MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT

How is this Master’s Degree structured at IIE MSA?

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Integrated Water Management (IWM) offered at IIE MSA is normally offered over two years. The degree comprises of four interdisciplinary coursework modules and a research project.

While the research component in the form of a Master’s thesis will form the bulk of the degree weighting, the coursework component introduces and exposes students to some of the complex underlying concepts (biological, social and economic) affecting effective water management enabling research well informed by theory and other research.

The coursework is designed to properly equip and prepare students to plan and execute a high-quality and practically relevant research project. Through the four intensive coursework subjects (project management, science of water, water, sustainability and development and water governance and policy) students develop a strong foundation of high-level skills which act as a springboard for your research thesis. This unique mix of research and coursework will involve laboratory and fieldwork to get you out of the classroom and working in groups. You will collaborate with specialists from the International Water Security Network and engage with colleagues from other South and Southern African Institutions, such as the University of Namibia, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Copperbelt University

Please note that in line with academic practice, The IIE’s curriculum is reviewed annually thus changes may occur in module structure and sequence in order to ensure that the qualification remains relevant. The exit level outcomes of the programme do not change. Registered students receive an updated programme curriculum on an annual basis.

Coursework Modules

Science of Water introduces the properties of water (physical and chemical), as well as concepts relating to the natural hydrological cycle and the ecology of inland aquatic systems. The unit also addresses the human uses of water and highlights the dynamic relationship between human and natural aquatic systems. Students will be introduced to the ideas of resilience and systematic freshwater conservation and planning.

Water, sustainability and development examines the elements and background to the so-called world water crisis and analyses current international development thinking about sustainable development and its application to water and water resources. It explores dimensions such as livelihoods and poverty, water supply and sanitation in cities, gender, community participation and water as a human right.

Water governance and policy refers to the diverse range of political, social, economic and administrative arrangements within which water resources are managed and water needs are met by different sectors of society. In this unit students will engage with key concepts of water governance in Southern Africa and Africa generally are specifically analysed with a special focus on the successes, failures and lessons to be learnt from other contexts. Issues of gender and social exclusion are also specifically addressed.

Project Management and Research Design aims to equip students with the knowledge to successfully plan and execute their research projects and provide them with an understanding of, and the basic skills required for careers as water professionals.

Research Project Research is a key component of the Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management and therefore carries the bulk of the degree weighting. Students select a research project in which the ideas and principles of integrated water management feature prominently. Students are expected to complete a full research thesis of maximum 35 000 words.

Research projects should ideally allow a significant degree of cross-disciplinary integration and address an issue related to a real sustainability challenge. The individual research phase is characterised by quality supervision and personalised mentoring. Supervisors are carefully chosen to match disciplinary needs of students. By the end of the degree, students will have mastered the art of research and will be ready to publish their research findings in an accredited journal.

How long does the degree take?

Students have a maximum of 4 years to complete this qualification.

Where can I get more information?

Please contact Ms Linda Downsborough for all other queries related to the degree and research proposal.
ldownsborough@iiemsa.co.za
Tel: +27 11 950 4130

Drop in sessions are welcome to chat to the Water Node staff and our current students.