3-Term Pathway - Pre-Master's in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - Continue to Master of Science - Sustainable Water Management

This program will prepare students for entry to a postgraduate degree in a STEM-related subject at Lancaster university, where £17 million is currently being invested in state-of-the-art engineering facilities.

With a strong emphasis on practical study, students will be taught by both University academics and industry professionals, and will gain the key skills and professional training required for a rewarding career as a practitioner or researcher.

The programme is unique in that it is taught jointly by University academics and professionals from leading environmental consultancy JBA Consulting, the Environment Agency and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, which has a one of its major research facilities based at Lancaster. Graduates gain the skills and knowledge to progress careers with a water consultancy, water regulator, water company or research organisation.

Students will study six modules and complete a dissertation project. The jointly-taught core modules have been professionally accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and will provide students with the key skills of a water professional by addressing the principles of catchment hydrology, sustainable surface water management, groundwater assessment, methods of catchment protection, principles of lake ecology, managing coastal flooding, flood forecasting, the design of river structures and the restoration of river channels. Optional modules covering wider environmental and social science skills are also available.

Practical work is an important component of the programme, with modules including challenging fieldwork in Cumbrian and Lancashire catchments, and laboratory work involving the use of flumes, water quality analyses and computer models.

Students are encouraged to undertake their dissertation research project with an external partner in the water sector or as an integral part of ongoing research activities in water resources. Each year Lancaster offers a large selection of possible projects with external partnership or internship opportunities including JBA Consulting, the Environment Agency, United Utilities and many other organisations. They also welcome projects that strengthen students existing partnerships. They will be supervised by one of Lancaster's active researchers with relevant expertise.