This MSc programme provides a broad, practice-oriented education in water management, covering key topics such as water security, hydrology, water infrastructure, urban water management, watershed management, flood and drought risk management, water system analysis, and water governance. The curriculum is designed to give you the technical, analytical and governance-related skills needed to understand and manage complex water systems in both urban and rural contexts, preparing you for careers in planning, policy, consulting, research or project implementation worldwide.
The degree culminates in a Master’s thesis that is embedded in a water-related research project either within the faculty or in cooperation with an external partner institution, giving you the chance to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges. You can also tailor your studies by taking elective modules from the MSc programmes in Natural Resources Management and Renewable Energy Management or from partner universities, enabling interdisciplinary pathways and international exposure. Instruction is delivered in English and the programme sits within the field of Environmental Science.
Programme requirements and key components
Structure and timing The programme begins each winter semester and runs over four semesters. In the first three semesters you follow taught courses — lectures, seminars and applied student projects — while the fourth semester is dedicated to field research and writing the Master’s thesis. The final semester normally includes a research placement, commonly carried out abroad for about three months, and the programme’s examination and research obligations are completed within this standard study period.
What you will study and achieve The curriculum is interdisciplinary, combining natural sciences, social sciences and practical tools. Core module themes include natural resources management, economics and governance, climate change, project management, international cooperation and information sciences. You also gain hands‑on methodological skills in areas such as GIS, statistics, environmental impact assessment (EIA) and monitoring. Electives allow specialization within Integrated Water Resources Management or by choosing relevant Master’s modules at the host institution or partner universities. Graduates will be able to design and evaluate IWRM interventions, apply quantitative and spatial analysis tools, manage projects in international contexts, and conduct independent field research leading to a substantive Master’s thesis.
Programme requirements (core components)
Practical notes for international applicants The built‑in field research and international elective options make this programme especially suitable if you want hands‑on experience and global exposure. Because the course always starts in the winter semester and commonly involves an overseas research placement, plan visa, funding and travel arrangements well in advance.
This programme expects applicants to hold a completed Bachelor's (or equivalent) degree in engineering or a natural-science-related field, and to demonstrate prior academic connection to water resources management. Eligible undergraduate areas include engineering sciences, natural sciences, architecture, agricultural sciences, life sciences and earth sciences. Admissions also require a minimum academic standing, documented English ability, and a short scientific proposal for the Master’s thesis.
Below are the formal admission criteria and required application documents. International applicants should note the requirement referring to the German grading scale and to ECTS credits; consult the programme’s "How to Apply" page for specific conversion guidance and the accepted English tests/scores.
Winter Semester (International)
31 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
10 June 2026
Graduates are prepared for professional roles that require integrated understanding of water systems, policy and management. Typical career paths include positions in water utilities, environmental consultancies, municipal and regional planning authorities, disaster risk management agencies, NGOs and international organisations involved in water security and resource management.
The programme also provides a foundation for research and further academic study; the close connection between the thesis work and partner institutions can facilitate transition into research projects, PhD programmes or specialist technical roles in the environmental and water sectors.