Integrated Water Resources Management

The IWRM MSc programme focuses on water resources management in the context of water scarcity in the MENA region.
Within the MSc, IWRM students get acquainted with water management related topics from an interdisciplinary perspective. They acquire the knowledge to learn different water-related disciplines such as flood risk, hydrology, river engineering, sanitation and public health, watershed management, water supply and demand, water system analysis, water governance, social-economical aspects, and more.
The programme trains participants in practices of project funding and international cooperation. Students get the chance to put their learned knowledge in action during three project modules.
Up-to-date concepts and solutions are presented during field visits to relevant projects, institutions, and conferences.
Throughout their studies, participants receive first-hand support from high-level professionals and entrepreneurs in the Arab and German water sectors.
The social component is equally important and aims at equipping participants with the communicative, intercultural, and managerial skills necessary to take up leadership positions in the water sector and to work effectively within the framework of international cooperation.
The Master's thesis is completed in the framework of a water-related research project of the ITT, WEEC, or with a partner institution.

Educational organisation

The IWRM Master's programme starts in the winter semester of each academic year. It consists of modules, which are usually block-structured. During the first three semesters, students attend lectures and seminars; the fourth semester is devoted to writing the Master's thesis, normally in conjunction with a period abroad. The standard period of study includes the examination and research semester.

The first two semesters take place in Cologne/Germany. The third semester takes place in Amman/Jordan. The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis, preferably in the MENA region.

Study abroad unit(s)

At least one semester at the University of Jordan
Master's thesis preferably to be written in the MENA region.

Forms of assessment

Written exams, seminar papers, oral presentations, posters, group work

Course objectives

Educating experts in the field of Integrated Water Resources Management
Candidates will gain sound knowledge on the following issues: principles and practices of IWRM, practical skills in related water management technologies, geography, politics, institutional set-up in the Arab region, intercultural management competence, Arabic and German language practice
Programme graduates are IWRM experts and therefore in high demand for leading positions in the water sector and able to manage complex projects for international institutions and companies operating in the Arab region.

Language requirements

TOEFL pbt 550 points, TOEFL cbt 213 points, TOEFL ibt 79 points; IELTS band 6, Cambridge ESOL (FCE)

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree with minimum grade "good"
• English proficiency
• The programme is open to all disciplines.

Demonstration of experience in the water sector - either through previous studies or jobs

Enrolment fees

The fee of about 250 EUR per semester includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Costs of living

The costs of living for your stay largely depend on your personal needs. When planning your stay, you should calculate monthly costs of approximately 700-800 EUR.

Job opportunities

Taking on a part-time job while studying has lots of benefits. Students can make some extra money, gain valuable professional experience, and might take a first step up on the career ladder.
Whether and how long you are allowed to work during semester breaks is determined by your immigration office. The provisions applying to your specific case will be stated in your residence permit. To find out about these provisions, we recommend you make an inquiry at the immigration office during your first visit. International students from countries that are not member states of the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland are normally permitted to work 120 full or 240 half days per year if they are in possession of a valid residence permit for Germany.
TH Köln can assist you in finding a job that suits your profile and interests. Our Career Service and our Nebenjobservice (Part-Time Job Service) offer comprehensive counselling and specific information events on all aspects related to part-time jobs.
Please be aware that the level of your German language skills will strongly affect your chances of finding a part-time job, as German is the language of communication in Germany.

Funding opportunities within the university

TH Köln as well as other institutions offer different scholarships for international students such as the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship. Recipients receive approx. 300 EUR per month.
https://www.th-koeln.de/en/international_office/deutschland-stipendium-scholarship---information-for-students_9164.php

Arrival support

ITT provides assistance for international students to get started in Cologne. Scholarship holders are usually picked up at the airport and taken to their new accommodation. ITT organises German language classes, with limited places for international students. During the first semester, additional tutorials are offered.

Services and support for international students

TH Köln - University of Applied Sciences - follows the National Code of Conduct on Foreign Students at German Universities established by the German Rectors' Conference (HRK).
The International Office provides advice and support for international students on all aspects related to studying at TH Köln. The International Office accompanies your stay at our university with a variety of programmes and events and invites you to become a part of our international community (e.g., mentoring programmes for new first semester students, TH Köln Buddy programme KARIBU, or Language Partnership programme).
Every semester, the International Office organises a semester programme including exciting cultural events to connect German and international students as well as activities to jointly discover different aspects of Cologne (e.g., a guided tour of Cologne, trips to museums and theatres, or a semester trip to the German capital Berlin).

Accommodation

Boasting a population of slightly more than one million, Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest metropolis - a highly attractive one on top of that. The increasing influx of people can make the search for adequate accommodation quite difficult. Dozens of apartment hunters often compete for a single apartment. That is why the International Office strongly recommends that you start looking for a place to live as soon as possible.
The fierce competition on the housing market has resulted in above-market rents - particularly in proximity of the city centre. We therefore encourage you to be flexible: try to look for apartments outside the centre, as you will encounter less competition and lower rents.
Student dormitories
Cologne's most convenient and economical housing option is often a student dormitory. Kölner Studierendenwerk operates 86 student dorms offering roughly 4,700 rooms. Please be aware that TH Köln does not allocate the rooms in these dorms. In order to be allocated a room, please apply online on the website of Kölner Studentenwerk by clicking on "online-application". See: http://www.kstw.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=315&Itemid=11&lang=en.
The seemingly large number of dorm rooms is misleading; as the dormitories are open to the roughly 80,000 students enrolled at all Cologne universities, they are in extremely high demand. Make sure to apply for a dorm room at Kölner Studierendenwerk as early as possible.