MSc hydrology and water resources management

Hydrology draws on a number of physical and life sciences such as meteorology, plant physiology, soil physics and geology, and a number of mathematical sciences such as fluid mechanics, probability and statistics, and systems analysis. The course includes a basic treatment of these subjects in the context of hydrological and water resource applications. Attention is paid to techniques for the measurement and collection of data and the formulation of mathematical models of hydrological systems based on principles of physics, systems analysis and probability. The applications of these models in solving such problems as flood estimation, water resources evaluation (both surface and groundwater), the assessment of urbanisation effects and irrigation requirements are treated specifically. Aspects of hydraulic engineering for river structures are also covered. The planning and management of water resources are treated using the techniques of operational research. Water quality is considered as an important aspect of both surface and groundwater, and issues of point and non-point source pollution and waste management are included.

Objectives

• Provide an integrated career in hydrology, water resources and/or environmental management;
• Produce graduates equipped to pursue careers in industry, the public sector and non-governmental organisations;
• Provide the basis for the recognition and understanding of the major features of hydrology;
• Develop an understanding of how this knowledge may be applied in practice in an economic and environmentally sustainable manner;
• Foster the acquisition and implementation of broad research and analytical skills related to the discipline;
• Attract highly motivated students irrespective of race, gender, background and physical disability, from the UK and overseas;
• Develop new areas of teaching in response to the advance of scholarship and the needs of the community including vocational training;
• Provide an introduction to the subject for students from other relevant disciplines.

The year comprises two separate periods. The first comprising lectures, tutorials and individual coursework assignments, the second consisting of a research dissertation.  The dissertation may be undertaken at College, within a Partner Research Institute or university, or in collaboration with industry. Other projects have involved a period of data collection or field study abroad in countries including Sudan, Nepal, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, Jordan, Pakistan, Malta, Nigeria and Tanzania.

The course maintains a careful balance between the issues affecting developing and the developed countries. Particular emphasis is placed on the selection of appropriate technology regardless of the area of application, based on economics and environmental impact  factors as well as the construction and operating skills available in the community.

• View the full syllabus

Assessments include individual and group courseworks; projects and presentations; written and oral examinations and a research dissertation. To complete the requirements of the degree, all assessments must be undertaken to the appropriate level. Successful candidates will be awarded the MSc degree of Imperial College London and the Diploma of Imperial College (DIC).

An important feature of the lecture programme is the contribution by leading experts in the field from the water utilities, consultants, government departments, manufacturers and research institutes. In particular, a formal link exists with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, who contribute to the course on health aspects of water management in developing countries. The Chartered Institution of Water & Environmental Management (CIWEM) and the Institute of Civil Engineers hold meetings in or near the College and all students are encouraged to attend these meetings and become Members of one or both of these Institutions. In addition, the British Hydrological Society also has meetings in or near the College and a similar arrangement exists. 

• A good Upper Second or First Class Degree result (or International equivalent), in engineering or another numerate discipline, or Masters level degree qualification
• Good mathematical skills (B or above at A-level or equivalent qualification)
• Relevant Postgraduate industrial experience is favoured
• English Language qualification (where relevant)

Applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to present an English language qualification, passed at the appropriate level. This may follow the application if not available at the time of submission. Please see the College English language requirements for postgraduate applicants for information. Please also check that your previous study meets the minimum academic requirements by country index. 

Note: The Department may set higher requirements than those specified by the College as minimum entry requirements and that places are not guaranteed for any applicant.  Relevance of degrees and eligibility can be checked with the Department.  

Visit this webpage for information about scholarships and funding opportunities. 

Please see our application information page