MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management at University of Oxford

Programme overview

The MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management is an interdisciplinary, full-time taught course covering hydrology, water governance, health, climate and sustainable development, taught by academics from across the social and natural sciences. It aims to train future water decision makers, managers and policy makers.

What you will study

Students take seven core modules across three themes (water science, water and society, and water management) plus two option modules, with lectures, seminars and field visits including a residential field trip in Britain during induction and a one-week trip in the Easter vacation. Contact hours are usually 12-15 per week, and an independent dissertation is an integral component.

Career pathways

Graduates have taken water-related roles in government departments (for example DEFRA), consultancies and business, non-governmental organisations (for example WWF) and international agencies (for example the World Bank and UNICEF).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline; for US bachelor's degrees the minimum GPA normally required is 3.6/4.0. No GRE or GMAT scores are sought. Application requires three referees (at least two academic), a personal statement of up to 1,000 words and one essay of up to 2,000 words. Interviews may be held. Oxford higher-level English: IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall (185 per component); Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 (155 per component). Deadlines for 2027-28 entry: 13 November 2026 (applications more likely to receive earlier decisions); final deadline 26 January 2027, 12:00 midday UK time.

Domestic applicants: GBP 28,420 a year (2027/28). Home fee Source

International applicants: GBP 38,340 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee Source

Intake: 28 September 2027

Duration: 12 months full-time

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