Master in Applied EcoHydrology

MAEH (Master in Applied EcoHydrology) is a two-year master's program offered by four European Universities: the University of Algarve (Portugal), the University of Lodz (Poland), the Technische Hochschule Lübeck (Germany), and the University of Antwerp (Belgium). The course aims to create professionals that understand the complexity of water problems and are able to develop transdisciplinary solutions for the “world of work” and for society.

The master program structure provides progressive and fluid learning to the students, based on solid and broad background knowledge, merging the course's main topics, in order to create a transdisciplinary perspective of problems and solutions, in the water sector. The MAEH merges fundamental different expertise in water science:

• Ecohydrology: focuses on a scientific understanding and on nature-based solutions providing the knowledge, skills, and competencies to restore aquatic ecosystems carrying capacity and ecosystem services (the University of Algarve and University of Lodz)
• Water engineering: provides advanced engineering techniques and skills to plan, devise and implement technical structures and systems that can be used to restore and use ecosystems services in a sustainable manner and to reduce water-related risks to society (Technische Hochschule Lübeck)
• Integrated water management: focuses on the coordinated and integrated development, management, and restoration of the water system today and in the future (University of Antwerpen). The course aims to create professionals that understand the complexity of water problems and are able to develop transdisciplinary solutions for the “world of work” and for society.

Admission requirements

Conditions of access:

• Have obtained a bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) in the field of natural sciences of engineering;
• Submit a motivation letter explaining how the MAEH program matches your previous education and future goals;
• Present proof of your proficiency in the English language.

Criteria for selection of the candidates:

• Academic qualification based on previous study results (max 60 points);
• Motivation letter (max 15 points);
• Recommendation letters from previous supervisors or employers (max 5 points);
• CV and relevant experience (max 20 points).

Program content

Each semester focuses on a different discipline in water science:

Semester 1: Ecohydrology

When starting your MAEH studies, you will be submerged in the field of Ecohydrology. The basic concept is the dual regulation between biota and hydrology. Ecohydrology integrates knowledge of ecology and hydrology. It provides a scientific understanding of how to restore the carrying capacity of aquatic ecosystems and ecosystem services provided to society. Ecohydrology forms the scientific basis for Nature-Based Solutions that are derived from the understanding of the hydrological cycle at a river basin scale. Class activities are diverse ranging from lectures to lab courses and field excursions. Ecohydrology courses are taught at the University of Algarve in Portugal together with practical field and laboratory training at Lodz University in Poland in the summer (at the end of the second semester, first academic year).

Semester 2: Water engineering

In the second semester of the first academic year, you will study water engineering at Technische Hochschule Lübeck in Germany. Water engineering is a relevant discipline for the development of societies and urban systems as they depend on a safe and regular supply of clean water and rely on protection from extremes such as floods and droughts. Ecohydrology principles are understood, applied, and integrated fully into the engineering design resulting in engineered nature-based solutions for water retention, nutrient retention, nature-based water treatment, and flood protection by natural floodplain development. In the theoretically and practically oriented courses, you will learn advanced engineering techniques and skills, to plan, devise and implement technical structures and systems to design, restore and use ecosystem services in a sustainable manner and to reduce water-related risks to society.

Semester 3: Integrated Water Management

After the summer training in Poland, you will travel to Belgium to start your second academic year of MAEH at the University of Antwerp. The third semester is dedicated to Integrated Water Management, which is defined as the coordinated and integrated development, management, and restoration of the water system taking into account the ecosystem quality objectives, and its multifunctional use, today and in the future. Besides sustainability and regulatory frameworks, you will learn about the need for a holistic and transboundary approach and how to implement interdisciplinary projects while reconciling the often contrasting needs of multiple stakeholders. Teaching methods are diverse ranging from lectures and computer classes to field excursions and case studies in groups.

Semester 4

You will complete your MAEH program with a 30 ECTS master dissertation, which is scheduled in the fourth semester and can be done at one of the four partner universities.

Scholarships & funding

Scholarship options are available, please contact us for more information.

Tuition

National Students: 4500 Euros

International Students: 6000 Euros