Water and Sanitation for Development MSc

Ensuring the sustainable provision of water and sanitation is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. By drawing on our cutting-edge research, real-life problem-solving experiences and extensive practitioner input, the Water and Sanitation for Development MSc will provide you with the tools to help solve this challenge. The course provides a unique balance of engineering, environmental science, public health and social science, and therefore provides you with the skills and knowledge to plan and implement water supply and sanitation projects and programmes in any part of the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. A key part of the MSc is the opportunity to conduct your thesis on a real-life project in a developing country.

Why this course?

Although much progress has been made over the last few decades, more than one billion people still lack access to a safe, reliable and affordable water supply; and more than twice that number lack access to basic sanitation.

• Teaching is by a research-active faculty who work in developing countries, enabling you to benefit from real-world case studies throughout the course.
• There is an opportunity to work on a real-life WASH project in a developing country for your thesis project.
• The courses includes participation in a real-world borehole drilling course and other practical sessions to put theory into practice.
• Innovative teaching practices including ‘flipped classrooms’ and student-led exercises are a core key feature of the course.
• The course is supported by an active network of alumni with over 30 years’ worth of experience working in the WASH sector.

Graduates of the Water and Sanitation for Development MSc will be able to:

• Plan and design sanitation facilities and water sources in rural areas of lower-income countries;
• Critically evaluate water, sanitation and hygiene programmes and water resource management methods;
• Explain different management and finance models and evaluate how these might ensure access for the poorest;
• Assess how water, sanitation and hygiene services might vary in different contexts, specifically rural, urban and emergencies.

Who is it for?

This course is ideal for graduates who wish to progress their career in the planning, implementation and management of sustainable water supply and sanitation projects to low- and middle-income countries. The course comprises assessed modules, group projects and an individual project. The modules include lectures, tutorials, practicals, simulations and workshops with an emphasis on analysis of real problems, with practical field work to reinforce learning.

Accreditation

The MSc of this course is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).

Students can also exit with PGDip and PGCert awards.