Hydro Science and Engineering (HSE) Dresden University of Technology

The MSc programme will convey knowledge about protection and management of water resources in different climatic zones, as well as design and construction of water supply and wastewater treatment. The study course is divided into basic and advanced courses during the first three semesters. The final semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis.

During the basic courses, 30 credits are gained. All students attend lectures on statistics and climatology. In addition, two out of three modules in geodesy, hydromechanics and hydraulics, and two out of three modules in soils, ecology and hydrochemistry have to be selected. Students with a background in natural or environmental sciences should take classes in hydraulic engineering and hydromechanics. Students with a background in civil engineering should study ecology and water chemistry.

For advanced courses, students choose modules corresponding to 50 credits out of the following catalogue:

• Aquatic Ecology & Ecotoxicology (5 credits)
• Circular Economy (5 credits)
• Climate Change (5 credits)
• Climate Systems & Climate Modelling (5 credits)
• Drinking Water Supply (5 credits)
• Water Extremes – Hazard and Risk Assessment (10 credits)
• Water Extremes – Risk Assessment and Management (10 credits)
• Ground Water (5 credits)
• Hydrodynamics (5 credits)
• Integrated Water Resources Management 1 & 2 (5 credits each)
• International Water Issues (5 credits)
• Modelling of Wastewater systems (5 credits)
• Water Quality and Water Treatment (5 credits)
• Soil Water (5 credits)
• Urban Water Management (5 credits)
• Watershed Management 1 & 2 (10 credits)
• Communication and Conflict Management (5 credits)
• Numerical Methods for Hydrosciences (5 credits)
• Statistical Learning for Earth System Sciences (5 credits)
• Internship (5 credits)

In addition, a study project (10 credits) must be completed.

The courses follow a modular structure. The individual courses take the form of lectures, seminars, exercises, practical training, project work, specialist excursions, workshops, and student tutorials.

The programme is divided into a one-semester basic course and a three-semester advanced course. The basic course consists of two mandatory modules plus four elective modules. These elective modules are organised into two main groups and students must choose two modules from each group.

The advanced course consists of a mandatory study project (10 credits) plus advanced electives (50 credits). Students shape their individual academic paths by choosing from a wide, interdisciplinary module catalogue. The preparation of a Master's thesis (30 credits) including a colloquium is the final part of the course.

See description of content: https://tu-dresden.de/bu/umwelt/hydro/studium/studienangebot/master/master_hse/modules-and-program-structure.

An optional module allows students to receive 5 ECTS credits for an internship.

For the Master's course with individual funding:

• 1 April to 31 May via uni-assist for all other international students
• 1 April to 15 July for all EU citizens

For EPOS DAAD scholarships (one year before intended start):

• 15 October at the university

Applications have to be submitted in English.

Application for admission to HSE with individual funding uni-assist time slot:
1 April to 31 May

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree (graduation better than average) in natural sciences or engineering disciplines or similar, with a standard course length of at least six semesters. Good basic knowledge of mathematics and other natural sciences is required.
Professional experience is not essential for the course but appreciated and treated as an additional criterion.

Currently, students pay approx. 340 EUR per semester (i.e. for six months). This includes a ticket for public transport and regional trains in all of Germany ("Deutschlandticket"). Additionally, students can use a bike rental service all over the city for free for 30 min. The contribution also assures concessions in the university cafeterias and offers benefits (e.g. price reductions) for many cultural and leisure activities in Dresden.

Dresden offers high quality of living at very moderate costs. Currently, students should expect to pay around 850 EUR per month including rent, food, insurance and basic expenses. This figure is relatively low compared to other big German cities.

In order to top up their budget, some students may want to look for temporary work in Dresden. If so, different regulations apply for students from EU member states, countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, and students from outside the European Union and the EEA area. In addition, restrictions on the duration of employment may apply. Professors, lecturers and group leaders involved in the Master's programme may offer students the possibility of working as academic assistants. However, living expenses can be financed only partially through a job as an academic assistant.

Information on scholarships and funding for students is summarised on a dedicated web page of the TU Dresden.

TU Dresden offers plenty of counselling and training within its Career Service to help students with finding professional orientation. They offer workshops to equip students with professional skills and help optimise their CVs.

Additionally, there are special workshops for international students to get to know the German market, particularly in Saxony and to support the development of professional networks.

It is still relatively easy to find affordable accommodation in Dresden. Accommodation is available either via the "Studentenwerk Dresden" or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 250 EUR per month.
Private housing can be found online. We recommend that you move into a hall of residence at the beginning of your stay in Dresden. Subsequently, you can look for a place on the private market or in a shared apartment, which is known as a "Wohngemeinschaft" in German.