Master's in Water Technology (joint degree)

The Master's in Water Technology is a two-year study programme and encompasses 120 credits. The programme starts annually in September and, after graduation, students receive their MSc Water Technology (joint degree). Details on all courses within this programme can be found in the Study Handbook.

The programme knows a common structure for all students. In year one, the programme has a single learning pathway, followed by an individual part in year two. As opposed to the other programmes of the Wageningen University, the Master's in Water Technology consists of four 15-credit-periods. All periods last ten weeks, comprising all learning activities and examinations.

For more in-depth information about this programme and the WaterCampus in Leeuwarden, visit the external Water Technology website.

The programme starts with the course Water Technologies in Global Context (5EC), in which students explore global water challenges in an international context. The course considers these challenges within the broader framework of growing scarcity of materials, energy and its associated pollution, also in relation to the type of country: low-income, emerging-income and high-income countries.

Subsequently, the programme continues with four courses (20EC), which reflect on the multidisciplinary character of the current developments within the domain of water technology, and in which students specialise in scientific knowledge of various relevant disciplines. The focus is on scientific knowledge of natural and physical theories and on research applications in the overlap areas of two or more disciplines. These courses include a compulsory course on Colloid Chemistry and two compulsory courses, selected from Transport Phenomena, Physical Chemistry, and Water Microbiology, depending on the educational background of the student.

The programme continues with four courses (20EC) in water engineering: Chemical Reactor Design, BioReactor Design, Biological Water Treatment & Recovery Technology and Multi-component Mass Transfer in Membrane Processes. The central topic is the integration of water treatment & recovery concepts and design issues when performing reactors. Students apply acquired knowledge and understanding of the previous courses to start the design of new technologies, and they learn to produce the best solution for a certain problem. Topics relate to conversions and reactor selection, reactor design and membrane science.

The first year is completed by two compulsory courses. The course Computational Methods in Water Technology has its focus on process dynamics and reactor networks (5EC), and in the course ​Business Case Design project​ (10EC), students work in teams on the development of a business case. In this part, called sustainable technology, students learn how to integrate the results from the engineering part in the context of society and business and encounter the complexity in practice. 

Courses first year.

The second year comprises an MSc thesis (40EC) and an MSc internship (20EC). The topics of the thesis and internship should be within the scope of the mentioned main research areas.

Research in the MSc Water Technology

The research part of the programme trains students to work independently, apply their skills, and deepen their expertise in a topic that matches their interests and career goals.

The master’s thesis is central to this phase. It requires students to:

• Critically analyse, discuss, and summarise a research topic.
• Join ongoing projects at Wetsus, where they benefit from cutting-edge labs, infrastructure, and close guidance from active researchers.
• Demonstrate both their learning progress and their ability to carry out high-level research.

Because water technology is inherently multidisciplinary, thesis projects may involve collaboration across multiple chair groups.

Main research areas include:

• Sustainable water supply
• Wastewater treatment and reuse
• Development of new water sources
• Resource recovery and energy production 

Courses second year.

This MSc covers a broad range of disciplines and possible work fields. In your second year, it is up to you to choose a thesis and internship that suits you.

The master’s Water Technology is a multidisciplinary programme with a clear scientific and technological approach embedded in a top research environment. Students learn to develop, propagate and apply sustainable innovations and optimisations, and create new insights within the broader framework of the growing scarcity of raw materials such as water and mineral nutrients, and take on the chances that our 'waste’ offers in the form of new resources.

At WUR, we see you as more than just a student number. That’s why we offer more access to lecturers, study advisors, and student counsellors than most universities in the Netherlands. This level of support reduces the risk of dropping out while adding a personal touch that enriches your academic journey reflecting our sincere commitment to your success. As we are located in Leeuwarden, we host our support there too. 

• Master's in International Land and Water Management, Wageningen University and Research 
  The Master of Science in International Land and Water Management is oriented towards management, planning, stakeholder interaction, and socio-technical systems rather than technology alone. Students in International Land and Water Management study the theme of “Water, Society and Technology” among its specialisations, but always with a strong emphasis on balancing human, environmental, and socio-economic dimensions such as flood management, adaptation to climate extremes, land use, and hydrology. The Master of Science in Water Technology is much more narrowly focused on treatment technologies, recovery of raw materials such as nutrients and metals, purification processes, and reactor and process engineering. International Land and Water Management focuses more on how water interacts with land systems, communities, governance, and integration of technologies into landscapes. For students who wish to apply water technologies in real-world systems, International Land and Water Management provides greater breadth, while Water Technology provides deeper technical expertise.
• Master's in Biosystems Engineering, Wageningen University and Research 
  The Master of Science in Biosystems Engineering offers several thesis tracks, including Environmental Technology. This track overlaps with Water Technology in designing processes or systems that reuse waste materials, manage environmental flows, and include water treatment or recovery of nutrients. However, Biosystems Engineering is primarily oriented towards agriculture, food production, biobased systems, and the application of technology in rural and food-system contexts. The Environmental Technology track is only one of several specialisations, so the emphasis on water process engineering is smaller. In addition, students may choose to specialise in areas such as logistics, remote sensing, or information technology. Compared to Water Technology, Biosystems Engineering provides a wider variety of pathways but less concentrated exposure to water process engineering and the recovery of resources from wastewater.
• Master's in Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management, Wageningen University and Research 
  The Master of Science in Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management focuses on aquatic ecosystems, life sciences, marine resources, ecology, governance, and the sustainable use of marine life, including seafood and ecosystem services. Its specialisations include Aquaculture, Marine Governance, and Marine Resources and Ecology. There is some overlap with Water Technology in areas such as water quality, aquatic biology and ecology, and managing human impacts on water systems. However, this programme does not centre on chemical or bioprocess engineering for treatment, the recovery of raw materials from wastewater, or the design of reactors and biotechnological systems. For students passionate about marine ecology, coastal systems, species management, and marine policy, Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management is highly suitable. For those aiming at technological innovation in water treatment, purification, and resource recovery, Water Technology is more directly aligned. 

For more information check Studiekeuze123.nl.

Our students have access to professionals within an extensive network of companies in the industrial and public sectors. Participating in several platform activities, our students become acquainted with the work field. Students are accepted as interns by potential employers in a variety of companies during their compulsory internship. Students apply knowledge and skills acquired during their study, and also acquire relevant new knowledge, insights and skills through work experience. Students learn to work independently and develop a feeling for the context of the organisation. The work has to be carried out at an academic level. Reflection on the practices of the organisation and on the student’s own functioning is an important component. Internships also offer students the opportunity to reflect on their career after completion of the studies and to get a sense of the areas of expertise and competencies they further need to develop. Students can do their internship in the Netherlands and abroad. 

Admission requirements

Students holding a bachelor's degree in the following are directly admissible:

1. The student holding a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Wageningen University & Research;
2. The student holding a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from any university in the Netherlands;
3. The student holding a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering & Management from the University of Groningen;

General requirements for enrolment in the joint MSc Programme Water Technology are:

1. A BSc degree (or equivalent) in a field of science relevant to the field of water technology
2. A Grade Point Average (GPA) for the BSc of at least 70% of the maximum grade (a definition of GPA you can find on this site)
3. Fluency in English, both written and spoken

Learn more about the requirements for admission (e.g. the English language proficiency).

Relevant BSc degrees

Applicants for the MSc programme Water Technology should have a relevant BSc degree in chemical engineering, biotechnology, environmental engineering or another natural/technological oriented field related to water. A Dutch bachelor's degree (HBO) related to one of the topics mentioned above is also relevant for admission to the MSc programme Water Technology.

An admission committee will judge every application on an individual basis. The basic intention is to admit students who are expected to be able to complete their degree in the nominal study time of two years. The presence, level and result of relevant courses in mathematics, physical chemistry, chemistry, life sciences and engineering will be judged. Furthermore, some affinity with the field of water (technology) is required e.g. to show by your thesis or internship topic, publications or working experiences.  

You can apply for this Master's here.

Check the general admissions page for the International credentials evaluation guide for international equivalencies to a Dutch GPA>7.0. This guide includes compensating factors for a slightly lower GPA the Admission Board may include in their judgement.

Contact us to discuss the possibilities of a pre-master or how to mitigate knowledge gaps if you are still in the process of obtaining your degree.

All information about the costs of this programme can be found on this page.

Wageningen offers a diverse, enjoyable, and amiable student community. Despite being a small town, you get to know people from all over the world because of Wageningen University & Research's global atmosphere. Everything in town is relatively accessible by bicycle, and the campus is contemporary and green. Whether it's a sporting event, a party, or a laid-back evening with friends at one of the student associations, there's always something going on. Additionally, there are parks, forests, and a river nearby, so if you enjoy the outdoors, you're in the right area. It's a fantastic combination of learning, socialising, and taking in the scenery.

All information about student life in Wageningen can be found on this page.