Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering MSc (Eng)

As we’ve seen in recent years, safely managed water, sanitation and hygiene services couldn’t be more pertinent than they are today. Without these, the spread of disease can be rife — contributing significantly to the global burden of morbidity and mortality. That’s why the demand for qualified experts in this area to help contribute to solving this global challenge is ever-growing. If you’re looking for a truly rewarding and diverse career that could help save peoples’ lives, this course will equip you with the skills you’ll need to pursue it.

Our Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering MSc degree will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of how to deliver effective modern water supply, sanitation and other public health interventions in urban and rural areas in low-income and transitional economies.

The programme has a strong focus on developing practical and policy skills, whilst addressing the critical future challenges of climate change, population growth and urbanisation. You’ll develop your understanding of technical interventions in water supply, sanitation and solid waste management.

Because the course is run in conjunction with the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, one of the UK’s preeminent public health research centres, and is informed by the work in our Water, Public Health and Environmental Engineering Group, you’ll gain a unique insight into the most critical challenges and latest innovations in this sector.

This means that, once you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped with the topical and relevant knowledge and skills to identify and deliver investments that will have major benefits for health and development.

Why study at Leeds:

• Graduate from a university ranked 2nd in the UK for Civil Engineering, Guardian University Guide 2022 and in the top 50 in the world for Civil and Structural Engineering, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 with an MSc that has been accredited by both the Joint Board of Moderators and EUR-ACE.

• Learn the latest innovations in water, sanitation and health from our pioneering, world-leading research conducted right here in our School which feeds directly into the course.

• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas sought after in industry such as project management in WASH, engineering for public health and water supply and resource management.

• Conduct your own individual research project as part of your course and gain industry experience in researching and delivering a project that focuses on a real-world problem and allows you to explore your specific interests.

• Access research-grade equipment and specialist facilities including our public health laboratories, a class II microbiology laboratory and specialist software you’ll need throughout the course.

• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team who have close working links with a number of key institutions in the field of international development, including UNICEF, the World Bank, the World Health Organization, the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, WaterAid, World Vision, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the African Development Bank.

• Enhance your career prospects and join our successful alumni who have pursued careers in related positions, working for reputable organisations like WaterAid.

• Master the most up-to-date practices and techniques recognised in industry on a course that has been directly informed and advised by the Industrial Advisory Committee and the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.* See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor's degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

This course is also accredited by EUR-ACE, the European quality label for engineering degree programmes at bachelor's and Masters level.

A series of compulsory modules will develop your knowledge and skills in a range of areas. You’ll gain an understanding of the wider issues surrounding public health around the world and how they impact on policy and practice, as well as current debates around the complex topics of health, equity and development understand how health policy is shaped and planned.

At the same time, you’ll be introduced to the principles and practice of public health engineering to bridge the gap between theory, policy and practice, and explore key technologies in water supply, sanitation, wastewater and solid waste management. You’ll also consider engineering responses to complex emergencies, especially regarding the provision of water supply, sanitary services and shelter.

You’ll build your knowledge of technical issues in water resources and solid waste management, as well as natural wastewater treatment, and undertake an independent research project. Working with your supervisor, you’ll complete this research or design-based project during the summer months at the end of the programme to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve gained.

A proportion of projects are formally linked to industry, and may include spending time at the collaborator’s site over the summer.

Fieldwork 

The course also includes fieldwork, including a guided tour of a Yorkshire Water water treatment plant to expose all students to large-scale waterworks. Many of our dissertation projects provide the opportunity for students to conduct international fieldwork to study global water, sanitation and health engineering issues. Recently, students have conducted research in East and Southern Africa.

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll be taught by staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You’ll have regular contact with the team through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings. Throughout your studies, you’ll also benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Specialist facilities

You will benefit from using our specialist facilities, such as our public health laboratories with separate areas for solid waste, water and wastewater, and a class II microbiology lab and clean room. We have all the specialist software you’ll need for your programme, and you’ll have access to a dedicated study suite for Masters students.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Active research environment

Renowned worldwide for its pioneering work in the global south, the research in our Water, Public Health and Environmental Engineering Group feeds directly into this course.

Our research considers pollutants and microorganisms in air, waste, land and water with a strong emphasis on the interrelationships between energy, sustainability, public health and environmental impact. Our work is truly interdisciplinary, bringing together a diverse group of international researchers considering engineering aspects alongside societal and economic factors.

Programme team

The Programme Leader, Dr Paul Hutchings, is a Lecturer in Water, Sanitation & Health and his research interests focus on studying public health and wellbeing outcomes from water, sanitation and environmental health interventions and the management of water and sanitation services.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams. Optional modules may also use alternative assessment methods. The course involves many pieces of written work; it moves beyond engineering calculations to how Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering is embedded in policy and practice, and how it contributes to human wellbeing.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in an engineering, public health or international development-related subject.

We may also consider applicants with equivalent academic or professional qualifications in a non-cognate engineering or natural science subject and applications from professionally qualified and experienced candidates. We would expect applicants to provide a statement detailing their interest and knowledge within the water, sanitation and hygiene field as part of their application.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Civil Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Civil Engineering  (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. You could study a part-time online course starting in January, or a full-time course in summer. Find out more about online pre-sessionals.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 July 2023 - international applicants

10 September 2023 - UK applicants

Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

• UK: £13,000 (total)
• International: £28,000 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

There will always be a demand for clean water and sanitation. The unique blend of civil engineering and public health policy skills you’ll learn on this course will give you a deep understanding of the most crucial areas in water, sanitation and health engineering and could open a lot of doors when it comes to career opportunities.

From public health ministries to public health departments, international development agencies to international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), there are many employers who seek the knowledge and expertise you’ll have once you graduate.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2022 report.

Our graduates from this course have secured positions at companies such as:

• Civil/Water Engineer, Jacobs

• Water Sanitation Programme Evaluation Advisor, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Emergency Response Coordinator, WaterAid

• Structural Designer, CSMedi

• Engineer, Northern Region Water Board

• Project Engineer, Northern Region Water Board

• Director, Help for Optimism H4O

• Production Scientist, TC BioPharm (Holdings)

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability team — are on hand to offer guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles. 

• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.

• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.

• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Find out more about career support.