University of Birmingham - College of Life and Environmental Sciences
MSc in Hydrogeology
Birmingham, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 30,370 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international students | application deadline for home students - 29 August 2025
** for international full-time | GBP 15,185 - for international part-time | GBP 10,900 - for UK full-time | GBP 5,450 - for UK part-time
Key Summary
Discover why we are the UK university most targeted by top graduate employers ('Graduate Market in 2024' High Fliers report) at our on-campus Postgraduate Open Day.
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.
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.
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 geo-energy.
- Comprehensive education in groundwater science and engineering;
- Extensive practical experience through fieldwork and projects;
- Become equipped to solve diverse groundwater challenges globally.
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.
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.
125th Anniversary Scholarships for International Students
We have a proud heritage of removing barriers to education. In 2025, we celebrate our 125th anniversary as a University. To mark this milestone, we’re offering £5,000 scholarships to students from a select number of countries.
Scholarships for international students
At Birmingham, we believe in removing all barriers to education, so all of our talented students can achieve their full potential. As an international student, you can take advantage of our wide range of University-run scholarships as well as the many scholarships and bursaries from external funding organizations.
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.
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 below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
- Groundwater Hydraulics
- Inorganic Chemistry and Groundwater & Borehole Design, Construction and Maintenance
- Surface Water and Groundwater Interactions – Theory, GIS and Programming
- Groundwater Contaminant Transport Modelling
- Groundwater Organic Contaminant Pollution and Remediation
- Further Topics in Groundwater
- Groundwater Flow Modelling
- Water Resources Studies
- Independent Project
- 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)
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.
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.
- One-to-one career guidance from our college-specific advisors;
- CV and job application advice to help you stand out to employers;
- An annual programme of careers fairs on campus to meet employers and find out about a range of opportunities available;
- Employer presentations and networking sessions;
- Careers workshops to improve your interview skills and help you find work experience;
- Skills training for postgraduates;
- Graduate mentoring;
- Support and advice on setting up your own business;
- Online career action planning tools and self-enrolment career development courses to use in your own time and support your career planning;
- Specific support for postgraduate researchers, including events, workshops, advice sessions, socials and wellbeing events.
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.
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.