Master of Engineering (Water Resources Management)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
LMCL
SATAC Code
4CM160 (Internal)
4CM161 (Internal)
4CM162 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Mode
On-campus
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Entry requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelor degree in civil engineering or a related discipline. A related discipline may be other four-year duration engineering or science degrees depending on the specialisation selected.
Applicants who have successfully completed an Engineers Australia/Washington Accord accredited Bachelor degree in civil engineering, or a Graduate Certificate in civil engineering, are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1.5 years of full time study or equivalent part time study.
Applicants who have successfully completed an Engineers Australia/Washington Accord accredited Honours degree in civil engineering, or a Graduate Diploma in civil engineering, are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study.
Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements, will be assessed on a case by case basis by the Program Director.
Degree overview
- Specialise in Water Resources Management to create and design water resources and management systems.
- Benefit from links to the Australian Flow Management Group laboratories.
- Learn in industry-standard specialist facilities, and use high-tech testing and computer modelling equipment.
- Develop competencies and gain real work experience through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program.
- Part-time study options available.
- UniSA is rated well above world-class for research in engineering1.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Snapshot
Learn water and environmental engineering theories to support our all-important waterways, resources and infrastructure. In this degree you will develop the skills specific to the water sector of civil engineering.
In this degree you’ll develop sophisticated skills in engineering research methods and project management which you will use on a major civil engineering design project, with industry representatives as your clients. You will also complete a master thesis.
Graduate career-ready by completing the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program and gain at least 450 hours of skills and competencies through a range of engagement activities such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, networking and events.
If you already have qualifications in civil engineering, you could be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete this degree in less than two years. If you decide to exit this degree having successfully completed the first year, you will receive a graduate diploma qualification.
On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.
What you'll learn
You will learn advanced water and environmental engineering, developing the skills to:
- apply and synthesise water and environmental engineering theories in solving practical cases
- create and design models to be used in areas such as water resources and water quality management
- adapt hydro-environmental data analysis methods at advanced level
- integrate modelling technology and consolidate GIS applications in forming comprehensive water resources management systems
- develop advanced skills to communicate with water and environmental related professionals
Also key to the degree is the development and application of research methods and skills. These will be invaluable when you begin work on your master thesis.
Our UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program allows you to apply the skills and knowledge you've acquired throughout your degree in real-world settings.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- reports and project documentation
- essays and assignments
- examinations
- group projects and presentations
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Research
UniSA has active connections with Australian and international institutions and industry through our research and collaboration.
Our research institutes, centres and concentrations provide a dynamic teaching and research base for students. All have state-of-the-art facilities, with world renowned links and associations. Through your studies you may become involved with the Future Industries Institute or the Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management research concentration.
Why Master of Engineering (Water Resources Management)
UniSA is rated well above world-class for research in engineering1.
In this master degree, teaching and learning is supported by world-class engineering research and industry experience to help advance your expertise and career opportunities. Incorporating strong theoretical teaching, experience-based learning and cutting-edge facilities, we offer the ideal academic blend for graduates to meet the challenges of modern enterprise.
You will learn the latest sophisticated water and environmental engineering theories, and develop the skills to synthesise and apply them to practical cases.
For example, our students recently worked on a South Australian infrastructure project titled North-South Corridor – South Road Planning South of Ashwin Parade to South of Sir Donald Bradman Drive Intersection (Section R4). The industry partner for this was the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Real-world connections
UniSA collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide to ensure our degrees remain relevant and connected to industry. As part of all engineering degrees UniSA students participate in our UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program. The UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program gives you the opportunity during your studies to gain hands on experience and create industry connections. In-industry work placements and internships enhance the employability skills of our graduates.
You will benefit from our partnerships with industries, local councils, governments, communities and other research organisations are addressing the knowledge gaps and problems of our natural and built environments.
We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Partially online
Your career
There are a wide range of career options for highly qualified engineers, with employment opportunities in engineering consulting firms, construction companies, and local, state and federal government. You could consider:
- engineering project manager: ensuring projects are completed according to project plans; managing project team resources; scheduling, preparation and resource forecasting for engineering and other technical activities; managing vendors and suppliers
- engineering operations manager: supervising and leading teams of engineers, scientists and technicians who work on projects; overseeing production and quality control; directing operations, testing and maintenance; planning and scheduling, client consulting, budgetary responsibilities
- water resources engineer: designing pump systems, pipelines and treatment plants for handling wastewater; working on flood control projects and mapping out drainage systems for dealing with water flow; working on fresh water supply systems, such as for drinking water
You could also continue with a PhD through one of our dynamic research institutes or centres.
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program is professionally accredited by Engineers Australia and is designed to meet the requirements for graduate membership of Engineers Australia and comparable international institutions through the Washington Accord. Such accreditation is provisional until the program produces its first graduates.
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code (see below) then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
You may be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete the requirements of this qualification in less than 2 years. Please see entry requirements for further details. When applying through SATAC, please refer to the codes below. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for Advanced Standing, please include more than one SATAC code in your list of application preferences.
- 2 years - SATAC CODE 4CM162
- 1.5 year - SATAC CODE 4CM161
- 1 year - SATAC CODE 4CM160
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
My research focuses on infrastructure compliant strategies for storm water management in developed and developing countries. I also teach civil and water-related engineering courses.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
The ease of access and breadth of learning resources available, including libraries, online journals and specialist applications, have made learning at UniSA stress-free and extremely insightful. With a focus on how engineering principles can be used to improve the health of an organisation, this course has allowed me to bridge the gap between organisational management and engineering management.
Liam Balfour Nicholls
Master of Engineering (Water Resources Management)
What I enjoy most about studying at UniSA is the practical learning environment where services are easily accessible and attention is paid to the development and well being of students. The campuses are also well-equipped with state-of-the-art technological advancements based on research and fantastic linkages with local industries and institutions.
Bernard Maloney
Master of Engineering (Water Resources Management)
My qualification from UniSA earned me an advisory role at SNV (Netherlands Development Organisation) in Uganda. The organisation only employs masters and PhD graduates for advisory positions. In my case, the skills I acquired from UniSA in water resources management and project management were also a plus.
Dennis Lakwo Odong
Master of Engineering (Water Resources Management)
