MPhil in Water Science, Policy and Management

University of Oxford

About the course

The MPhil in Water Science, Policy and Management aims to equip the next generation of water professionals with the blend of skills necessary to make a significant contribution to sustainable water management pathways across competing priorities of water for ecosystems, food, energy, economic growth and human consumption. The second year is devoted to researching and writing a thesis.

The MPhil is a two-year course. In the first year you will take the coursework associated with the MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management. The MSc course comprises seven core modules within three thematic areas – water science, water and society, and water management – and two elective modules.

The water science theme 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 area, as well as interactions throughout the hydrological cycle, and the role of society in altering natural hydrological processes and function, and the impact this has on health.

The water and society theme explores how contested domains of power, interests and knowledge influence water decision-making, illustrated through institutional, socio-economic and policy analysis. This covers areas of water security and governance, law and regulation, water economics, water finance, water access, ownership and rights, water for development, climate change, water risks and interactions between the state and civil society within dynamic and varied political, cultural, social and economic contexts.

The water management theme integrates the knowledge and understanding of water developed in the other thematic areas to better enable you to tackle the big water management challenges that we face. Geographic case studies are developed to compare the trade-offs that occur between science and society in these contexts. Interactions with experts with different perspectives and expertise will help you to understand the challenges faced by water managers.

Teaching takes place through lectures, seminars and workshops which provide in-depth exploration of key issues. The elective modules offer a tutorial-style teaching and discussion environment within smaller groups, based on a suite of contemporary research themes that reflect the specific interests of core faculty and visiting research associates. The teaching aim is to foster discussion and debate between academic staff and students to identify and explore theory, methods and practice in an academic space that encourages a critical dialogue.

There is a one-week field trip during the Easter vacation and day field visits to a variety of destinations during the year.

The second year of the MPhil is devoted to researching and writing a thesis. The research topic will be devised in your first year and, once approved, you will be allocated a specialist supervisor. In addition, in the second year you will take a further elective course.