IIE MPhil in Integrated Water Management: Building the capacity of future leaders in water resource management

The Research and Postgraduate Studies Unit at IIE MSA recently Hosted a Climate Change and Water Security Conference, which allowed researchers and practitioners to participate in a dialogue on climate change and water security in South Africa. Drawn from different sectors and disciplines, participants examined how South Africa can best meet the interlinked challenges of climate change and water security.

IIE MSA is a brand of The Independent Institute of Education, SA's leading private higher education provider, and offers the IIE Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management, which aims to build the capacity of future leaders in water resource management.

The Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management takes a multi-disciplinary `whole-of-water-cycle’ approach that equips students with practical tools and skills for adopting innovative solutions to local, regional, national and international water resource issues.

Students develop the strategic, managerial and technical skills they need to advance in the water sector. During their studies, they become:

• Familiar with fundamentals of integrated water resource management;
• Capable of providing water management expertise to help reduce poverty through equitable use of water;
• Skilled to provide technical and managerial input into planning, design and operation of water projects and facilities;
• Understanding of the principles of managing water supply, wastewater treatment and urban infrastructure projects;
• Recognising of the socio-economic factors impacting on effective water solutions; and
• Understanding of the governance and institutional frameworks underpinning water resource management.

The Masters in Water Management programme focuses on building skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, statistics and data management, knowledge transfer and effective leadership.

The programme is aimed at students from South and Southern Africa (developing countries context) with a strong interest in integrated water management, research aptitude and leadership aspirations. It is targeted at prospective students already working within the water field who want to advance their career in a significant way.

The programme is intentionally designed to cater for a small group of talented postgraduate students to ensure quality supervision and mentorship, as well as regular group interaction with local and guest lecturers.

Upon completion of the Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management (MPhil IWM) it is expected that graduates will be prepared to take on leadership positions in international agencies, government departments, non-governmental organisations, and private sector entities engaged in water management. These graduates will bring critical analytical skills and an interdisciplinary framework to bear on the water issues they tackle.

For more information about this exciting qualification, visit IIE MSA.