Starts: Annually in September
Duration: 24 Months
Locations: Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt (or optional: Exeter University, Exeter, UK or Algarve University, Faro, Portugal) / UNESCO-IHE, Delft, the Netherlands

Context

Egypt’s economic development depends upon the competitiveness and growth of its industrial sector. Businesses need to be encouraged to undertake research and development projects. A collaborative relationship between universities and the industry will create a win-win situation whereby courses and programmes are tailored to address the community’s real needs. In turn, this will encourage relevant, employment oriented training and higher education programs in Egyptian universities. This is especially true for the water sector, as the Egyptian strategy for higher education aims to improve the level of water specialists in the country, as well as becoming a regional node in water related studies for the Arab and African countries.

Prospective Students

The target group for this programme are students in Egyptian, Arab and African universities, academic and research staff in higher education institutions and professionals from businesses / industry, managers and policy makers dealing with or interested in the field of water and land resources.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree preferably in Civil, Environmental or Water Resources Engineering or related fields are eligible to apply. In principle, candidates should have a minimum of three years of practical or research experience since graduation. All applications are, however, considered on their individual merits. Since instruction and examinations are given in English, it is essential that participants have a good working knowledge of the English language. If there is any doubt about a candidate’s proficiency in English, he or she will be required to take one of the internationally recognised language tests before confirmation of admittance.

Degree

Students who successfully complete this programme will be awarded two Master degrees: one from UNESCO-IHE and one from Ain Shams University. The degree students receive from UNESCO-IHE is the degree in Water Science and Engineering, with a specialisation in Hydroinformatics. Ain Shams will award a degree in Hydroinformatics and Natural Resources Management.

Hydroinformatics is a new discipline concerned with the application of computer and networking technology for the planning, management and protection of the water environment. Its aim is to allow environmental managers and engineers to make rapid and robust decisions as they address the increasing challenges of ensuring a sustainable water environment and adequate water resources for future generations.