Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering MSc (Eng)
University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering MSc (Eng)
University of Leeds
Civil Engineering / Public Health Engineering
Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering MSc (Eng) Overview
The Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering MSc (Eng) at the University of Leeds provides you with in-depth knowledge of how to deliver effective modern water supply, sanitation, and other public health interventions in urban and rural areas in low-income and transitional economies. The programme has a strong focus on developing practical and policy skills whilst addressing the critical future challenges of climate change, population growth, and urbanisation.
This course is run in conjunction with the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, one of the UK's preeminent public health research centres, and is informed by the work of the Water, Public Health and Environmental Engineering Group at Leeds. You will develop your understanding of technical interventions in water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management, gaining a unique insight into the most critical challenges and latest innovations in this sector.
The programme is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, ensuring it meets the highest professional standards in engineering. Teaching is delivered by a programme team with close working links to key international development institutions including UNICEF, the World Bank, the World Health Organization, WaterAid, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Key Programme Highlights
- Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, supporting your path toward Chartered Engineer status
- Run in collaboration with the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, a leading UK public health research centre
- Access to specialist facilities including public health laboratories, a Class II microbiology laboratory, and specialist software
- Opportunity to complete an eight-week virtual work experience partnered with a relevant industry company
Curriculum and Modules
You will study 180 credits in total during your Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering MSc (Eng). The programme comprises compulsory taught modules worth 15 credits each, alongside a 60-credit research dissertation completed during the summer months. The curriculum blends engineering fundamentals with public health policy, preparing you for impactful careers in international development.
The Management of WASH Projects
15 CreditsTakes a holistic problem-solving approach relating potential WASH engineering interventions to real-life public health challenges, taught from the perspective of real disease incidence in low and middle-income countries with emphasis on practical programme design and implementation.
Engineering for Public Health
15 CreditsIntroduces the technical responses to WASH-related development challenges, covering the range of technologies used to provide water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services in rural and urban areas of the global south.
Wastewater and Fecal Sludge Management
15 CreditsProvides a broad overview of natural wastewater and fecal sludge treatment systems and wastewater reuse, including design approaches for waste stabilisation ponds, rock filters, and constructed wetlands for low-income country contexts.
Water Resource Management
15 CreditsPresents the principles of integrated water resources management and introduces the tools and regulations of water resources management, covering the development of outline water management plans for typical rural and urban basins, urban drainage, and sustainable urban drainage.
Solid Waste Management
15 CreditsProvides an understanding of waste characteristics and generation rates, waste collection including recycling, and the science and engineering aspects of landfill, biological treatment, and thermal treatment options, including outline designs for treatment plants.
Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering Dissertation
60 CreditsAn independent research or design-based project completed during the summer months, allowing you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme. Dual supervision including industry co-supervisors is encouraged.
Additional Core Modules
Admission Requirements
The Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering MSc (Eng) welcomes applicants from engineering, public health, and international development backgrounds. Candidates with equivalent professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact Uni4Edu to discuss your eligibility and begin your application.
Academic Requirements
- Degree ClassificationBachelor's degree with a minimum 2:2 (Hons) classification
- Subject AreaEngineering, public health, or international development-related subject
- Alternative QualificationsEquivalent academic or professional qualifications in a non-cognate engineering or natural science subject may be considered
- Professional ExperienceProfessionally qualified and experienced candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Personal StatementA statement detailing your interest and knowledge within the water, sanitation and hygiene field is expected
English Language Requirements
- IELTS6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component
- TOEFL iBT88 overall, with minimum scores in each section (Reading 20, Listening 19, Speaking 22, Writing 21)
- PTE Academic64 overall, with at least 60 in each component
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Leeds offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support postgraduate students. International and home students may be eligible for merit-based and need-based financial support. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on funding options available to you.
Leeds Masters Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships available to outstanding international applicants across a range of postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Leeds.
Engineering Faculty Scholarships
Faculty-specific funding opportunities for students enrolling in postgraduate engineering programmes, awarded based on academic merit and potential.
Commonwealth and Government-Sponsored Scholarships
Varies by schemeStudents from Commonwealth countries and other eligible nations may apply for externally funded scholarships such as Chevening, Commonwealth, and other government-sponsored awards to study at Leeds.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of this programme gain a unique blend of civil engineering and public health policy skills that opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. From public health ministries to international development agencies and NGOs, the demand for professionals with expertise in water, sanitation, and health engineering continues to grow globally.
Potential Career Roles
Where Graduates Work
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Leeds is a prestigious Russell Group university consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally. Its School of Civil Engineering is recognised for research excellence and strong industry connections, with 97% of submitted research activity rated as world-leading in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Civil and Structural Engineering | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 100 |
| Engineering and Technology | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 100 |
| Environmental Sciences | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 100 |
| Civil Engineering | Guardian University Guide | #9 in UK |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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