Watermanagement - HZ University

During the water management programme you will develop in your own field of expertise as you focus on the major water-related issues facing us today and towards solutions for UN Sustainable Development Goals like fresh water availability, clean seas, food production, healthy ecosystems, biodiversity and coastal safety.
The HZ enjoys intensive working relationships with professionals in the water sector. You will be working on practical assignments provided by companies or research institutes from the very first day of your study. This is incredibly important, as this will thoroughly prepare you for your career. You will be educated with the latest knowledge from the field and you learn how to effectively combine theory and practice.
Right from the start you will work on real-life cases discovering your interest and talents. After the first semester you can opt for one of these three study tracks: Aquatic Ecotechnology, Delta Management and Spatial Planning & Design.

Aquatic Ecotechnology
You analyze the fresh and salt water issues in depth and suggest solutions to solve them from technical and other perspectives. You focus on water quantity and quality, water recycling, biology, and restoration of biodiversity to improve ecosystem services. You work with environmental chemistry and learn how to purify water for different purposes. You come up with nature friendly solutions for traditional flood defence and look how people can adjust to changing climate patterns.

Delta Management
As a Delta Manager you integrate multiple disciplines to develop a vision on climate challenges in an area. You develop strategies by taking into account economic, ecological, spatial and social aspects of a river delta area. Together with stakeholders you develop effective measures to deal with climate change. You will learn project- and process management and cross-cultural communication skills to manage complex water- and climate change related projects worldwide.

Spatial Planning and Design
You focus on adaptive planning and design of economically and socially dynamic areas under pressure of climate change. You monitor the effects of climate change and design spatial solutions on how cities and rural areas can deal with water challenges. You have to be creative to plan and design for improving the local context. You will learn how to 2D and 3D visualise and communicate your strategies.

Possible Careers
As a water manager, your skills are valuable equally in the public and private sector. You can work at all levels of the government or water authorities or Research institutes, consultancies, engineering companies and industries.