MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-28 | - |
| 2027-09-28 | - |
Program Overview
MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management
The MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management is a taught course covering water science, society, and management. Topics include hydrology, water governance, health, climate, and sustainable development, with fieldwork and research training.
About the Course
The course aims to equip the next generation of water professionals with the blend of skills necessary to make a significant contribution to sustainable water management pathways across competing priorities of water for ecosystems, food, energy, economic growth, and human consumption.
Course Structure
The course is broken down into three thematic areas:
- Water Science: Develops knowledge and understanding in physical, chemical, and epidemiological aspects of water science.
- Water and Society: Explores how contested domains of power, interests, and knowledge influence water decision-making.
- Water Management: Integrates knowledge and understanding of water developed in the other thematic areas to better enable tackling the big water management challenges.
Attendance
The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements.
Resources to Support Study
As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services.
Supervision
The course has an Academic Director and a Course Director who look after the day-to-day running of the course. You will have a personal advisor who provides academic welfare support.
Assessment
The seven core course modules are assessed by written examination and/or submission. The two elective modules are each assessed through an essay. You will also be assessed on your individual dissertation.
Graduate Destinations
The aim of the course is to train future decision-makers, managers, and policy-makers in water policy and management. Past graduates have gone on to obtain positions in a range of water-related jobs.
Course Components
Compulsory Study
The course is broken down into three thematic areas:
- Water Science:
- Climate & Catchment Processes
- Water & Health
- Water Risks & Responses
- Water and Society:
- Economics, Law & Governance of Water
- Water Policy
- Water-Society Interactions & Sustainable Development
- Water Management:
- Integrates knowledge and understanding of water developed in the other thematic areas
Options
Alongside the core modules, students will also choose two elective modules, which offer a tutorial-style teaching environment with smaller groups.
Entry Requirements
Proven and Potential Academic Excellence
- A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in any discipline.
- For applicants with a bachelor's degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.6 out of 4.0.
English Language Proficiency
This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level.
References
You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course.
Supporting Documents
You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application.
Funding
For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.
Costs
Annual Course Fees
The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.
- Home: Ł26,820
- Overseas: Ł36,170
Additional Costs
In addition to your course fees, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses to a field location and research expenses for equipment.
Living Costs
The range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between Ł1,405 and Ł2,105 for each month spent in Oxford.
College Preference
Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management:
- Brasenose College
- Campion Hall
- Christ Church
- Green Templeton College
- Hertford College
- Jesus College
- Keble College
- Kellogg College
- Lady Margaret Hall
- Linacre College
- Mansfield College
- Oriel College
- Regent's Park College
- Reuben College
- St Anne's College
- St Antony's College
- St Catherine's College
- St Cross College
- St Edmund Hall
- St Hilda's College
- St Peter's College
- Wolfson College
- Worcester College
- Wycliffe Hall
How to Apply
You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.
Application Fee Waivers
An application fee of Ł75 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for certain applicants.
Completing Your Application
You should not upload a separate CV/résumé. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application.
After You've Submitted Your Application
Your application will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. You can find out more about the shortlisting and selection process in the detailed guide to what happens next.