Objectifs

Fully taught in English, the Master’s program in Continental Water Sustainability (CWS) offers a solution-oriented education and prepares students to tackle the complex challenges related to water sustainability worldwide. Graduates are equipped to analyze problems related to socio-hydrosystems, and to design, communicate, and coordinate the implementation of innovative solutions.

Graduates are qualified for positions of responsibility in industrial companies, engineering offices, local and state authorities, and international development organizations. Additionally, students learn scientific methods and gain qualifications that allow them to pursue an academic career.

In the CWS program, students gain a thorough understanding of various disciplines related to aquatic ecosystems. They grasp the continuum from functional understanding to impact assessment and problem-solving. Students acquire knowledge in both natural and engineering sciences (such as hydrology, hydrogeology, ecology, or hydraulics), in humanities and social sciences (such as sociology, economics, management or communication). Beyond technical knowledge, students gain an understanding of systems through an interdisciplinary approach, allowing them to analyze and grasp socio-ecological interdependencies. In a holistic approach, they integrate social aspects into the processes and interactions between the physical and biological elements of the ecosystem.

Students learn to work effectively within a team, present results to non-specialists, and gain expertise in stakeholder engagement, negotiation and conflict resolution while respecting ethical standards. They also develop methods for efficient and rapid knowledge acquisition (i.e. learning by action and Hackathons).

Students progressively acquire knowledge of a wide range of solutions developed worldwide to address problems related to socio-hydrosystems. With this extensive database and multi-criteria analysis methods, including intangible aspects, they can adapt solutions already tested in other socio-ecological contexts and propose new innovative solutions. They identify obstacles to implementation and communicate solutions effectively. Additionally, they are aware of long-term monitoring and evaluation strategies to assess the performance and impact of implemented solutions over time.

Graduates of the CWS program gain the ability to apply interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex problems in water resources / socio-hydrosystem management by means of their deep understanding of water sustainability issues and their advanced methodological skills. They are well-equipped to contribute to research, innovation, and sustainable development in various water sectors

On completion of the master’s CWS, graduates will be able to:

A.    Explain the structure and functioning of socio-hydrosystems (rivers, wetlands, ecosystems, urban environments, etc.)

1.     Describe the structure and functioning of hydrosystems

2.     Describe hydrosystems in terms of socio-ecosystems     

B.     Initiate and lead the development or transfer of solutions for the management of hydrosystems

1.     Form a work team

2.     Analyze the situation from a bio-physico-chemical perspective

3.     Analyze stakeholder dynamics to define issues and constraints

4.     Rigorously use data science techniques to support the search for best practise examples and lessons learned

5.     Evaluate the transferability of an existing solution from a technical and social perspective

6.     Develop and test a prototype solution in a team using an iterative approach

C.     Interact with the team and public and private stakeholders to develop and present solutions for hydrosystem management

1.     Guide group dynamics

2.     Define a communication strategy according to the target audience

3.     Define an interaction format (conferences, workshops, meetings) according to the target audience

D.    Managing a project within the framework of hydrosystem management

1.     Define objectives and structure the project

2.     Define the financial and institutional structuring of a project

3.     Define the responsabilities and project outcomes (deliverables)

4.     Apply project management methods

5.     Present project results to stakeholders and write progress and final reports

Proportion of macro-competences

A:   20 %

B:   40-50 %

C:   15-20 %

D:   15-20 %

Programme des enseignements

Master 1 - Master Sciences de la Terre et des planètes, environnement - Continental Water Sustainability

Master 2 - Master Sciences de la Terre et des planètes, environnement - Continental Water Sustainability (ouverture en 2027-2028)

Campus

Campus Esplanade

Campus Karlsruhe

Autres contacts

Service de scolarité de l'Eost

Établissement(s) partenaire(s)

Université de Haute-Alsace (UHA)

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)

École nationale du génie et de l'eau et de l'environnement de Strasbourg (ENGEES)