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International Development Courses

MSc Water Security and International Development

  • Course Code DNT1FL87103
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Attendance Full Time
  • Award Degree of Master of Science
  • Overview
  • Why Choose Us
  • Requirements
  • Course Profile
  • Fees and Funding
  • Apply
Overview
MSc Water Security and International Development

The MSc Water Security and International Development degree interprets 'water security' in its broad political ecology and political economy sense. We believe that the hydrological cycle is intimately connected to critical global policy concerns: climate change, food trade and food security, energy security - and in turn to the international cooperation that affects human, community, regional and state security.

Inextricably linked to people's welfare and livelihoods in non-industrialised contexts, water is a resource of fundamental importance to environment and development concerns. This Master's programme will critically reflect on the practical and theoretical facets of 'water security', with a view to develop a better foundation upon which to achieve developmental and environmental objectives. We will provide the latest interdisciplinary theory and tools necessary to rise to the challenges and students will graduate with the knowledge and tools to be able to understand and audit the water security of a system of interest; be it nation, region, company, sector, scheme or household.

The MSc Water Security and International Development degree will be offered over one year full-time, or two years part-time.

Applicants for this degree are encouraged to apply as soon as possible in order to secure their place for entry in September 2011. Please contact the Course Director, Dr Mark Zeitoun if you would like to discuss your application before it is submitted.



MSc Water Security ProfileWho is the Course for?

This unique degree seeks to prepare graduates to engage with and contribute to societal responses to critical global water policy issues, encapsulated in part by Professor John Beddington's (UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser) 2009 analysis identifying the 'Perfect Storm' arising from the 'surge in demand for food, water and energy over the next two decades... all intimately connected'. The School is world-renowned for its interdisciplinary and rigorous approach to subject-area teaching within a wider pedagogic framework of development and environmental studies. The students will benefit from our specialist knowledge in the social and biophysical aspects of water resources, including excellent networking and fieldword opportunities.

The course is relevant for those who have recently completed undergraduate study as well as those who have already worked in the field of development. It does not require specialised prior study although students will benefit from an environmental Bachelors degree such as geology, geography or environmental sciences. People with other backgrounds oriented towards the environment, for instance in political sciences, sociology or law, or with practice experience in development work, are also strongly encouraged to apply. The course aims to prepare students for employment in a wide range of areas, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government aid agencies, and multilaterial organisations.


Global Water Security Web ChartCourse Profile 

Our Masters courses require students to undertake 180 credits:

  • Compulsory and Optional modules (120 credits)
  • Examination (20 credits)
  • Dissertation (40 credits)

The Compulsory modules include:
  • Water Security - Theory and Concepts (Autumn semester - 20 credits)
  • Water Security - Tools and Policy (Spring semester - 20 credits)

Students will be able to choose from a range of Optional modules. Recommended modules include:
  • Understanding Global Environmental Change
  • Catchment Water Resource Management
  • Political Ecology of Environment and Development
  • Climate Change Policy for Development
  • Globalised Agriculture and Food Systems

Students will receive detailed module outlines, including information about lectures and seminars, full reading lists and assessments once they have registered at the beginning of their course. 

Please click to access the Course Profile for the MSc Water Security International Development.

Please click to access a promotional poster for the MSc Water Security and International Development.



Professional, Employability and Practical Skills

A range of optional seminars and workshops are offered during your Masters programme for the teaching and strengthening of student skills. Sessions to support learning - in particular essay and dissertation writing - occur throughout the year. Development practice training is also provided. Please click to access further information about the Skills Training and Development Practice programme



Course Tutors

The Course Director for the MSc Water Security and International Development degree is Mark Zeitoun. Water Security specialists who also teach on the course are: Dr Bruce LankfordProfessor Declan Conway and Dr Kevin Hiscock. All tutors are well known internationally for their work on water and climate change, irrigation, hydrogeology, catchment management, politics, conflict and allocation.



UEA Water Security Research CentreUEA Water Security Research Centre

The University of East Anglia's Water Security Research Centre integrates world-class natural and social sciences to address the challenges. We offer unique skills and internationally-renowned researchers centred in the School of International Development and the School of Environmental Sciences. Together they address key water security and related issues from the individual to the global level.

The Water Security Centre also draws upon expertise from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, the School of Economics, the School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, International Development UEA, the Low Carbon Innovation Centre and the Climatic Research Unit – all based at the University of East Anglia. We go beyond studying phenomena to bring about positive change by means of engagement through extensive outreach, action research and policy formation.



Course Organiser
Dr Mark Zeitoun    
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