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 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
The Water and Sustainable Development MSc Programme starts in November 2026.
Its curriculum consists of common parts, thematic track modules and a thesis research part.
The contents of the common parts (intro week, mixed weeks, interdisciplinary project) are the same for all students, whereas the thematic track modules and MSc thesis research are part of a customized learning trajectory based on your personal learning ambitions.
Study topics include:
- Coastal engineering
- Environmental planning and management
- Urban water management
- Flood and drought
- Remote sensing and GIS
- Sanitary engineering
- Irrigation
- Hydrology and water resources
- Hydraulic engineering
- Surface and groundwater hydrology
- Water law, policy and politics
- River basin development
- Wetlands
- Water supply engineering
- Aquatic ecosystems
Audience
The programme is designed for a diverse audience of professionals and recent graduates who are passionate about addressing water and environmental challenges:
- Early- to Mid-Career Professionals working at governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), consulting firms, water utilities, and international development organizations.
- Recent Graduates
- Change-Makers in Development Contexts
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
- 12 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Campus Location
- Delft, Netherlands
Disciplines
Environmental Engineering Hydrology & Water Management Sustainable Development View 49 other Masters in Sustainable Development 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. Exceptions can be made if a candidate is below this level, but has a substantial proven experience in the field of the programme and has a strong motivation to join the programme.
- 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.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit programme websiteTuition Fees
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International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents20700 EUR / year≈ 20700 EUR / year -
EU/EEA Applies to you
Applies to youEU/EEA Nationals20700 EUR / year≈ 20700 EUR / year
Additional Details
Please note that partial Delft Blue scholarships are available, covering up to 50% of the tuition fee. Apply by 1 June at the latest.
Living costs
Delft
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
IHE Delft issues partial scholarships: Delft Blue Scholarship (35% reduction of the tuition fee) and Delft Blue Top Water Scientist Scholarship (50% reduction of the tuition fee).
Private or public water sector organizations that send batches of (equal or larger than) three of their employees are eligible for a reduction of the tuition fee of 25% per student.
The International Water Association (IWA) members (individual, corporate and university) are eligible for a reduction of the tuition fee of 25%.
More info and a full list of scholarships is available on: www.un-ihe.org/scholarships
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.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
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