Two universities, one degree, one resource: the MWSM is run jointly by Canterbury and Lincoln through their shared Waterways Centre, in a region whose braided rivers and contested aquifers made water New Zealand's defining environmental fight — 180 points in a single year, February start only.
Key facts
Duration
12 months (1 year)
Language
English
Format
Full-time
Tuition
67,950 NZD total
Intake
Semester 1 (February) only
NZD 67,950 total for the 180-point programme (2026 estimate), verified on the official UC page (2025: 65,700; 2027: 71,400). One intake per year, February.
Curriculum modules
Water science — Hydrology, water quality and freshwater ecosystems.
Water management & policy — Allocation, governance and planning.
Research project — Supervised project through the Waterways Centre.
Admission requirements
Bachelor degree relevant to water science and management with at least a B GPA in the final year
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for non-native speakers
Career destinations
Water Resource Scientist — Regional councils & CRIs
The 2026 Sustainability Degree Shortlist Guide: pick, compare and afford the right programme — plus occasional emails with new programmes, scholarships and application tips.