Master of Water Science and Management
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 (February)
180
Overview
Master of Water Science and Management
Introduction
The Master of Water Science Management (MWSM) degree is offered in joint partnership between UC and Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki | Lincoln University, through the Waterways Centre.
This programme prepares you for a professional career in water science and management where you can make a difference in how water is studied, managed, and perceived.
The MWSM is specifically designed to give you practical experience working with industry stakeholders to manage water governance and catchment projects. The Waterways Centre also offers a two-year Master of Science in Water Science Management involving a research thesis designed to build your theoretical and technical skills in water systems.
Master of Water Science and Management
What will my study involve?
- Learn professional skills in managing water resources, projects, and stakeholders with courses designed to help you meet contemporary industry needs.
- Explore Aotearoa's unique history and culture with wai and sustainable efforts across the Pacific.
- Project or internship where you will work directly with communities, mana whenua, and organisations that are part of the water science and management industry. Your project may also help provide answers to gaps in what we understand about water science and management currently.
- Benefit from teaching and research conducted by Waterways Centre.
Master of Water Science and Management
Entry requirements
For entry to the MWSM you will need a bachelor's degree relevant to Water Science and Management, with at least a B Grade Point Average from your final year (or other approved qualifications of an equivalent standard).
- If you are an international student and need help meeting these requirements, study one of UC’s International Pre-Master’s pathways to gain entry into this degree.
- If you are a domestic student and need help meeting these requirements, study UC’s Diploma in Advancing University Studies to gain entry into this degree.
- If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Water Science and Management or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
Register your interest in the degree by contacting waterways@canterbury.ac.nz.
Master of Water Science and Management
How do I plan my degree?
The MWSM degree is made up of 180 points, with a 60-point project/internship and 120 points of electives.
The programme is taught by both UC and Lincoln University staff, with lectures hosted on UC's campus. Field and lab work feature throughout the degree.
Study begins in February and can be completed within 1 year full-time, or up to 3 years part-time.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Water Science and Management.
Master of Water Science and Management
Subjects and courses
Compulsory project or internship course:
- WATR691 Water Science and Management Project (60 points)
Elective courses
At least 75 points of elective courses need to be chosen from 400-level WATR courses.
The remaining 45 points can be chosen from WATR courses or other 400-level courses in relevant subjects approved by the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management.
Some examples include:
- DRRE402 Natural Hazard Risk Assessment
- ENVR411 Case Studies in Environmental Science
- GEOL493 Unravelling Environmental Histories
- GISC401 Foundations of Geospatial Data Science
- GISC406 Remote Sensing for Earth Observation
- MAOR419 Mātauranga Māori and Science (30 points - please get in touch if you are interested)
For each of your options, we encourage you to take electives that match your interests.
Domestic students
2025 tuition fee estimate: $14,559 (180 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $15,432 (180 points)
International students
2025 tuition fee estimate: $65,700 (180 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $67,950 (180 points)
2027 tuition fee estimate: $71,400 (180 points)
Master of Water Science and Management
Further study
If you complete the MWSM (or all of the courses except the internship/project) with at least a B+ grade average, you may choose to go onto the Master of Science in Water Science and Management and complete an additional thesis year.
UC offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Water Resource Management.
Master of Water Science and Management
Career opportunities
The Master of Water Science and Management will prepare you for professional roles in the water sector, handling one of our most precious resources in the world.
With its emphasis on water science and catchment management, you would be prepared for roles in local and regional government, consultancies, non-profit organisations, land management, and entities working in this fast growing sector.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
