Water Resources in a Changing Climate CPD Award

Course code WATMAN

What is special about this course?

Are you fascinated by the way we approach water use? Could you contribute to the innovations needed to tackle water management in the face of climate change?

As water becomes an increasingly variable resource, join our CPD Water Resources in a Changing Climate to understand regulations for water usage and explore stakeholder’s roles in developing a healthy water environment now and in the future. Explore concepts of sustainable water management from both theoretical and practical viewpoints, including best practice case studies of how the needs of the water user can be met without compromising the benefits that a healthy water environment provides to our society. Use the latest projections for the UK to obtain an in-depth assessment of how climate change could impact the availability of water and investigate our options for adapting to these possibilities. 

Focus on examples from Scotland and the rest of the UK within the wider European and global contexts. Learn examples of good practice from around the world, with regular contributions from students outside of the UK about their local experiences. Delivered by a tutor with over 18 years' experience in water resources regulation, flood management, and climate change assessment, this course is ideal if you are: employed by, or a consultant for, water-related industries, including public water supply, hydropower, beverages (including brewing and distilleries), and agriculture; an environmental manager, or working in a technical role such as water resource practitioner, hydrologist, or environmental scientist; or a government agency employee, working for environment and conservation agencies with a remit covering the water environment.

Special features

  • Explore scientific and regulatory perspectives of sustainable water management 
  • Study flexibly and completely online, based around a weekly presentation posted on our virtual learning environment, along with accompanying learning resources such as papers and web links
  • Benefit from a themed weekly discussion board between students, accompanied by a number of optional online tutorials which will consider topical water-related issues
  • Use web resources, including videos and interactive web sites, for extracting and analysing environmental data

Entry requirements

  • Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject
  • Other qualifications will be considered for those with a minimum of three years relevant professional experience

CPD Award

The module learning outcomes for this CPD are:

  • Understand the basic components and processes of the water cycle and the different methods used to monitor and analyse these in terms of both water resource quantity and quality 
  • Understand what is meant by water resources and gain detailed knowledge on the range of water resource issues common within the rural and mountain environments such as pollution, floods and droughts
  • Understand the projected impacts of climate change on water resources and demonstrate a critical awareness of how moving to Net Zero is expected to influence our use of water
  • Using relevant case studies, critically assess the potential of tools used in water management and climate change adaptation

How will I study my course?

  •  Part-time
  • You will study through supported online learning using the university's virtual learning environment (VLE). You will have the opportunity to share information and experience with other students from a range of backgrounds and perspectives. You will be assessed on a report on a published paper, the preparation of a catchment management plan, and evaluation of contributions to the discussion board
  • You will be supported by the Centre for Mountain Studies, UHI Perth. For more information on the centre and courses available, please email us or call us on +44 (0)1738 877761

How long will my course last?

  • Part-time: 15 weeks starting in September

Where can I study my course?

  • Perth
  • This fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the world. You will be enrolled and supported by staff at UHI Perth

Start date

  • September

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

  • EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
  2023-24 2024-25
CPD award (20 credit module) £584 £584

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status, the following fees apply:

  2023-24 2024-25
CPD award (20 credit module) £720 £780

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. These students will get an automatic fee scholarship.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

 

2023-24

With scholarship 2024-25 With scholarship
CPD award (20 credit module) £1,080 £810 £1,110 £833

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union, studying online from their home country, or assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:

  2023-24 2024-25
CPD award (20 credit module) £1,080 £1,110

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international postgraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

This course is not available for international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

What can I do on completion of my course?

The module gives valuable academic recognition that can enhance employment opportunities. Professionals working in water management can use the learning outcomes to develop their own working practices.

Can I progress into further study?

This module is part of the MSc Sustainable Mountain Development and, after successful completion of the CPD award, you may want to consider building to the postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma or the full masters award.

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for Water Resources in a Changing Climate CPD Award

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.