Water, Climate Change, and Sustainability (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Become a leader in water science and management with our interdisciplinary MSc, designed to tackle global challenges and open diverse career pathways.
Become a water leader
Optional modules will give you the broad skill set to become the expert in the room, bringing others together to address water challenges.
Multidisciplinary
The interdisciplinary knowledge and skills you’ll develop will equip you to lead problem-solving efforts on major freshwater problems in any context.
Aligned with SDGs
You’ll get up to speed with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and their relevance to global, regional, and local freshwater challenges.
Benefit from our research expertise
A research dissertation on a bespoke topic co-designed with an expert academic will set you up to understand the complexity and challenges of freshwater problems.
Seize emerging opportunities
Take a major step into the rapidly expanding job market on water, climate change, and sustainability with the confidence of a water leader.
Water is fundamental to life on Earth and the functioning of healthy ecosystems and societies. But the world faces significant challenges to sustainable water supplies. Limited usable freshwater, unevenly distributed across the world, in addition to climate-driven floods and droughts, impacts economies, increases conflict potential, and degrades ecosystems, making future water sustainability unpredictable. To address these urgent challenges the world needs graduates with expertise in freshwater problems.
This MSc will give you a solid understanding of water in terms of the hydrological cycle, its forcing by climate and climate change, partitioning of water between the surface and subsurface, water availability to and use by ecosystems, and the sustainable management of water-related hazards and water resources. You’ll explore the social context of water problems in terms of environmental sustainability, as well as knowledge of the climate system and the regional expressions of climate change and develop the skills to analyse and quantify sustainability of water resources and hazards, to handle and analyse large datasets that are proliferating across the globe, and to engage with numerical models.
The interdisciplinary nature of the programme will open up potential career pathways in academia, development, government, or environmental consultancy. You would be well equipped to address global challenges including those associated with sustainable development goals, as well as national and subnational environmental priorities in countries around the world.
Some module combinations are not available due to the carefully constructed programme design. All options will be managed through guided choice.
Accreditations
Where you'll study
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
We’re making sense of our changing world and solving some of the most critical challenges facing our society, economy and environment.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as biology, earth science, economics, environmental science, geography, or hydrology, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area or have a 2:2 honours degree, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as a CV and signed and dated employer references.
Application deadline:
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process:
We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
This is a full-time course undertaken in one academic year. You will study taught modules to a total of 120 credits during the Diploma stage of your degree.
On successful completion of the taught stage, you will progress to the dissertation stage where you will write up your individual research project as a dissertation. This project will be carried out during the summer under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
The year is composed of core and option modules with a balance of introductory theoretical background in water, climate change, and sustainability and advanced methodological training. The 60-credit dissertation provides you with an opportunity to conduct in-depth research in your specialised area of interest.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Big Data, Machine Learning and AI | CMT124 | 20 credits |
| Water in the Environment | EAT109 | 20 credits |
| Climate Change, Adaptation and Resilience | EAT302 | 20 credits |
| Environmental Sustainability: Policies, Principles and Practice | EAT412 | 20 credits |
| Research Dissertation - Water in a Changing World | EAT301 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Frontiers in Water | BIT059 | 20 credits |
| Environment and Development | CPT917 | 20 credits |
| Remote Sensing of Hazards and Risks | EAT409 | 20 credits |
| Numerical modelling of Environmental Hazard processes | EAT410 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
The programme adopts a balanced approach that combines academic rigor with practical relevance, ensuring that you develop the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to make meaningful contributions to environmental water problems globally.
The curriculum integrates theoretical concepts with hands-on learning experiences. Lectures provide a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge, while small group teaching sessions, seminars, workshops, and tutorials offer opportunities for interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises. This combination will allow you to deepen your understanding of theoretical concepts while also applying them to real-world scenarios.
Research is integrated into the classroom through the inclusion of contemporary real-life examples and case studies. You will have access to the latest research findings and are encouraged to critically engage with academic literature and research papers. Guest lectures from practitioners and experts in the field further enhance the relevance of the curriculum by providing firsthand insights into current challenges and best practices in water, climate change, and sustainability.
The programme emphasizes experiential learning and skill development. You will have the opportunity to engage in research projects that allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world settings. These authentic learning experiences will not only enhance your practical skills but also prepare you for the complexities and uncertainties of working in a range of relevant environmental careers.
How will I be assessed?
The assessment strategy of the course is designed to be diverse, comprehensive, and aligned with programme learning outcomes, ensuring that students demonstrate their competence and readiness to contribute effectively to an environmental career.
Assessments vary by module, but examples of practical assessments include quantitative problem sets, essays, oral presentations, video presentations, exams containing multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions, and the research dissertation.
Progress will also be evaluated using the formative assessment in some modules to help the student to improve their performance. Formative assessments will be brief to make sure that the building blocks of learning are being achieved before the next part of the programme. Modules and their assessments are staggered to balance your workload.
How will I be supported?
We offer a comprehensive support structure to ensure a positive student experience.
At the start of the course you will be allocated a personal tutor, who will serve as a point of contact to advise on both academic and personal matters in an informal and confidential manner.
Feedback
Students have many opportunities for feedback during contact sessions. You will be involved in giving feedback in activities such as video feedback and self-assessment. Additionally, you will receive feedback from teaching staff and stakeholders; providing you with experience of the real-life feedback that you may encounter when you find employment.
Facilities
We have a Learning Central (Ultra) website where you can access videos, images, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, links to further reading, electronic exercises and discussion circles.
You will also have full access to the 24-hour computing facilities in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, along with a dedicated study space within the School.
Support services
You will have access to the full range of facilities and services provided by the University, including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, alongside excellent libraries and resource centres.
Diversity
We aim to create an inclusive, supportive and welcoming environment that respects the dignity of staff and students of all ages, ethnicities, disabilities, family structures, genders, nationalities, sexual orientations, and races, religious or other beliefs, and socio-economic backgrounds. Read about our commitment to the Athena SWAN principles and our Bronze status.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme, you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding
- Explain and quantify the hydrologic cycle, its global and regional expression in response to climate forcing, and its translation into surface and subsurface water storage and fluxes.
- Articulate the workings of the climate system and its evolution under climate change, with particular emphasis on the water cycle, climate change impacts, and societal adaptation.
- Synthesise the interdisciplinary aspects of environmental water challenges with respect to legislative/policy frameworks, societal needs, and practical/sustainable solutions.
- Demonstrate ability and understanding of available large datasets relevant to water challenges and provide clarity on how they can be employed to address key informational needs with respect to water problems.
- Explain and assess the complexities and challenges of sustainable water resources for people and ecosystems.
Intellectual Skills
- Critically analyse and evaluate complex issues related to water
- Identify and define problems and generate creative solutions to support solutions to water problems
- Apply advanced analytical skills to assess and interpret complex data and information related to water problems
- Analyse and report on advanced interdisciplinary issues related to water problems.
- Effectively communicate complex ideas and information to diverse audiences
Professional Practical Skills
- Interact and engage with experts in a range of water-related fields;
- Implement quantitative and qualitative skills in the analysis of water problems
- Demonstrate quantitative skills for estimating the frequency and magnitude of water hazards
- Apply state of the art quantitative methods for analysing water balance problems relevant to fluxes, stores, and sustainability
- Address and understand environmental problems from multiple perspectives
Transferable/Key Skills
- Apply practical skills in project management and implementation and demonstrate the ability to complete a long-term research project (either for an applied or academic problem)
- Apply information literacy skills to locate, evaluate, and synthesize relevant information from diverse sources
- Write convincingly about in-depth environmental/water problems in the context of climate change and sustainability
- Develop ability to collaborate and work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, fostering inclusive dialogue and mutual understanding
- Enhanced communication skills to effectively convey ideas, information, and recommendations to diverse stakeholders relevant to sustainability.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £11,700 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £29,450 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
No
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
This programme is designed to lead to various types of careers. Some students may choose to pursue a future PhD on a water-related topic.
Other graduates may wish to address global challenges by pursuing a specialist professional career in international development, or in environmental consulting, government, or the non-profit sector.
This program is designed to prepare you for a successful environmental career by providing you with a comprehensive set of knowledge, skills, and practical experiences that are highly valued by employers. Through a combination of rigorous academic coursework, practical training, and engagement with industry professionals, you will develop the expertise, and professional competencies needed to excel in a variety of roles within governmental and non-governmental organizations, environmental consultancies, insurance companies, and related industries.
The program aligns closely with the University's graduate attributes, ensuring that you not only acquire disciplinary knowledge but also develop transferable skills and qualities that are highly sought after by employers. Key graduate attributes incorporated into the program include critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and ethical responsibility. These attributes are cultivated through a range of learning activities, including lectures, seminars, workshops, fieldwork, and group projects, allowing students to develop and demonstrate their abilities in diverse contexts.
One distinctive feature of the program is the involvement of visiting lecturers from relevant industries or professions. These industry experts bring real-world perspectives and practical insights into the classroom, enriching your learning experiences and providing valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to engage with relevant professionals or employers in other learning activities, such as guest lectures, panel discussions, site visits, and internships. These interactions will enable you to gain firsthand knowledge of industry trends, practices, and expectations, as well as to build professional relationships that can enhance their employment prospects.
Upon completion of the program, you will be well-equipped to pursue a wide range of career paths in disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts. Potential job roles include:
- Water Hazard Analyst
- Flood Manager
- Environmental Planner
- Water Resources Specialist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Team Manager
- Policy Advisor/Analyst
- Community Engagement Coordinator
- Climate Adaptation Specialist
- Humanitarian Aid Worker
- Project Manager in International Development
Overall, the program provides students with a solid foundation of academic knowledge, practical skills, and industry connections that will prepare you for successful and impactful careers in addressing the complex challenges of water, climate change, and sustainability in our increasingly complex world.
Placements
We work with industrial and academic partners to support dissertation development and supervision. You will have the opportunity to develop these linkages during dissertation development in Semester 2.
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
