Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management

IWC Africa, Water Research Node at Monash South Africa

The course, offered through the IWC Water Research Node at Monash South Africa, is designed and taught by international leaders in a broad spectrum of disciplines from four world-class universities. 

This program is based on the successful IWC flagship Master of Integrated Water Management currently offered from Brisbane, Australia. Our students gain the research, strategic and managerial skills they need to advance their careers in the water sector and become future leaders in integrated water management.

About the course

The course comprises an interdisciplinary foundation semester consisting of four compulsory units and a three-semester research project. The Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management runs over two years and comprises four compulsory course units (first semester) and a research thesis (three semesters).

The masters research thesis will form the bulk of the course weighting, while the coursework component introduces students to some of the complex underlying concepts, such as biological, social and economic factors, which affect sustainable water management.

A combination of coursework and research sets this course apart from the normal research-based structure of a masters degree. The coursework will prepare students to conduct a practical and high-quality research project. 

Learning objectives

At the end of the course students will be able to:

• appraise freshwater ecosystems as complex social-ecological systems
• evaluate the imperative of sustainable development in relation 
to the planning and management of water resources
• design an integrated water resource management plan
• develop a research project proposal
• execute an integrated water management research project
• present their research findings
• prepare an academic paper ready for submission to a scientific journal.

Student profile

This course is ideal for professionals with an interest in research from a variety of water-related backgrounds such as engineering, social sciences, service provision, environment, conservation, health and many others.

The course can be used as a gateway to a PhD program or to work in the interface between science and management of water resources. 

Read a student story.  

Practical and applied components

The program builds on students’ professional experience to
approach water-related problems holistically:

• Lecture modules teach knowledge and skills across a wide range of disciplines.
• Team projects allow students to apply their knowledge to real case studies in Africa and overseas.
• Network building encourages students to establish links through the IWC’s network of national and international specialists.
• Practical skills development supports integration and synthesis of technical concepts and writing.
• Research skills prepare students to formulate and execute research questions and projects.

Admissions criteria

• A four-year qualification or equivalent honours degree
• 70% achievement or higher in this qualification
• Proficiency in written and spoken English

It is recommended that applicants have a science background, research aptitude, an interest in multi-disciplinary water issues and some work experience.

What’s different about this course?

• Students develop skills for integrated solutions in real-world contexts.
• A combination of coursework and research thesis sets this course apart from the normal research-based structure of a masters degree.
• The course equips students to play leadership roles in the critical interface between science and management of water resources.
• Students will have the opportunity to work directly with key individuals in organisations such as catchment management agencies and local government to get a firsthand experience of some of the issues and challenges they face.
• Students benefit from working with classmates and lecturers from a range of professional and cultural backgrounds.

Program overview

The foundation semester gives students the skills of integrated water management. The course is taught in a South African context through local case studies and examples wherever possible. To provide our students with an international perspective, expertise and case studies from developed and developing countries are used.

Lecture modules

Science of water

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 the dynamic relationship between human and natural aquatic systems.

Water, sustainability and development

The module 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 and community participation.

Water governance and policy

Students gain a broad understanding of international governance, legislative and regulatory frameworks, and the principles and practice of catchment-level water policy as well as the core issues to be addressed in the design, implementation and monitoring of water governance initiatives.

Project management

Project management addresses the principles of project management for the water sector. There is a strong emphasis on participatory project management and frameworks for cross-sectoral collaboration.

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 the disciplinary needs of students. By the end of the course the student will have mastered the art of research and will have the skills to continue with a PhD.

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Job Prospects

Our graduates will be well equipped to work for NGOs, government agencies, national and international water and environment organisations or continue into a PhD program.

About the program

• Commences in Semester 1 of each year at the Monash South Africa campus in Ruimsig, Johannesburg
• Full-time over two years
• Focus on interfaces between science, policy and management
• Lectures and supervision by various experts from South Africa and Australia
• Small intake of students to allow personal coaching and mentoring
• Attractive scholarships available
• Internationally-recognised degree endorsed by four leading Australian universities

Click here to apply!

Enquiries

Hester Stols
Tel: +27 11 950 4143

Visit Monash South Africa website

Monash South Africa

Located in Johannesburg, Monash South Africa is an international campus of Monash University (Australia). There are currently 3,000 students enrolled in an increasing number of academic schools. The campus offers students the opportunity to obtain a degree on an attractive, secure, state-of-the-art campus and to benefit from small tutorial groups and personalised attention.

Monash University

Monash University is one of Australia’s leading public universities and 
a member of the elite Group of Eight (Go8); eight universities that undertake over 70 % of all research conducted in Australian universities and over half of all basic research performed throughout Australia. Monash is a truly international university with eight campuses (including Malaysia and South Africa) and centres in England and Italy.

Monash South Africa Limited is registered with the Department of Education as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act of 1997, Certificate no. 00HF02, and is registered as a non-profit organisation, Registration number 054-109-NPO.
Monash South Africa Limited (Association incorporated under Section 21A, registration number 2005/009321/10) is incorporated in Australia and is wholly owned by Monash University, a public university, incorporated by an Act of Parliament in Victoria, Australia.
This course is provisionally accredited by the Higher Education Quality Committee (H/PR073/E002CAN)