Types of Programs Offered at UMCSAWM

Types of Programs Offered at UMCSAWM 6
Types of Programs Offered at UMCSAWM 5

UMCSAWM at the University of Moratuwa offers two distinct streams of postgraduate programs tailored to meet the specific needs of both practicing water engineers and water specialists.

UMCASWM has been offering its flagship Water Resources Engineering and Management (WREM) program since 2013. UMCSAWM’s Water Resources Management (WRM) program to be launched from 2024 Batch (8th Intake) is designed to parallelly provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to addressing the complex challenges of water resources management.

The WRM/WREM streams are offered targeting water scientists and water engineers, respectively.

Under the above two streams (WRM/WREM), four (04) distinct Master programs are offered at UMCSAWM, namely Master of [SLQF-L9]/Master of Science [SLQF-L10] in WRM/WREM, based on Masters by course work/Masters with course work and a research component, respectively, aligning them with the Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF) guidelines as well as international requirements and acceptance.

While both the WRM and the flagship Water Resources Engineering and Management (WREM) programs offered by UMCSAWM are dedicated to the field of water resources, there are key distinctions that set them apart:

i) Water Resources Management Program (WRM)

As a whole, the Water Resources Management (WRM) program focuses on a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to water resources management, encompassing various aspects beyond engineering, including policy, governance, and sustainability.

Holistic Approach: The WRM program takes a broader and more holistic perspective on water resources management. It encompasses technical aspects of water engineering but also delves deeply into environmental, social, and policy dimensions of water management.

Interdisciplinary Focus: This program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are encouraged to integrate knowledge from various fields to address water-related challenges comprehensively.

Policy and Governance: The WRM program places a strong emphasis on water policy, governance, and socio-economic aspects, ensuring that graduates are well-versed in the regulatory and policy frameworks related to water management.

Sustainable Water Management: Sustainability is a core theme in the WRM program. Students learn to balance the competing demands on water resources while considering the long-term sustainability of ecosystems and communities.

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Types of Programs Offered at UMCSAWM 3

Career Diversification: Graduates of the WRM program are prepared for a wide range of career options, including roles in government, non-governmental organizations, research, consulting, and project management.

The WRM Program is tailored for water specialists, offering a comprehensive education in water resources engineering and management with a broader focus. This program goes beyond technical aspects to include environmental, social, and policy dimensions of water management. Graduates of the WRM Program are well-rounded professionals capable of addressing complex water-related challenges from a holistic perspective.

Eligibility Criteria for WRM Programs

The selection of students to the Masters Degree (SLQF-L9) and Master of Science Degree (SLQF-L10) under the Water Resources Managament (WRM) Program will be made by the Department of Civil Engineering, in accordance with one of the following extended eligibility requirements, approved by the Senate, under the Section 2. Extended Eligibility Requirements of the By-law.

 2.1.The Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science of Engineering of the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka in Civil Engineering or any other relevant field, as approved by the Senate;
  OR
 2.2.Any other Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science of Engineering from a recognized University in Civil Engineering or any other relevant field, equivalent to the Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science of Engineering of the University of Moratuwa in a relevant field as judged by the Faculty, and as approved by the Senate;
  OR
 2.3.A Bachelor of Science Degree from a recognized University in a relevant field (four-year degree or three-year degree with a minimum of one (01) year period of appropriate post-qualifying experience), as judged by the Faculty and approved by the Senate;
  OR
 2.4.At least the Associate Membership of a recognized professional institute in a relevant field, obtained through an academic route, with a minimum of one (01) year period of appropriate post-qualifying experience as judged by the Faculty and approved by the Senate;
  AND
 2.5.If English is not the medium of instruction in the first degree of the candidate, valid TOEFL (a minimum of 525 points in paper-based, 196 in computer-based, or 69 in internet-based test) or IELTS (a minimum of 5.5 in Academic Version) scores or equivalent.

ii). Water Resources Engineering and Management Program (WREM)

The Water Resources Engineering and Management program (WREM), on the other hand, is primarily engineering-focused and prepares students for technical leadership roles in water-related projects and organizations. In addition to the above, the focus areas of the WREM program will cover the following as well.

Engineering Focus: The WREM program is primarily designed for practicing water engineers. It places a strong emphasis on the technical aspects of water resources management, including hydraulics, hydrology, and engineering principles.

Technical and Analytical Expertise: Students in the WREM program gain advanced technical and analytical skills in the design and management of water-related infrastructure, such as dams, reservoirs, and water supply systems.

Engineering Leadership: Graduates are equipped to take on leadership roles in engineering firms, government agencies, and related sectors, where they apply engineering principles to address water-related challenges.

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Types of Programs Offered at UMCSAWM 1

This program is designed for practicing water engineers seeking advanced knowledge and skills in water resources engineering and management. It equips participants with the technical expertise needed to address real-world challenges in water resource management. Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles in the field, applying engineering principles to the sustainable use and conservation of water resources.

Eligibility Criteria for WREM Programs

The selection of students to the Masters Degree (SLQF-L9) and Master of Science Degree (SLQF-L10) under the Water Resources Engineering and Managament (WREM) Program will be made by the Department of Civil Engineering, in accordance with one of the following extended eligibility requirements, approved by the Senate, under the Section 2. Extended Eligibility Requirements of the By-law.

 2.1.The Honors Degree of Bachelor of Science of Engineering of the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka in Civil Engineering or any other relevant field, as approved by the Senate;
  OR
 2.2.Any other Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science of Engineering from a recognized University in Civil Engineering or any other relevant field, equivalent to the Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science of Engineering of the University of Moratuwa in a relevant field as judged by the Faculty, and as approved by the Senate;
  OR
 2.3.At least the Associate Membership of a recognized professional engineering institute in a relevant field, obtained through an academic route, with a minimum of one (01) year period of appropriate experience as judged by the Faculty and approved by the Senate;
  AND
 2.4.If English is not the medium of instruction in the first degree of the candidate, valid TOEFL (a minimum of 525 points in paper-based, 196 in computer-based, or 69 in internet-based test) or IELTS (a minimum of 5.5 in Academic Version) scores or equivalent.

General Guide for Program Selection

These two distinct streams cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of program participants, whether they come from an engineering background or possess specialized expertise in the field of water resources management.

The choice between these programs depends on the entry requirements and career goals and interests of the students, catering to a diverse range of professionals in the field of water resources.

UMCSAWM provides a comprehensive educational experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to make a significant impact in the water resources sector through their valuable contributions to the industry as well-trained water experts.

Further details of the distinct but parallel WRM/WREM programs can be found overleaf.

The programs offered at UMCSAWM are further elaborated overleaf based on the qualifications and level of attainment aligning with the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) guidelines.

Please note that SAF Madajeet Scholarships are offered only under the flagship MSc in Water Resources Engineering and Management program (a 2-year degree on a full-time basis).