UNSW water courses receive global endorsement

In January 2025, the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) awarded the IAHR UNESCO Label for Water Training and Education to UNSW Sydney for two programs delivered by the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CVEN):

• Master of Engineering Science (8338 MEngSc) – Water Engineering: Catchments to Coast
• Water Engineering Specialization in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil and Environmental Engineering (3707)

The new label, developed by IAHR in collaboration with UNESCO under the Intergovernmental Hydrological Program (IHP), is awarded to institutions promoting and implementing excellence in training and education programs for competent and skilful professionals in the water sector.

It was developed in response to the Sustainable Development Goal 6 Global Acceleration Framework, which calls for urgent and unifying action on capacity development.

In its assessment of the UNSW courses, IAHR made particular note of the alignment of UNSW’s courses with Engineers Australia, of UNSW’s strong industry connections and of its sophisticated facilities. Also noted was the depth of learning outcomes as a result of the teaching, which extend across technical knowledge, problem-solving skills and professional skills. 

“UNSW has world-class facilities in the Water Research Laboratory (WRL) and Water Research Centre (WRC), which provide exceptional opportunities for high-quality education in the field.”

“The [UNSW programs] offered by the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering of UNSW Sydney [are] timely and international high-level training program[s] in educating future water experts in theoretical and practical water-related engineering practices.”

UNSW WRL Deputy Director Stefan Felder, who led the label accreditation for UNSW said, “The School is pleased to have their high-quality education and training in water engineering recognised by the IAHR UNESCO label.”

“This recognition emphasises the leading role that CVEN/WRC/WRL plays in training the next generation of water engineers that are able to tackle some of the big challenges around water quality and supply, floods and droughts and climate change, and contributing towards a more sustainable future for all.”

Master of Engineering Science (8338 MEngSc) in Water Engineering: Catchments to Coast

This program provides students with advanced study options in Water Engineering. It is designed to develop skills in analysis and design across the disciplines of engineering hydrology, engineering hydraulics, groundwater, estuary and port engineering, coastal and marine engineering. It is ideally suited for both practising water engineers and recent graduates planning a career in water engineering. The program provides students opportunities for continuing professional development. It is designed so that students develop their technical knowledge and ability to analyse engineering problems. They also gain further skills in solving engineering problems and justifying professional decisions. Further, students develop their skills in project planning and the ability to analyse, interpret and communicate results proficiently via a complex, openended project.

Water engineering specialisation in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil and Environmental Engineering (3707)

The School’s undergraduate programs offer students a comprehensive civil, environmental and surveying engineering education and the opportunity to specialise in their final year in a range of sub-disciplines. Civil engineering students may choose specialisations in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering; transport engineering; project management or water engineering. Accreditation was awarded for the water engineering specialisation that allows students, typically in the 4th year of their degree, to select water engineering electives. These electives are tailored to provide graduates with specific knowledge on water engineering, enabling them to pursue a range of impactful and rewarding water-related career paths.