Integrated Water Resources Management (MSc Joint Exchange Programme, Focus on Middle East and Northern Africa)

This MSc programme prepares students to address water scarcity challenges in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by taking an interdisciplinary approach to water resources management. Coursework covers the scientific, technical and governance dimensions of water — from hydrology and water infrastructure to urban and watershed management, flood and drought risk, and socio-economic aspects — equipping graduates to understand and integrate multiple water-related disciplines.

The curriculum emphasizes applied learning: students complete three project modules, learn about project financing and international cooperation, and take part in field visits to ongoing projects, institutions and conferences. Throughout the programme they receive mentoring and practical input from experienced professionals and entrepreneurs active in both the MENA region and Germany, creating opportunities for real-world problem solving and professional networking.

Equal importance is placed on the social and managerial skills needed for international work. Training in communication, intercultural competence and management aims to ready graduates for leadership roles within the water sector and in international cooperation settings. The Master’s thesis is carried out as part of a water-related research project hosted by the Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems, the German Jordanian University (GJU), or a partner institution in the MENA region.

Key features and topics

• Interdisciplinary coverage: water security, hydrology, water infrastructure, urban water management, watershed management
• Risk management: flood and drought risk assessment and mitigation
• Systems and governance: water system analysis, water governance, socio-economic dimensions
• Practical components: three project modules, field visits to projects/institutions/conferences
• Capacity building: project funding, international cooperation, communicative and intercultural skills, management training
• Professional support and networking with MENA and German water sector experts
• Thesis undertaken within a water-related research project at the faculty, GJU, or a MENA partner institution

This MSc is organised over four semesters with a clear blend of on-campus teaching, an obligatory exchange in the MENA region, and a research-focused final term. Students spend the first and second semesters studying in Cologne, taking lectures and seminars that build foundational and advanced knowledge in integrated water resources management. The third semester is a compulsory exchange at the German Jordanian University in Madaba/Amman, embedding regional perspectives and coursework in the Middle East and North Africa. The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis, which has a thematic focus on the MENA region and is normally written alongside a period abroad.

The thesis is jointly supervised by faculty from both partner universities and includes a required field research stay in the MENA region, giving you hands-on experience of regional water challenges. Overall the programme emphasises applied, interdisciplinary learning: classroom instruction in the first three semesters prepares you for a practice-oriented, research-led thesis that combines regional insight, field methods, and cross-institutional mentorship.

Key components

• Classroom-based lectures and seminars across the first three semesters to develop theoretical and practical IWRM knowledge.
• A compulsory third-semester exchange at the German Jordanian University (Madaba/Amman), focusing study within the MENA context.
• A fourth-semester Master's thesis with a thematic MENA focus, jointly supervised by both partner universities.
• A field research stay in the MENA region as part of the thesis, providing applied, in-region data collection and stakeholder engagement.

Learning outcomes

• Ability to apply integrated water resources management concepts to real-world problems in the MENA region.
• Competence in designing and conducting field research, including data collection and analysis in regional settings.
• Experience working across institutions and cultures through a compulsory exchange and joint supervision.
• Interdisciplinary problem-solving skills, combining technical, environmental and socio-economic perspectives relevant to water management in MENA.

Program requirements (concise)

• Programme start: winter semester only.
• Semesters 1–2: on-campus study in Cologne (lectures and seminars).
• Semester 3: compulsory exchange semester at the German Jordanian University (Madaba/Amman).
• Semester 4: Master's thesis with MENA thematic focus, jointly supervised; includes a field research stay abroad.
• Standard duration: four semesters, including examination and research semester.

Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles in the water sector with a regional MENA focus. Typical employers include governmental water authorities, international and regional development organisations (e.g. UN agencies, GIZ), NGOs, consultancy firms, water utilities, and research institutes engaged in water security, infrastructure, and resource management.

The programme’s combination of interdisciplinary technical training, project experience, international exchange, and exposure to project funding and cooperation equips alumni for positions in project management, policy and governance, capacity building, and applied research. Graduates can also pursue further doctoral studies in water resources, environmental engineering, or related fields.