Structure of the Program

The IWRM-MENA master’s program starts in the winter term of each academic year. It consists of modules, which are usually block-structured. The program is equivalent to 120 ECTS, (one ECTS equals around 30 hours of workload) according to the European system.

The first, second and third semesters consist of core and elective modules, and the fourth semester is dedicated to the master’s thesis:

• Core modules (compulsory modules) cover 40 ECTS
• Elective modules (compulsory optional modules from the catalogue “Method & Tools” and the thematic catalogues “IWRM”, “REM”, “NRM”) cover 50 ECTS
• Master’s thesis and colloquium cover 30 ECTS

Core Modules

Acknowledging the fact that participants have a wide range of professional backgrounds, core modules aim at providing the student with a general overview of different disciplines relevant to water resources. The IWRM program follows the principle of sustainable development, which can only be achieved in consideration of ethical and social aspects. Therefore, these aspects play a fundamental role during your studies. Additionally, in various courses, students are encouraged to think and reflect critically.

Elective Modules

The elective modules are organized into “Methods and Tools” and three thematic blocks: “Integrated Water Resources Management” (IWRM), “Natural Resources Management and Development” (NRM) and “Renewable Energy Management” (REM).  Students select a total of ten elective modules from the respective module catalogue IWRM (minimum 25 ECTS), the module catalogue “Methods and Tools” (minimum of 10 ECTS), and any module catalogue, including the catalogues of the adjoining master’s programs of NRM and REM (a maximum of 15 ECTS). The students will study three out of the five IWRM elective modules at GJU during their exchange (third) semester.

Such various choices of elective modules is considerably beneficial for the interdisciplinary nature of the student body. That is, every student is supported in his/her way of specializing during the master’s program. Since resources management includes numerous cross-cutting issues, free choice of electives from the adjoining module catalogues related to energy and land is highly important.

Master’s Thesis

The fourth semester is dedicated to the master’s thesis research that addresses a present research or management problem in the MENA region. Internships and research stays predominantly in an Arab country guarantee the practical orientation of the master’s research, which is preferably done in cooperation with an ongoing project of an institution or company. Through their master’s research work, the students apply the knowledge and competencies acquired in the previous semesters to demonstrate their ability to identify and analyze a research problem and conclude on policy and research implications. They also demonstrate ability to plan, design, execute, and document a research project systematically and independently.