Studying Sustainable Water Futures at Cranfield
Communities around the world face a range of threats to the sustainability and resilience of the water systems which support their lives and livelihoods. Cranfield graduates are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to problems caused by pollution, climate change, urbanisation, the effects of poverty, and the need to deliver net zero water services and transition to a circular economy. Our postgraduate courses, available both full- and part-time, provide you with the skills and expertise to address these fundamental global challenges.
For more than 40 years now, Cranfield has been delivering high-impact research which advances society’s ability to provide water for people, for food, for the environment, and for business. We welcome candidates from a variety of educational backgrounds; from physics, chemistry, biology, chemical and civil engineering, through geography, environmental science or engineering, and maths, to earth sciences and development studies.
Our courses within the Sustainable Water Futures programme will provide you with the applied skills to make a meaningful contribution – whether this is with government, industry, NGOs or pursuing your own vision as an innovator or consultant. We also offer a comprehensive CPD programme of short courses and are happy to talk to organisations about in-house training provision.
Our new Water MSc course, Water and Wastewater Processes, together with our world-class learning environment, play a key role in providing the skills and know-how to address fundamental global changes. In the taught part of your MSc, there is a strong balance between combining the engineering/technology and science aspects with management expertise.
All our technical master’s courses include some element of management know-how, enabling us to create well-rounded graduates who are able to excel in their chosen career. Our unique group project is a key component of learning about project management in small teams and is common to all of our MScs at Cranfield.
- New: Water and Wastewater Processes MSc – this course equips you with the practical skills needed to help achieve solutions to relevant water challenges such as river health, net zero and resource recovery.
8 reasons to study sustainable water futures with us
1 – Teaching staff with front line experience
Our academic staff are all engaged in supporting the water sector to deliver pioneering solutions to water and sanitation challenges and equitable outcomes for people and the planet.
2 – Innovative teaching
Taught by internationally-leading academics as well as industry practitioners, you will benefit from our innovative teaching practices, including 'flipped classrooms' (a type of blended learning) and student-led exercises.
3 – Outstanding facilities
Cranfield has exceptional test and experimental facilities including dedicated laboratories for clean water, fermentation, microbiology, wastewater and water chemistry. We also have an on-campus sewage treatment works with a pilot hall and a containerised facility where pilot-scale greywater treatment technologies are tested.
4 – ‘Live’ projects
Group and individual projects are supported by external organisations such as Scottish Water, WaterAid, Natural England and the Environment Agency.
5 – Management skills
Built around an integrated skills programme that provides you with comprehensive training in project management, commercial (or business) awareness, and effective communication.
6 – Transferable skills
You will gain a range of competences which will significantly improve your skill set and employability. These include synthesising evidence, problem solving, technical writing and independent learning.
7 – Networking opportunities
Regular interaction with water sector professionals through group project work and your thesis, enabling you to build up an invaluable network of contacts.
8 – Flexible learning
All water courses run on a full- and part-time basis. For part-time students, the modular structure allows flexibility, making an MSc achievable even if you work full-time.
