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Course overview
Study on the UK's first and longest running MSc in Hydrogeology. Benefit from over 50 years of internationally recognised experience and expertise. Combining renowned history with a modern curriculum, our Hydrogeology MSc will build your skills to address pressing global water challenges.
You will be provided with a complete education in fundamental elements of groundwater science and engineering. Alongside lots of industry involvement, this course equips you with skills to tackle any groundwater problems anywhere in the world.
I really appreciate the variation in types of learning. Classes are cycling from inorganic chemistry to deriving equations to hydrological processes.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis.
While the exact content may change, in the first term you will typically complete the compulsory modules while in the second you will be able to choose from a range of optional modules. This is based on a full-time Masters course. For part-time students, we will devise a study plan in the first few weeks tailoring your studies to fit alongside your non-academic commitments.
In Semester 1, you will study the following:
- Groundwater Hydraulics (20 credits)
- Surface Water and Groundwater Interactions - Theory, GIS and Programming (20 credits)
- Inorganic Chemistry and Groundwater & Borehole Design, Constructions and Maintenance (20 credits)
Course highlights
Our Hydrogeology course equips you with fundamental knowledge of groundwater science and practical skills. Through innovative, hands-on learning and real-world applications, you will gain considerable practical experience. Upon graduation, you can confidently tackle any groundwater challenge, whether it involves water resources, eco-environment, contamination, engineering, waste disposal, or geoenergy.
- Comprehensive education in groundwater science and engineering
- Extensive practical experience through fieldwork and projects
- Become equipped to solve diverse groundwater challenges globally
- Providing practical experience
needed to solve diverse hydrogeological challenges globally
- 2nd in the UK
for Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences research (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
This comprehensive education ensures you are well-prepared to address diverse hydrogeological issues globally, making you a valuable asset in various sectors.
Join us to develop a versatile and adaptable skill set that is highly sought after by top consultancies, leading companies, and influential organizations worldwide.
Course delivery
Our course equips you with robust groundwater science and engineering education and significant industry involvement, enabling you to solve global groundwater challenges.
- Industry-Reviewed Syllabus: Curriculum periodically reviewed by industry experts from consultancy firms, water companies, regulators, and government institutes
- Comprehensive Core Modules: No optional modules, ensuring all essential subjects are covered as deemed necessary by the review panel
- Capstone Project: A 60-credit project in the latter part of the year, applying learned concepts to real-world challenges
Module information
Our Hydrogeology MSc program offers you a solid foundation in groundwater science and engineering, along with hands-on practical experience. With 180 credits, you will be equipped to address diverse groundwater challenges, from water resources and contamination to engineering and waste disposal, regardless of the geographical context.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Groundwater Contaminant Transport Modelling | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Groundwater Organic Contaminant Pollution and Remediation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Independent Project | 60 | |
| LM Further Topics in Groundwater | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Groundwater Flow Modelling | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Groundwater Hydraulics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Inorganic Chemistry and Groundwater & Borehole Design, Construction and Maintenance | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Surface Water and Groundwater Interactions – Theory, GIS and Programming | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Water Resources Studies | 10 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
in a relevant discipline
At least an upper second class honours (2:1) degree in a relevant subject is normally required, but we will consider alternative qualifications and experience.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
There are many external scholarships available.
Some of these scholarships include:
- Water Conservation Trust Scholarships - a £4000 scholarship against fees, split between a small number of applicants
- BHS, JBA Trust and the Environment Agency - Hydrology Studentship - Awards are anticipated to be around £2,500 depending on the number and quality of applicants
- SRK Consulting Scholarship - A competitive scholarship has been offered by SRK Consulting Ltd. Find out more about the scholarship
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
Hydrogeology knowledge is crucial for addressing global water challenges. Graduates with an MSc in Hydrogeology are in high demand worldwide.
In the UK, Hydrogeologists are on the Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List, and there’s currently an abundance of groundwater job opportunities. We host an annual careers day where companies can connect with you, leading to high employment rates and diverse career paths in consultancy, government, and research.
- Industry-reviewed curriculum
Our MSc Hydrogeology is designed to meet the needs of top UK employers
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.