Course description

Semester 1 (Masters, Diploma & Certificate)

Project management

(WATR7000)

You will learn the principles of project management for each stage of a project, including analysing the initial problem, scoping and designing a project, managing the administrative, logistical and financial aspects of project implementation and data analysis, and monitoring and evaluating the ongoing project. Focusing on project management for the water sector, the course emphasises participatory project management and frameworks for cross-sectoral collaboration.

Science of water

(WATR7001)

This module lays a solid foundation for you in the principles of water science, aquatic ecology and the hydrological cycle, and an understanding of the dynamic relationship between human and natural systems.

Water, sustainability and development

(WATR7002)

You will learn the broad theories underpinning global sustainable development initiatives and how they apply to water access and use. The module highlights the links between water and development concerns, particularly poverty alleviation, public health, livelihood security and gender equity.

 Water governance and policy

(WATR7003)

This module gives you a broad understanding of international governance, legislative and regulatory frameworks, and the principles and practice of catchment-level water policy. It highlights economic instruments, water-pricing policies, allocation and property rights, equitable water distribution, and mechanisms for safeguardig marginal groups’ access to water.

Semester 2 (Masters & Certificate)

Catchment and aquatic ecosystem health

(WATR7100)

This module deals with the issues and challenges that surround the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems. This study of aquatic ecosystem health teaches you three components:

• the methodology of hydrological regimes and environmental flows
• the theory and methodology behind assessing aquatic ecosystem health
• principles and practical tools for implementing riparian restoration projects across a range of aquatic ecosystems.

Community development and capacity building for integrated water management

This module considers water management in the context of human development and poverty alleviation, looking at social tools for water management and links between water supply, sanitation, hygiene and improved public health. You will learn using a suite of participatory approaches. The module emphasises capacity building, including effective education and training programs, practical tools for developing formal and informal institutional frameworks for water management, and strategies for managing public-private partnerships.

Water planning and economics

(WATR7300)

You will explore the roles and responsibilities of various water management stakeholder groups, receive practical tools for effective water planning, and learn the principles and frameworks governing water economics and finance.

Water supply and sanitation

(WATR7400)

This module teaches you fundamental engineering principles and tools to design and operate water and sanitation systems. The module also introduces non-conventional approaches to water and sanitation, including ecological sanitation principles. 

Semester 3 (Masters)

Integrated Water Management Project

(WATR7500)

In WATR7500, students design and undertake self-directed project work aimed at consolidating and applying the concepts, principles and methodologies they have learned throughout the course. Students select an area of specialisation that is of personal and professional interest to them and is of value for their professional development. Students will have two supervisors and may undertake their project in Australia or overseas. Where possible, students will be linked with IWC and its partner universities.

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