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University of Oxford
School of Geography and the Environment

 School of Geography and the Environment

International Graduate School

MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is my background appropriate for the course?

The MSc in Water accepts candidates from a range of backgrounds: these include natural/environmental, science, engineering and physical science, economics, politics, law, humanities. The cross-disciplinary nature of the programme means that some aspects of the course will be more challenging than others. For example, someone with an economics background will find the modules on the Natural Science of Water quite challenging, but the Water Economics course will be fairly familiar, with perhaps some new perspectives. The key criteria for selection are:

  1. academic excellence, and
  2. a demonstrated interest in water, through one or more of previous work, education, volunteer activities, or other interests, and a convincing personal statement submitted with the application.
2. What level of written and spoken English is required?

To register for a course at Oxford University, you will be required to prove the standard of your written and spoken English language abilities. If you do not already have suitable qualifications, please see the Graduate Studies Prospectus for information on the minimum grades accepted by Oxford University.

3. Are there any funding opportunities for the course?

There are a number of scholarships available at Oxford University, especially for overseas students. Details of these scholarships and how to apply can be found on the Graduate Admissions web page of the University, under the section "Financial Information".

Further, there is useful information on our Fees and Funding webpage.

4. Is there further information on the course?

If you have only seen the information on the main Oxford University website, then there is plenty of additional information on our Department's web site.

4.1 For information on studying at the OUCE International Graduate School, including our admission criteria, please see the International Graduate School website.

4.2 For more information on the MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management, please look at the course website.

4.3 For detailed information on the Water MSc course, the current course handbook is available online.

5. What sort of jobs will the course qualify me for?

The aim of the course is to train future decision makers, managers and policy makers in water policy and management. Thus the course is aimed at providing a broad range of skills and knowledge that will enable graduates to ask informed questions of any expert (e.g. hydrologist, economist, or lawyer) who may be informing their management/policy decisions. Past graduates have gone on to obtain positions in a range of water-related jobs. Examples include policy positions in government department (e.g. Environment Canada, UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); Chinese Ministry of Works), environmental and engineering consultancies (Halcrow Group, Arup Partners), non-governmental organisations and international bodies (World Bank, UN). A significant number of students use the course as the launch pad for a PhD degree.