Water Resources Engineering – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The Interuniversity Programme in Water Resources Engineering offers a two year Master of Water Resources Engineering course, which is intended for graduates (or equivalent) in engineering, agriculture, hydrology and other related subjects. The main goal is to offer comprehensive training in water resources engineering to engineers and scientists from developing as well as industrialized countries.

The programme blends various basic and applied courses, hydrology and engineering sciences associated with water resources development with appropriate organizational and managerial skills. The course is specially tailored for those who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of water resources engineering, and are or expect to be involved in the design, operation or day-to-day management of water resources schemes in developing countries or anywhere in the world.

The first year curriculum is common for all participants while in the second year, a common base with optional courses are offered in Hydrology, Irrigation, Water Quality and Aquatic Ecology. After successful completion of the 2-year study programme, a Master of Water Resources Engineering degree is offered.

In the 1st year of the study programme a review of the basic knowledge is proposed, in order to achieve a common base level between students with different backgrounds. The 1st year is organized at the K.U.Leuven. This programme consists of a number of courses (Advanced mathematics for water engineering, Statistics for water engineering, Irrigation agronomy, Aquatic ecology, Hydraulics, Surface Hydrology, Groundwater Hydrology and Water quality assessment, monitoring and treatment) and two workshops: (1) Hydrological data processing and GIS; and (2) Hydrological measurements and remote sensing.

In the the 2nd year of the Master programme, a broad spectrum of topics is given to ensure the coverage of the main aspects related to water resources engineering. The topics in the second year are intended to broaden the water resources engineering knowledge and to provide a deeper understanding in either Hydrology, Irrigation, Water Quality or Aquatic Ecology depending on the area of specialization. The 2nd year is organized at the V.U.B. The courses in the programme make extensive use of microcomputer packages and simulation tools relevant to various aspects of the design, operation and management of water resources development projects.

The curriculum of the 2nd year is composed of 2 common courses (Systems approach to water management; and 'Social, political, institutional, economic and environmental aspects of water resourses), one Integrated project (either on a Humid case or on a Semi-arid case study) and the thesis research project. Furthermore, 3 courses of each 5 study points have to be selected from a list of 7 optional courses in the field of water resources engineering and modelling. .

Each academic year starts on the last Monday of September and is subdivided into two semesters, each with a length of 13 weeks. The first semester lasts from September to January, the second semester from February to May. There are 2-week holidays at Christmas/New Year and at Easter. The full Master study programme includes 120 credit-units, normally spread over 4 semesters (2 academic years), i.e. 60 units per academic year or 30 units per semester. One lecture hour per week per semester represents approximately 1.75 units. Exercises have a value of approximately 0.75 units per hour per week. The integrated project design of 5 units, and the thesis research project is equivalent to 17 units.

In each academic year, there are two ordinary examination sessions. The first is to be concluded in June or July, the second in September. Examinations are held in January and form an integral part of the first examination session. Evaluation tests and examinations are compulsory for all the students. All reports must be submitted before the final examination. Participants of the 1st year are examined in the subjects taught and on the basis of the results obtained in the different workshops. Participants of the 2nd year have to pass examinations on the courses taught, the integrated project design, and in addition, they are requested to present and defend the dissertation developed on the thesis research project. The examinations for each course are graded on a scale of 20 points. At least 10 points must be obtained to pass. One has passed the examination for an academic year when the examination jury, after deliberation, decides that the student has passed. The examination results are given in the transcript of academic records. The participants who fail in the first examination session have the possibility to attend the re-examination session in September.

The degree of Master of Water Resources Engineering can be awarded with:

• Greatest Distinction, with or without congratulations of the board of examiners (90% or more)

• Great Distinction (80% or more);

• Distinction (70% or more); and

• Satisfaction

Funding details

Grants: VL.I.R., VUBAROS and others

• VL.I.R.Scholarships awarded by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VL.I.R.) are aimed at graduate students (Bachelor´s level and Master´s level).
• VUBAROS A limited number of scholarships is awarded by VUBAROS, the Advice Councel for Development Cooperation of the VUB.
• K.U.Leuven has a limited number of scholarships available, mainly for doctoral research studies.
• EU-SOCRATES-ERASMUS: the European Community programme in the field of higher education.
• EU-ERASMUS student network - Its goal is to support and develop student exchange. It is composed of sections working in Higher Education Institutes (Universities, Polytechnics, University Colleges etc.) and National and International structures
• EU-ERASMUS WORLD PROGRAMME: This programme, which will cover the period 2004-2008, aims to encourage the participation of third-country nationals in a number of European Masters Courses and provide grants for EU graduate students to participate in Masters Courses in third countries which are part of partnership projects. Host European postgraduate courses which already exist or are to be set up will be selected for a five-year period. They will receive funding from the Community and an "EU" seal. These "EU Masters Courses" will be an ideal structure for receiving students from third countries under the Erasmus World programme, alongside European students.