Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering MSc (Eng)

As we’ve seen in recent years, safely managed water, sanitation and hygiene services couldn’t be more pertinent than they are today. Without these, the spread of disease can be rife - contributing significantly to the global burden of morbidity and mortality. That’s why the demand for qualified experts in this area to help contribute to solving this global challenge is ever-growing. If you’re looking for a truly rewarding and diverse career that could help save people's lives, this course will equip you with the skills you’ll need to pursue it.

Our Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering MSc degree will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of how to deliver effective modern water supply, sanitation and other public health interventions in urban and rural areas in low-income and transitional economies.

The programme has a strong focus on developing practical and policy skills, whilst addressing the critical future challenges of climate change, population growth and urbanisation. You’ll develop your understanding of technical interventions in water supply, sanitation and solid waste management.

This course is run in conjunction with the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, one of the UK’s preeminent public health research centres, and is informed by the work in our Water, Public Health and Environmental Engineering Group, giving you a unique insight into the most critical challenges and latest innovations in this sector.

This means that, once you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped with the topical and relevant knowledge and skills to identify and deliver investments that will have major benefits for health and development.

Why study at Leeds:

• This Masters degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators.
• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here in our School feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in water, sanitation and health.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas sought after in industry such as project management in WASH, engineering for public health and water supply and sanitation management.
• Conduct your own individual research project as part of your course and gain industry experience in researching and delivering a project that focuses on a real-world problem and allows you to explore your specific interests.
• Access research-grade equipment and specialist facilities including our public health laboratories, a class II microbiology laboratory and specialist software you’ll need throughout the course.
• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team who have close working links with a number of key institutions in the field of international development, including UNICEF, the World Bank, the World Health Organization, the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, WaterAid, World Vision, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the African Development Bank.
• Enhance your career prospects and become part of our successful alumni who have pursued careers in related positions, working for reputable organisations like WaterAid.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course is professionally accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) on behalf of the Engineering Council. The JBM represents the five main professional bodies in the UK registering Civil Engineers, including The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), The Permanent Way Institution (PWI), The Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), and The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).

This Masters degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng-accredited undergraduate first degree* See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

This course is also accredited by EUR-ACE, the European quality label for engineering degree programmes at bachelor and Masters level.

A series of core modules that run throughout the year will develop your knowledge in a wide range of topics.

You’ll gain an understanding of the wider issues surrounding public health around the world and how they impact on policy and practice, as well as current debates around the complex topics of health, equity and development understand how health policy is shaped and planned.

At the same time, you’ll be introduced to the principles and practice of public health engineering to bridge the gap between theory, policy and practice, and explore key technologies in water supply, sanitation, wastewater and solid waste management. You’ll also consider engineering responses to complex emergencies, especially regarding the provision of water supply, sanitary services and shelter.

You’ll build your knowledge of technical issues in water resources and solid waste management, as well as natural wastewater treatment.

Course Structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

The Management of WASH Projects – 15 Credits

The module takes a problem-solving approach that relates potential Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) engineering interventions to real-life public health challenges. The module will be taught primarily from the perspective of real incidence of diseases in low and middle-income countries, with an emphasis on the practical design and implementation of programmes.

Engineering for Public Health – 15 Credits

You'll learn about the appropriate use of technologies and infrastructure to address real-life Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)-related challenges in rural and urban areas, with a focus on low and middle-income country contexts.

Wastewater and Fecal Sludge Management – 15 Credits

The module provides a broad ranging overview of elements of natural wastewater and fecal sludge treatment systems and wastewater reuse. You'll study design approaches for waste stabilization ponds; rock filters and constructued wetlands. Major natural wastewater treatment processes are covered in detail with the aim to deliver a comprehensive approach to public health engineering solutions in low-income countries, small communities and peri-urban areas, including wastewater and sludge reuse.

Water Resource Management – 15 Credits

This module presents a wide range of material and hands-on experience related to the core principles of Integrated Water Resources Management. You'll be able to directly apply this new knowledge during the module to a range of hands-on exercises: analytical reservoir storage management, stakeholder catchment management, water quality modelling, geospatial analysis and interactive social and ecological systems approach workshops.

Water Supply – 15 Credits

You'll study the appropriate design, maintenance, operation and management of water supply systems within resource constrained environments. The module introduces technical knowledge related to water supply systems, including system design and water quality issues. Additionally, you'll study issues related to the management of systems and the maintenance of water safety within drinking water systems.

Solid Waste Management – 15 credits

Explore the key challenges associated with the generation of municipal solid waste and its collection, recycling and ultimate disposal. The module considers landfilling, thermal treatments and mechanical-biological treatment options, including outline designs of the key unit processes.

Engineering in Emergencies MSc – 15 credits

This module focuses on engineering responses to complex emergencies. You'll study the appropriate engineering interventions to provide minimum sanitary services and water but will also cover the interaction between engineering, medical services, security and food provision. It will examine the international context within which complex-emergency response is organised and also explore the transition from emergency response to development with a particular focus on post-conflict situations.

Key Issues in International Health – 15 credits

You'll study the key issues in international health and develop an understanding of the key players in international health. This module covers the historical developments, current priorities, and emerging issues, and how these shape international health practice.

MSc Dissertation – 60 credits

Working with your supervisor, you’ll complete an independent research or design-based project in any of the areas covered in this programme during the summer months at the end of the programme to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve gained.

You’ll be given relative flexibility to choose your preferred supervisors and areas of interest. Dual supervision, including co-supervisors from industry, will be encouraged especially in the case of students that wish to align their MSc projects with aspects of relevance to their jobs and employers.

A proportion of projects are formally linked to industry and may include spending time at the collaborator’s site over the summer.

Fieldwork

The course also includes fieldwork, including a guided tour of a Yorkshire Water water treatment plant to expose all students to large-scale waterworks. Many of our dissertation projects provide the opportunity for students to conduct international fieldwork to study global water, sanitation and health engineering issues. Recently, students have conducted research in East and Southern Africa.

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll be taught by staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You’ll have regular contact with the team through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings.

Throughout your studies, you’ll also benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Active research environment

Renowned worldwide for its pioneering work in the global south, the research in our Water, Public Health and Environmental Engineering Group feeds directly into this course.

Our research considers pollutants and microorganisms in air, waste, land and water with a strong emphasis on the interrelationships between energy, sustainability, public health and environmental impact. Our work is truly interdisciplinary, bringing together a diverse group of international researchers considering engineering aspects alongside societal and economic factors.

Specialist facilities

You'll benefit from using our specialist facilities, such as our public health laboratories with separate areas for solid waste, water and wastewater, and a class II microbiology lab and clean room. We have all the specialist software you’ll need for your programme, and you’ll have access to a dedicated study suite for Masters students.

Programme team

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams.

The course involves many pieces of written work; it moves beyond engineering calculations to how Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering is embedded in policy and practice, and how it contributes to human wellbeing.

Entry requirements

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Civil Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Civil Engineering  (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 June 2025 – International applicants

12 September 2025 – UK applicants

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Apply

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Fees

• UK: £14,500 (Total)
• International: £33,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources - including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events - we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries - all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system - on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants - gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds - there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.