International Graduate School
MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management
Course Structure
| Core Modules | ||
| Climate & Catchment Processes | International Water Law | Institutional Governance & Regulation |
| Chemistry, Pollution & Ecology |
Water Policy | Water Economics |
| Water & Health | Socio-Political Nature of Water |
Modelling Environmental Systems |
| Electives | Research Skills | Water Nexus |
| Dissertation | ||
More information on the course structure can be found in the Course Handbook.
Course description
The course comprises:
- Nine core modules within three thematic areas which are assessed by written examination;
- Two electives which are assessed through essays and/or coursework;
- A piece of original research which is assessed through a dissertation;
- Training in Research Skills; and
- Water Nexus (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Course Architecture
Core Modules
Water Science - this thematic area develops knowledge and understanding in physical, chemical, ecological and epidemiological aspects of water science in temperate, tropical and semi-arid zones. It provides a foundation in basic processes in each key subject areas, as well as interactions throughout the hydrological cycle, and the role of society in altering the "natural" hydrological processes and function.
Water and Society - this thematic area explores how contested domains of power, interests and knowledge influence water decision-making, illustrated through legal, institutional, socio-economic and policy analysis. This covers areas of water governance, law and regulation, transboundary water, water access, ownership and rights, water for development, and interactions between the state and civil society within dynamic and varied political, cultural, social and economic contexts.
Water Management - this thematic area engages with economic approaches, modelling platforms and regulatory mechanisms for water management. The role of modelling in water management is introduced in climate, hydrological and water quality applications with discussion of decision-making issues of forecasting and uncertainty. We then critically explore management issues of governance in relation to issues of institutional separation of policy and water delivery, contracting arrangements, decentralised decision-making, the public-private sector debate, economic instruments, valuation and water markets.
Electives
Elective modules offer a small-group, tutorial-style teaching and discussion environment, based on a suite of contemporary research themes that reflect the specific interests of core faculty and visiting research associates. Each student has the opportunity to identify electives of particular interest, though the selection process will be made through committee at the start of term. As such, the teaching aim is to foster discussion and debate between academic staff and students to identify and explore theory, methods and practice.
Dissertation
An independent and original dissertation is an integral component of the course. It is expected that the best of dissertations will be of publication quality, and all should show originality in and/or competent and creative scholarship. In order to equip students with the necessary skills to undertake high quality research, a suite of training activities to develop key transferable skills in order for students be able to execute high quality independent and original research, and expose students to applied research methods used widely in academic and professional research.
Research Skills
Core faculty staff will lead a series of training sessions that will build core transferable skills in the natural and social sciences. Natural Science components include: groundwater and surface water practicals, hydrological modelling, GIS, chemistry and water quality evaluation. Social Science components include: research ethics, academic writing, research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, and SPSS. The skills training will have both focus on strengthening capabilities to conduct high quality research for their dissertation and future professional development.
Water Nexus
These sessions will provide an interdisciplinary space to examine, discuss and reflect on how different disciplinary components of the nine core modules engage with key water policy and management challenges. The aim will be for faculty staff to introduce and frame a key issue or topic which will then form the basis of a plenary discussion for iterative and dialectic debate between students and staff. The goal will be to increase the breadth of student knowledge, understanding and analytical capacity based on directed engagement across the disciplinary depth taught in the individual modules.
More information on the course structure can be found in the Course Handbook.