Water Science, Policy and Management – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The MSc programme comprises:

* Nine core modules which are assessed by written examination;
* Two option courses which are assessed through essays and/or coursework;
* A piece of original research which is assessed through a dissertation;
* Training in research methods and skills; and
* Fieldwork trips throughout the year.

Option Courses

Students are required to undertake two option courses chosen with the agreement of the Course Director and an Academic Supervisor. Examination is by assessed essays on the two option modules. There are a wide range of options taught across all the Masters' programmes which may be considered, subject to the limitations of a packed timetable.

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. As many students will have never completed an extended piece of research before the course, to assist students develop the skills and techniques necessary to execute a successful research project a number of inter-connecting modules, training sessions and seminars are provided. In particular, modules on Research Methods and Research Skills introduce:

* the methods, practice and analysis of applied research by experts from industry, government and civil society. The applied orientation of this linked suite of learning activities will also critically review the interface between theory and practice in quantitative and qualitative research methods; and,
* the philosophical, ethical and practical dimensions in the process of research design, implementation and communication.

Assessment

Core courses are examined by means of three 3-hour written examinations during the summer term. In addition, students are also required to submit two written pieces of work on option courses due at the end of the term in which the course was taken. The dissertation is handed in by the first weekday in September.

Core Modules

1. Water science & technology

This thematic area develops knowledge and critical understanding in surface and groundwater science in temperate, tropical and semi-arid zones. It emphasizes physical, chemical and biological interactions throughout the hydrological cycle, and the role of society in altering the "natural" hydrological processes and function. It introduces the science behind both high- and low-technology engineering solutions to water supply and sanitation problems.

2. Water and society

This thematic area explores how contested domains of power and knowledge influence water decision-making, illustrated through institutional, socio-economic and policy analysis. This covers areas of water governance, law and regulation, transboundary water, water scarcity, 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.

3. 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.