Program overview
Global demand for water is rising rapidly, placing increasing pressure on natural resources and calling for sustainable management that respects environmental and social limits. This internationally recognised Master of Science programme—taught in English—was created to meet those challenges by training engineers and scientists capable of working across borders and disciplines. The curriculum explicitly takes into account climatic, demographic and political drivers that shape water resources and their management.
The course content is interdisciplinary, allowing students to build expertise in core areas such as groundwater resources management and geohydrology; hydraulic engineering and river basin management; sanitary engineering and water quality management; and stochastic simulation and safety research for hydrosystems. Students benefit from strong ties to the university’s water-research infrastructure, which supports both theoretical study and hands-on experimentation.
Key practical assets of the programme include access to specialised facilities—such as the Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS), unique in Germany; the Hydraulic Laboratory (VA) with a 1,600 m² floor area for large-scale physical modelling; and the Teaching and Research Sewage Treatment Plant (LFKW) in Büsnau, affiliated with the Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management (ISWA). The programme also features field excursions to hydropower plants, pumping stations, river-management sites and other water infrastructure in Germany and neighbouring countries, often combined with local hikes and cultural sightseeing. Close collaboration with national and international companies and research institutes provides additional networking and applied-research opportunities for graduates pursuing careers in sustainable water resources development.
Requirements / key facts
This two-year, winter-semester-start Master’s programme is organised into three taught semesters followed by a final semester dedicated to research and the Master’s thesis. The taught portion blends lectures, tutorials and seminars with hands-on practical work and field excursions, giving students a broad overview of the discipline and opportunities to identify areas of interest for deeper study.
The curriculum balances core foundations with flexible specialisation. Students complete a set of compulsory modules and key qualification units (or a German language option), choose five required modules from a list of nine, and pick additional electives to tailor their programme. This modular design supports both breadth and depth: you gain solid theoretical grounding while being able to focus on topics that align with your career goals.
Learning outcomes emphasise technical knowledge, practical application and independent research ability. Through coursework and excursions you develop applied problem-solving skills and professional competencies; the concluding research semester and 30-ECTS thesis enable you to conduct independent scientific work and demonstrate mastery in a chosen topic within water resources engineering and management.
Requirements (summary)
This master's seeks applicants who hold a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or the Natural Sciences — ideally in a water-related field. Equivalent degrees with a minimum of 180 ECTS from a university, a university of applied sciences, or a cooperative education institution are acceptable, provided the prior studies included coursework in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or closely related subjects. The selection is made by the WAREM admissions committee and the application is handled entirely online.
Decisions are based primarily on the applicant’s cumulative grade point average (CGPA), their academic and/or professional background in water-related topics, and demonstrated English language proficiency. Applicants from China, Mongolia, India and Vietnam must obtain and submit an APS certificate (issued by the Akademische Prüfstelle at the respective German embassy in cooperation with the DAAD).
Notes:
Winter Semester (International)
15 February 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 February 2027
Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles in water resources planning and management, including positions as water resources engineers, hydraulic and river-basin specialists, groundwater/hydrogeology consultants, sanitary and water-quality engineers, and safety analysts for hydrosystems. The programme’s practical training, laboratory experience and field excursions also suit roles in engineering consultancies, public water authorities, hydropower and utility companies, environmental agencies, NGOs and international organisations.
For those interested in research or academic careers, the strong ties to university research facilities and partner institutes — together with the option for a double degree and an independent thesis semester — provide a solid foundation for doctoral studies or research positions.
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