Sustainable Water Management – (M.Sc.)

It is predicted that the 21st century will see an unprecedented increase in pressures on water resources through significant changes in water demand, quality and availability. As a result, optimal management of water resources has become vital for the national economy and environment. Central to this management are people with a thorough understanding of the fundamental hydrological, water quality and ecological processes influencing water resources.

This MSc provides training in the quantitative and practical skills required to address the challenges water managers have to face on a daily basis. The course is taught by internationally recognised experts in hydrology, water quality and ecology, and capitalises on the links with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and the Environment Agency that are integral to the Lancaster Environment Centre. The course develops high-level skills that include flood forecasting, prediction of contaminant migration within groundwater, measurement of hydrological, chemical and ecological characteristics, and methods of policy development in response to drivers such as the EU Water Framework Directive.

The programme comprises six core training modules, combined with an extended research project typically linked with an external agency in the water sector. Links with the water regulators, companies and research agencies are further developed by external seminars and other activities specific to the MSc.