Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Water Science and Management (MWSM) is designed for a professional career in water science and management.
• The programme combines water science with practical water-resource and catchment management.
• Students develop professional skills for managing water resources, projects and stakeholders.
• A major advantage is practical experience through a 60-point project or internship involving communities, mana whenua and organisations connected with the water sector.
• Students learn about Aotearoa New Zealand's distinctive history, culture and approaches to wai and sustainability across the Pacific.
• The degree is delivered through the Waterways Centre, a joint initiative involving the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University.
• Teaching includes field and laboratory work rather than being purely classroom-based.
• The programme is particularly relevant to students interested in freshwater management, hydrology, catchments, environmental management, water governance, restoration and sustainability.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of 180 points:

1. 60 points – compulsory Water Science and Management Project
2. 120 points – elective courses

The compulsory project is:

• WATR691 Water Science and Management Project – 60 points

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formally named specialisations or majors listed for the 180-point MWSM.

Instead, students create an area of emphasis through their elective selection and project.

Possible areas of focus include:

• Hydrology and water systems
• Catchment management
• Water governance
• Freshwater restoration
• Hydrogeology
• Environmental science
• Geospatial science and remote sensing
• Natural hazards and water-related risk
• Water and society
• Matauranga M?ori and freshwater management
• Environmental and sustainability management

Programme Highlights

• 180-point professional master's degree
• One-year full-time completion
• Practical rather than purely theoretical orientation
• 60-point project/internship
• Field and laboratory learning
• Water-sector stakeholder engagement
• Joint teaching and research environment involving UC and Lincoln University
• Waterways Centre expertise
• Interdisciplinary approach combining science, management, society and environmental restoration
• Exposure to Aotearoa New Zealand's freshwater context and m?tauranga M?ori
• Opportunity to progress towards a research master's pathway
• Strong relevance to the growing freshwater-management sector.

Career Outcomes

The programme is designed to prepare graduates for professional roles in the water sector.

Potential employment areas include:

• Water resource management
• Catchment management
• Water policy and governance
• Environmental consulting
• Local government
• Regional government
• Central government
• Environmental organisations
• Non-profit organisations
• Land management
• Water-dependent industries
• Freshwater restoration
• Environmental advisory work
• Water-sector project management

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current UC programme information confirms that:

• The MWSM is currently offered as a 180-point qualification.
• The current listed start is Semester 1, February.
• The programme can be completed in 1 year full-time or up to 3 years part-time.
• The programme includes a compulsory 60-point project/internship.
• At least 75 points of electives must come from 400-level WATR courses.
• The remaining 45 elective points require approval where courses are outside the relevant WATR offerings.
• Lectures are hosted on the UC campus and field/lab work forms part of the degree.
• The programme is delivered through the Waterways Centre partnership involving UC and Lincoln University. 

International Student Visa Requirements

Most international students studying this programme will require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Visa cost: from NZD $850
• Maximum visa duration: up to 4 years
• Current processing information: 80% within 8 weeks
• An offer of place from an approved education provider
• Evidence that tuition fees can be paid, or evidence of a scholarship
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Acceptable medical/travel insurance
• Good health and character
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay