suspended for 2012 entry
Diffuse pollution from agricultural runoff, loss of aquatic biodiversity, development of energy and hydro-power and increased flood risk resulting from climate change are all examples of hydrological-based problems facing many countries. Within Europe, the EU Water Framework and Floods Directive require water and land management to be integrated and conducted at the river basin scale. Thus, individuals are needed who understand both the hydrological and ecological processes operating within river basins and the relevant policy and legislative frameworks.
This programme was specifically established to provide training to fill the skills gap identified by employers with a responsibility for river basin management.
Course objectives
This programme meets the needs of those individuals for whom river basin management is a real and practical issue and for those students fresh from a relevant discipline who wish to gain employment within the field of flood management, water resources and protection of the water environment.
Our programme aims to give you:
- An understanding of the environmental processes and scientific principles that underpin river basin management
- An understanding of the economic, social and legal frameworks of river basin management
- A sound training in relevant practical, investigative, research and generic skills
Entrance requirements
A good second class Honours degree in a relevant subject or its equivalent. Consideration is given to other candidates with substantial relevant professional experience. Enquiries are welcome from all prospective students confident in their ability to handle scientific and numerical information.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6 (minimum 6 in each skill), or TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.
Funding
Funding may be available through SAAS quota awards.
information on possible sources of funding
Modes of study
Full-time: one year
Part-time: 27 months maximum
Course start date
September
Structure and content
Students take four core modules in the autumn semester, including one compulsory River Basin Management module. Core modules:
- River Basin Management: This focuses on hydrology and hydrological assessment
- Environmental Systems and Assessment: This module focuses on terrestrial and freshwater environments, and approaches to their assessment
- Environmental Policy and Management: The role of Environmental Management in society and the role of governments (UK and other)
- Environmental Economics: A bridge between scientific knowledge and policy decisions
- Information Technology: This module focuses on statistical techniques and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
In the spring semester you are required to take four modules. You would normally take two modules covering the areas of catchment management and water quality, and river management, plus two others. Typical options include:
- Remote Sensing: Concepts, principles and techniques with hands on experience with various river and catchment applications, and training in the use of ENVI and ArcGIS
- Biodiversity: What can be done to conserve the world’s biodiversity?
- Catchment Management and Water Quality: Impacts of human activity in the drainage basin on water quality and strategies to minimise these
- River Conservation and Management: Physical habitat restoration, river flow regulation, and environmental impacts of river engineering
- Economics of Climate Change: Why has it happened? What are the costs? What are the mitigation options?
- Field Techniques for Environmental Managers:
A practical module providing training in field data collection and interpretation based on a residential field course
- Environmental Law and Management Systems: The implementation of environmentally sound practice in business; the ISO14001/4 Environmental Management Systems Standard and EMAS, environmental law, the European Eco-management and Audit Scheme
- ‘Gooding’ the Earth: Soil function and quality, soil problems and potential strategies for their mitigation and management
Students who successfully complete the taught programme qualify for the Diploma, and the MSc involves completion of a research project, often in collaboration with an outside agency. Students frequently choose a topic complementary to their option choices to develop a high level of competence in aspects of river basin management relevant to their future employment.
Delivery and assessment
The programme is taught primarily by Biological and Environmental Sciences staff, from other departments of the University and visiting professionals from outside agencies.
Assessment is via coursework and examination, and may include teamwork and presentations. Exams are held in December and May, and external examiners may interview students at the end of the spring semester.
MSc research projects are submitted in early September.
Preparation
Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.
Career opportunities
In a European context, given the EU Flooding and Water Framework directives, and demand for renewable energy from hydro-power, there will be a continual demand for EU students with a sound knowledge of river basin management as well as scientific understanding of water, solute and sediment runoff and freshwater ecology.
The programme is assessed and its content regularly reviewed in consultation with academic staff, environmental consultants and senior personnel from organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). These efforts are reflected in our excellent employment record in recent years. All students who have undertaken this programme have found employment in the field of hydrology and river basin management, or have continued with postgraduate study.
