
Overview
The MSc in Water and Sustainable Development provides interdisciplinary education in water science, management and engineering, taught by leading experts in the field.
The programme prepares you with critical knowledge, practical skills, and valuable connections to thrive in sustainability-focused, water-related careers. Choose between the one-year regular master (68 ECTS) or the two-year research master (120 ECTS).
Are you ready to enhance your career and make a meaningful, lasting impact on global water sustainability?
Tracks and profiles
You are academically admitted to the Research MSc in Water and Sustainable Development based on your initial preference for a thematic track and disciplinary profile. You will be assigned a coach with whom you will review your learning trajectory and finalize your learning trajectory.
Available tracks:
- Water, Food and Energy
- Water Hazards, Risks and Climate
- Water and Health
- Water Resources and Ecosystems Health
Available profiles:
- Digital Innovation and Hydroinformatics
- Engineering Sciences
- Environment
- Management and Governance
- Sanitation
Accreditation
IHE Delft is integrated into the Dutch higher education system. Its programmes adhere to Dutch legislation, and the MSc degrees are accredited by the Dutch Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO), which ensures international recognition of the qualifications. The institute fully complies with the quality control standards of the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science.
Get more details
Visit programme websiteProgramme Structure
Throughout the programme you will develop academic and cognitive competences to create new knowledge and solutions needed to address complex water challenges in inclusive and sustainable ways.
The curriculum includes common parts, thematic track modules, research proposal development, electives and an extensive thesis research part.
All students join the mixed weeks and the interdisciplinary project – the common parts – together. The thematic track modules and MSc thesis research, however, are part of a customized learning trajectory based on your personal learning ambitions.
The first part of study follows a similar trajectory to the regular MSc in Water and Sustainable Development, with a variation in course work during the mixed weeks, and a philosophy of science module to emphasise research skills.
In the second part, you will focus on your individual research, with additional elective courses and training in advanced academic skills.
Audience
The ideal candidates possess a high motivation for tackling interdisciplinary water and sustainability challenges and have an interest in using advanced research methods and developing a deep specialization in a specific water-related field. These individuals often aspire to roles in academia, research institutions, or policy-making bodies, focusing on solving pressing global water challenges.
Lecturers
The faculty, drawn from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, bring expertise from across the globe. Many hold dual appointments at leading Dutch universities such as Delft University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, and the University of Amsterdam, enabling them to maintain strong academic links and supervise PhD research.
Check out the full curriculum
Visit programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Full-time
- 22 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
-
Language
Credits
Delivered
Campus Location
- Delft, Netherlands
Disciplines
Environmental Engineering Hydrology & Water Management Sustainable Development View 18 other Masters in Hydrology & Water Management in NetherlandsExplore more key information
Visit programme websiteWhat students do after studying
Academic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- A Bachelor degree at level B/B+ (US system) or upper 2nd (British system) in an appropriate field which has been awarded by a university of recognised standing. You can check if you have a relevant degree in the above overview: relevant bachelor degrees and preparatory courses.
- A good command of the English language, if this is not the first language. All non-native English-speaking applicants must satisfy the English language requirements for IHE Delft's educational programmes.
- A strong motivation to successfully complete the programme. Applicants need to submit a motivation statement (see motivation questions below) and participate in an interview
Work experience
Student insurance
Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:
- Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
- Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.
Get your student insurance nowStarting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.
Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and/or in Netherlands, please visit Student Insurance Portal.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit programme websiteTuition Fee
-
International
19909 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 36500 EUR for the full programme during 22 months. -
EU/EEA
19909 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 36500 EUR for the full programme during 22 months.
Please note that partial Delft Blue scholarships are available, covering up to 50% of the tuition fee. Apply by 1 June 2025 at the latest.
Living costs for Delft
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Check for any work restrictions
Visit programme websiteIn order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.
Scholarships Information
Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Water and Sustainable Development (Research).
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility