 June 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
30 November 2026
Graduates are prepared for technical and scientific roles in water management, hydraulic engineering, urban water and wastewater systems, water treatment technology, hydrological forecasting and flood risk mitigation, and related environmental consultancies. Typical employers include engineering consultancies, public water utilities and authorities, research institutes, NGOs, and companies in the environmental and infrastructure sectors. The programme also provides a solid foundation for academic careers or doctoral studies, particularly in applied hydraulics, hydrology, water treatment technologies and climate-change related water research, due to its strong emphasis on modelling, experimental methods and interdisciplinary project work.