MSc Water and Environmental Management

Why choose Herts?

Industry Recognised Accreditation: Accredited by the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP - formerly IEMA) and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).

Sector-specific Course Content: You will explore sound water resource management and look closely at the requirements of sustainable development.

Employment Prospects: Graduates currently work as environmental managers and consultants for global government departments, the Environment Agency, and water companies such as Affinity Water and Thames Water in the UK and overseas.

A minimum of a 2.2 degree in environmental science/management, another science, geography, technology, engineering, law, economics, or a business-related subject.

Applicants with other qualifications and relevant experience will be considered individually by the Programme Tutor. Accredited Prior Learning (APL) is available for those who already have associate membership of ISEP.

An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent will be required If English is not the first language. If you do not have the required level of English for entry, our academic English courses can help you to achieve this level.

For country specific international qualifications please check here.


Institution code	H36
Course length	Full Time, 1 Years Part Time, 3 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability

Careers

Graduates have gained employment in a wide variety of sectors including Water companies, environment agencies, consultancy, NGOs, local government, and many other areas of the private and public sector employment.

Former students have made impressive environmental improvements and large savings for their companies while studying on the programme, and several have achieved significant promotion within their companies.

About the course

Environmental water management is of increasing importance to all types of organisations in the UK and throughout the world. There is a growing need for qualified and trained environmental water managers.

The MSc Water and Environmental Management course focuses on sound water management and the requirements of sustainable development. You acquire expertise in the choice, design and implementation of a range of environmental management tools and methods including environmental impact assessment, integrated catchment management and environmentally sensitive river management.

Whether you are a graduate looking for a career in environmental water management or a professional who already has experience in this area the course advances your knowledge and skills so that you can develop your career in implementing environmentally sustainable solutions in business and organisations around the world. Studying the MSc Water and Environmental Management course is the first step to becoming a chartered environmentalist.

Seven core taught modules are taken and students then choose one other module from a range of optional modules. Students also complete two modules (Research Methods and Research Project) which specifically support them through their independent research project. The project can be based on a water related issue that interests you or is relevant to your organisation, and you will be assigned a member of academic staff who will guide you through the research process.

Students will begin their studies, both full time and part time, with a core module in Sustainability and Environmental Systems.

This master's in water and environmental management is accredited by ISEP, a professional body for people working in environment and sustainability. This course entitles students to FREE student membership for the duration of the course and on successful completion you qualify for GradISEP. Graduate membership is a launch-pad for future leaders within environment and sustainability and offers a range of benefits to support you throughout your career. You can then ‘fast track’ to Practitioner Membership (PISEP) following successful completion of the work-based assessment of competence.

The course has also been accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) which means that whilst students are enrolled on the programme they are eligible for complementary student membership with that institution. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to apply for graduate membership.

This MSc Water and Environmental Management is available both full and part-time, with intakes in September (Semester A) and January (Semester B). Full-time study takes 12 months. Part-time study options typically take two years, but students are given a maximum of five years to complete.

Other pathways on the MSc Environmental Management Programme are:

Why choose this course?

This route prepares you for all aspects of environmental management in the water industry world wide.
Accredited by the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
We're proud to have 91% overall satisfaction for geography, earth and environmental studies in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024). You can be confident in knowing you're receiving an exceptional learning experience when you study this course.
Flexible modes of study: full time, part time, September start, January start.
Teaching centred on two-three day ‘short courses’ to allow study while managing external commitments.
Use of our environmental field station.

To find out more about this course you can come to one of our Postgraduate Open events. You can also book onto a campus tour.

Find out more about all our courses in Geography, Environment and Planning.

What will I study?

The MSc Water and Environmental Management course approach integrates blended learning, combining:

face-to-face teaching and tutorials with online learning materials
field and laboratory work
easy contact with tutors
online submission of assignments.

All modules are delivered as intensive two or three day short courses that run primarily on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Full-time students attend tutorials in the weeks following a short course, receiving face-to-face support.

Part-time students attend courses at the University for approximately 20 week days and a further nine Saturdays and complete assignments through use of our outstanding virtual learning environment. Most part time students complete this course within two years but you are given a maximum of five to complete.

Assessments are widely varied and focus on developing your writing, research, communication and digital skills. Assignments are often directly related to environmental management in the workplace or field. These range from written coursework, seminars, tests, groupwork and a research project dissertation.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Research Methods	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce the main principles of research methodology, different approaches to solving a problem and the choice of appropriate research methodology. Natural science and social science research approaches will be explored including the development of the research question. Methods for sampling and data gathering will be described including experimentation, questionnaires, interviews, case studies, action research, content analysis and observation. Quantitative and qualitative data, its analysis, interpretation, presentation, and reporting will be explored.
Environmental Management Tools and Methods	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module examines the origins, applications, and uses of a variety of tools that an organisation can employ to identify and manage the environmental impacts of its current and planned operations, or the products and services it provides. The tools studied may include environmental impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment, environmental review, life-cycle assessment, environmental risk assessment, environmental accounting methods and geographical information systems (GIS). The module encourages students to put the methods they learn into practice and to critically evaluate the effectiveness of each tool in different situations. The module considers approaches needed to ensure that each tool can be applied rigorously and the factors which can affect reliability, such as data quality. The synergies between the tools are identified so that the best combination of tools can be employed for the given situation. Skills developed can be utilised by an individual, organisation or other entity to benchmark the environmental impacts and achieve progress towards sustainability objectives.
Water and Environmental Management Individual Research Project	45 Credits	Compulsory
Students must carry out an independent research project and submit a report and defend their work during a viva. The project is expected to address an environmental management topic in the field of water. This may be based on an organisation, site or environmental management issue and may include the assessment of current environmental performance/options for environmental improvement, or the development of new methods for environmental management.
Sustainability & Environmental Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the philosophy and concepts underpinning sustainability and sustainable development, and their implementation via the sustainable development goals. It considers natural cycles, focussing on the carbon cycle and climate change, as well as links to other global environmental challenges such as pollution, biodiversity loss and food production, providing a basis for an understanding of global, regional, and local environmental issues. The module explains the impacts of organisations and business processes, products and services on the environment and society, and the module demonstrates how proper understanding of external drivers can lead to improved business management. Methods and tools for improving environmental performance are introduced including environmental management systems and the circular economy. The module identifies areas where environmental issues are interlinked (e.g., energy and climate change; biodiversity, environmental change and agricultural production; consumption and pollution) and signposts to other modules which cover these issues in more detail.
Foundation In Environmental Auditing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides the basic knowledge/awareness necessary to participate effectively in environmental audits and other related activities. It examines a range of audit types and their application to environmental protection and performance improvement, taking into account global sustainability and wider geo pollical aspects. These include audits related to compliance, due diligence, risk issues (such as waste) and management systems. Audit principles and processes applicable to the audit types are covered. It introduces standards and guidelines, such as the ISO 14000 series, produced to ensure consistency and quality in the application of environmental management and auditing. The module will cover auditing skills and techniques, environmental legislation, identification and evaluation of environmental effects, performance monitoring, control, and reporting. Practical based elements such as group audit exercise provide the opportunity to apply the skills necessary to assess environmental performance against policy, legislation, and management commitments. It discusses preparation to be made before being audited.
Environmental Policy and Governance	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module focuses on developing the students' knowledge and understanding of environmental policy and governance. In particular, the following topic areas may be considered: UN sustainable development goals and their shaping effect on environmental policy and governance; policy instruments available to protect the environment; environmental governance at a range of spatial levels; environmental policy making in government; how environmental law operates; and the role Environmental Management Systems can play in helping organisations achieve compliance with environmental protection measures.
Integrated Waste & Pollution Management	15 Credits	Optional
This module provides a holistic and integrated approach to waste minimisation and management, and pollution prevention and reduction. The module examines managing the impact of waste and pollution on the receiving environment and investigating and remediating damaged environments. It also investigates the environmental and financial benefits of waste and pollution management methodologies, e.g., composting, energy from waste, etc., and covers the economic and legislative drivers designed to reduce waste and prevent pollution. These include fiscal measures such as permit trading, recycling credits and landfill tax as well as statutory compliance, the waste hierarchy, costs, and benefits.
Water Pollution Control	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module addresses the causes and sources of ground and surface water pollution, and the management and treatment of wastewater and trade effluent. The hazards of wastewater disposal are considered, together with greywater use and re-use, and relevant legislation and regulation. The module explores the design and operation of wastewater treatment plants to meet environmental standards and avoid nuisance. The module includes field and lab-based elements. Biomonitoring and chemical monitoring may be conducted at a local river and in the laboratory.
Ecology & Conservation	15 Credits	Optional
A fundamental understanding of ecological principles and theory, and their relevance to conservation practice in the field will be provided. Current policy and legislative background, for both the UK and Europe, for the protection of habitats and species will be examined, including issues relating to biodiversity targets. Current techniques used to collect data, assess, and manage biodiversity will be studied both in the classroom and the field.
Water Resources	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will cover the nature and characteristics of groundwater and surface water resources and the factors affecting their uses and quality. Topics covered are: The principles of strategic planning of water resources at, national, regional, and local levels to meet user demand, environmental protection, and sustainable management needs. Water resources planning and management within the context of overall catchment planning; and its relationship with water pollution control, National (UK) water resources policy, the modern legal framework governing water resources management, the responsible organisations and interaction with interested parties. The management of water abstraction, the licensing process, consultation procedures, enforcement, and the special procedures under drought. The threats to the quality of water resources, the quantification of risk and the measures taken to protect them.
Environmental Management Systems Implementation	15 Credits	Optional
This module takes an environmental manager step-by-step through the development and implementation of environmental management systems such as ISO 14001. The module covers various methods available to improve environmental performance, including the role of EMS in improving environmental sustainability at both local and global scales, the development of environmental management programmes and manuals, the management of documents and records, operational control, the roles of internal and external audits to monitor the delivery of the environmental objectives and targets, the steps required to achieve EMS such as ISO 14001; the development and application of environmental performance indicators and various methods of environmental reporting.
Agriculture and Environment	15 Credits	Optional
The module will introduce the causes and consequences of the main environmental impacts arising from agricultural systems in temperate climates and related activities with emphasis on the underpinning environmental science. Their relevance in a broader global sustainability context will be considered. The techniques commonly used to evaluate the environmental implications of agricultural pollutants will be explored in combination with their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. Subjects covered include: Agri-environmental policy and legislation. Activities contributing to climate change and their evaluation. The fate, transport, impacts and ecotoxicology of agricultural pesticides. Nutrient cycling and environmental pollution caused by e.g., agricultural run-off including the use of organic manures and organic amendments. Use of agri-environmental indicators, benchmarking, and other approaches to manage environmental quality.Management and monitoring of on-farm habitats and biodiversity
Understanding & Managing Change	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the management theories and skills required to understand and manage social and technical transitions towards more sustainable, resource efficient ways to operate organizations. Topics will include understanding transitions to sustainable regimes; how organisations move towards becoming more responsible and sustainable; understanding the elements required to design business models that make operations in a variety of organisations, including transport operations, more sustainable.
Study Skills	0 Credits	Compulsory
The content will cover finding and using reliable resources and how to use appropriate academic expression for different forms of academic communications including essays, reports, abstracts, executive summaries, essays, poster and oral presentations. Attention will be paid to ensuring that students have the skills necessary to use text matching software to avoid plagiarism and enhance scholarship skills. Teaching resources will also cover an introduction to using statistics and graphs, and there will be an in-class GIS session. Indicative subjects include: Effective reading and note taking in lectures Choosing reliable sources Use of text references and avoiding plagiarism/collusion Writing assignments Teamwork Time and project management The use of Excel formulae Exam preparation Oral presentation and visual materials e.g., PowerPoint and preparing a poster Using maps and GIS software to support research.
Sustainable Energy	15 Credits	Optional
The module explores sustainable energy and climate change in the context of spatial and transport planning and the environment; its management in the UK and globally, including through the IPCC, UN SDGs, and UK climate change targets and net zero goals. You will identify main energy sources and broad patterns of energy consumption, and the use of and interaction between place-based, behaviour change and technical solutions in relation to energy sources and use. The module draws on examples of good practice from the UK and internationally.

Further course information

Programme specifications
MSc Water and Environmental Management - Full Time, Sem A	Download
MSc Water and Environmental Management - Full Time, Sem B	Download
MSc Water and Environmental Management - Part Time, Sem A	Download
MSc Water and Environmental Management - Part Time, Sem B	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2026
UK Students
Full time
- £11310 for the 2026/2027 academic year
Part time
- £945 per 15 credits for the 2026/2027 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £19950 for the 2026/2027 academic year
Part time
- £1665 per 15 credits for the 2026/2027 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £19950 for the 2026/2027 academic year
Part time
- £1665 per 15 credits for the 2026/2027 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the Programme Specification.

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2026

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
25/09/2026	30/09/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
22/01/2027	31/01/2028	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
25/09/2026	30/09/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)
22/01/2027	31/01/2028	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)

2027

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
25/09/2027	30/09/2028	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
22/01/2028	31/01/2029	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
25/09/2027	30/09/2028	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)
22/01/2028	31/01/2029	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)

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MSc Water and Environmental Management

Why choose Herts?

Careers

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2026

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2026

2027