Water management degrees abroad
As a water management student, you’ll learn how water resources are harvested, distributed, consumed, exploited, and protected across the globe.
You’ll develop the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise needed to sustainably manage supplies across various landscapes. You’ll evaluate the impacts of industry, farming, and abstraction on the water environment, and consider how any negative impacts could be mitigated.
Countries around the world face different water management challenges, like flooding, pollution, and coastal erosion. By studying overseas, you’ll become better equipped at predicting and overcoming risks to the water management cycle, taking your employability to the next level.


Water management program structure
Most programs in water management are only offered at the postgraduate level. Master’s degrees can be studied on a part or full-time basis over one or two years. To be eligible for the MSc course, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
It’s also possible to study water management as a doctoral degree. The length of your PhD will depend on your research project, but most last between four and six years.
Much of your time will be spent studying independently, collecting data, and conducting original research. If you take a taught master’s program, you can expect to attend lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials too.
Here are some of the core topics you’ll likely learn about:
- Freshwater ecosystems
- Sustainable resource management
- Water pollution
- Environmental law and impact assessment
- River and estuary restoration
- Flood risk management
- Groundwater resources and protection
- Lake ecology
Best countries to study water management
How to study water management abroad
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Water management study abroad programs
Water management undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in water management
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Water Science: Water Law and Policy - BSc University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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27,000 USD
Fee in university's local currency 27,000 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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Geography Water Resources - BSc Texas State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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18,929 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,929 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Integrated Science/Business - Water Resources - BBA/BSc University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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16,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,800 USD
- Start date
- January, September
Diploma in water management
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Land and Water Resources - UGDip Northern Lights College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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3,568 USD
Fee in university's local currency 4,519 CAD
- Start date
- January, May, September
Water management graduate programs
Master's in water management
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Water Resources Engineering - MSc Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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4,633 USD
Fee in university's local currency 3,850 EUR
- Start date
- September
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Civil Engineering: Environmental/Water Resources (STEM) - MSc California State University, Long Beach, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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14,604 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,604 USD
- Start date
- August, January
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Land & Water Resources - MSc Stephen F. Austin State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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14,562 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,562 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Environmental Water Management - MSc Cranfield University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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28,510 USD
Fee in university's local currency 20,500 GBP
- Start date
- October
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Civil Engineering: Water Resources Engineering - MSc California State University, Sacramento, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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15,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,800 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Doctorate in water management
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Environmental and Water Resources Engineering - PhD American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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19,710 USD
Fee in university's local currency 19,710 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Future water management careers
Your management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills will be valued by a whole host of employers.
You could apply your expertise to roles in the water industry, energy sector, government departments, and more. Here are some of the most common graduate destinations:
- Water resources planner
- Water treatment engineer
- Hydrologist
- Environmental impact assessment consultant
- Flood risk manager
- Sustainable waste management consultant
- Pollution control technician
- Water quality scientist
If you’re still figuring out what career you’d like to pursue, or don’t know how to land your dream job, it’s worth arranging an appointment at your university’s employability office. Their tailored and professional advice will set you on the right path.
