As the population of the world increases, and people gather in large cities, the need for a proper water supply and water drainage grows each day. History has shown that a well-functioning water supply and drainage is an important factor with respect to the health of the population. Because this need is so fundamental, the water sector is almost independent of the actual economic and political situation - and this makes an education as an engineer in Water and Environmental Engineering an excellent long-term investment with great employment possibilities all around the world.
Although the pipes for water supply and drainage are hidden below the soil surface, it is worth remembering that this part of the infrastructure of the society has the highest economical value of them all; more than roads, railroads, electricity etc. To overcome the on-going and coming climate changes, the development and extension of the storm drainage of the cities will be a further challenge for engineers in Water and Environmental Engineering.
During the programme you will work with pollution of soil, groundwater, drinking water, wastewater, streams, lakes and fjords and how all of these systems are connected and affect each other – for example how lack of oxygen in fjords can be caused by human exploitation of the soil in the surrounding area and how floods can be caused by climate change. These types of interconnected environmental analyses make this study programme unique.
The programme is interdisciplinary, which means you will be working across the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and microbiology. You will work in the laboratories as well as gather data in the field.
During the programme, you can work with subjects such as:
- Water supply
- Wastewater treatment plants
- Oxygen depletion
- Pollution
Water and Environmental Engineering is a full-time study programme, which is characterised by problem based project work in groups. You will be working closely with other students most of the time, and you are required to be present at the university on a daily basis and spend a vast majority of your day there.
The Master’s programme entitles you to the designation Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering (Water and Environmental Engineering).
As an engineer in Water and Environmental Engineering, you can work with e.g.:
- Public environmental administration – e.g. governmental environmental departments
- Public service – e.g. companies working with drinking water and wastewater
- Consulting engineering companies
- Research and teaching – e.g. at universities
Read more about the academic content
as a student at aau you encounter …
PROBLEM based learning (PBL)
Aalborg University is famous for its problem based learning where you work in a team on a large written assignment often collaborating with an industrial partner. This study method is also called “The Aalborg Model for Problem Based Learning”. The method is highly recognised internationally, and the university is host to a successful UNESCO chair in Problem Based Learning in Engineering Education and a Centre for PBL and Sustainability approved by UNESCO.
The problem based project work at Aalborg University gives you a unique opportunity to acquire new knowledge and competences at a high academic level in an independent manner. You get to apply theory to practice when you work to solve real-life problems, and you will be well prepared for your future career. Learn more about PBL.
TEAMWORK
When doing project work, you work closely in groups with other students. This gives you the opportunity to cooperate, share knowledge and to explore larger and more complex academic problems than what you would have been able to do on your own. Furthermore, the groups serve a social purpose and make it easier for you to get to know your fellow students and feel more at home at the university. Learn more about teamwork at AAU.
COLLABORATION WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Aalborg University works closely with the business community. This means that as a student you will work with real issues from companies and organisations. Thus, while you are studying, you already have the opportunity to enhance your academic competences with a business-oriented and practical angle.
YOUR TEACHER DOES RESEARCH
At Aalborg University teaching is research based. This means that your lecturers are doing research within the same academic field as he or she is teaching. You thus have access to the latest knowledge and dedicated teachers who are passionate about what they teach. The teaching material not only includes books but may also consist of, for example, current academic articles from journals.
WORLD-CLASS LABORATORIES
The laboratories at Aalborg University are of the highest standard, and they play an important role in teaching. You will work under the best laboratory conditions with access to the latest technology, which is vital for your benefiting from the teaching.
studying in aalborg
As a university city Aalborg has many advantages. The city is Denmark's fourth largest, and a good 20 percent of the municipality's inhabitants are students. The city has much to offer when it comes to culture, sports and leisure, but at the same time, has a manageable size and safe environment. Compared to other major university cities, it is easy to find good student accommodations in Aalborg. Learn more about student life in Aalborg.
RATED FOR EXELLENCE
Aalborg University is rated for excellence in the QS-ranking system. Aalborg University has received five stars certifying the world-class position of the university based on cutting-edge facilities and internationally renowned research and teaching faculty.
Within Engineering and Technology, Aalborg University ranked as number 76 in 2015/2016.
