A Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management

Course structure

Four coursework units introduce students to key concepts of integrated water management. The course is taught in a South African context through local case studies. However, to provide our students with an international perspective, expertise and case studies from developed and developing countries are used.

The degree is offered on both a full time and part time basis. International students (outside of South Africa) can only study on a full time basis as per South African Government requirements.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Coursework Units

Science of Water introduces the properties of water (physical and chemical), as well as concepts relating to the natural hydrological cycle and the ecology of inland aquatic systems. The unit also addresses the human uses of water and highlights the dynamic relationship between human and natural aquatic systems. On completion of the unit students will have an in-depth understanding of:

(1) the basic properties of water,
(2) the components underpinning water quality,
(3) the hydrology of catchments,
(4) ecology of natural aquatic systems,
(5) human modification of aquatic systems, and
(6) the storage and treatment of water for human consumption.

Water, sustainability and development examines the elements and background to the so-called world water crisis and analyses current international development thinking about sustainable development and its application to water and water resources. It explores dimensions such as livelihoods and poverty, water supply and sanitation in cities, gender, community participation and water as a human right. This will be done in the context of organisations such as Catchment Management Agencies and relevant Provincial Governmental Departments who face challenges with water sustainability and development. Students will have the opportunity to work directly with key individuals in these organisations and get a first hand experience of some of the issues and challenges they face.

Water governance and policy refers to the diverse range of political, social, economic and administrative arrangements within which water resources are managed and water needs are met by different sectors of society. In this unit students will engage with key concepts of water governance addressing in particular:

(1) the interaction between water governance, poverty and development;
(2) institutional and legal frameworks for formal as well as informal water provision;
(3) core features of transboundary arrangements as well as the core issues to be addressed in the design, implementation and monitoring of water governance initiatives.

The special features of water governance in Southern Africa and Africa generally are specifically analysed with a special focus on the successes, failures and lessons to be learnt from other contexts.  Issues of gender and social exclusion are also specifically addressed.

Project Management and Research Design aims to:

(1) equip students with the knowledge to successfully plan and execute their research projects (semesters two and three), and
(2) provide them with an understanding of, and the basic skills required for, careers as science and technology professionals.

Research Project

Research is a key component of the Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management and therefore carries the bulk of the degree weighting. Students select a research project in which the ideas and principles of integrated water management feature prominently. Students are expected to complete a full thesis of maximum 50 000 words.

Research projects should ideally allow a significant degree of cross-disciplinary integration and address an issue related to a real sustainability challenge. The individual research phase is characterised by quality supervision and personalised mentoring. Supervisors are carefully chosen to match disciplinary needs of students. By the end of the degree, students will have mastered the art of research and will be ready to publish their research findings in an accredited journal.

Upon successful completion of this degree, students will receive a Master of Philosophy degree in Integrated Water Management, endorsed by four internationally recognised Australian Universities.