Joint Master Programme in Groundwater and Global Change - Impacts and Adaptation (GroundwatCh)
Table of contents
What is GroundwatCH?
The Erasmus+ (Erasmus Mundus) Joint Master Programme in Groundwater and Global Change - Impacts and Adaptation (GroundwatCH) addresses the current gaps in higher education with regard to the understanding of the complex interactions between groundwater, surface water, climate and global change, and how we should consider these, and can benefit from them, for the implementation of adaptation solutions.
The programme is offered by an international consortium consisting of:
As a key partner, TU Dresden hosts the third semester of the programme, providing students with specialized training in climate systems, groundwater-soil-climate interactions, and interdisciplinary research. TU Dresden’s focus on environmental systems and water governance gives students a critical edge in understanding global water challenges.
Graduates will receive a joint MSc degree from the three partnering institutes.
Why study GroundwatCh?
| 🌍 Study in Three EU Countries Live and learn in Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany—gaining regional insight into global groundwater and climate challenges. |
🎓 Inter Disciplinary Training |
🧪 Thesis & Research Focus Complete your MSc thesis at one of the partner universities or with global institutions in the public or private sector. |
💼 Strong Global Career Path Join a strong alumni network—88% employed in water-related roles or PhD paths in international organisations, research, and consulting. |
The programme offers a distinctive curriculum built on the cornerstones of hydrogeology, hydrology and climatology. With this curriculum GroundwatCH aims to increase the knowledge and skills regarding the interactions between groundwater, surface water, climate and global change, as well as the need to consider and benefit from these interactions when dealing with adaptation.
Kayaking in Lisbon © IHE Delft
First Day at IHE © IHE Delft
Field Trip Digne 1 © IHE Delft
Field Class in Digne-les-Baines (France): Demonstration of atmospheric and soil measurements at the Meteo Tower (May 2018) © C. Bernhofer
Saxony Switzerland © IHE Delft
Programme Structure
1st Semester: Lisbon (September - February)
Instituto Superior Técnico (Portugal) is the largest and most prestigious school of engineering in Portugal. It provides the program participants with the Environmental Engineering perspective.
2nd Semester: Delft (March - July)
You will study at IHE Delft (the Netherlands). It is the largest international graduate Water Education Institute in the world that has provided graduate education to more than 15,000 water professionals from over 162 countries.
3rd Semester: TU Dresden (September - February)
| Compulsory Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Climate Systems and Climate Modelling | 5 |
| Study Project | 10 |
| Soil Water | 5 |
| Elective Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Integrated Water Resources Management | 5 |
| Water Quality and Water Treatment | 5 |
| Modelling of Wastewater Systems | 5 |
| Drinking Water Spply | 5 |
| Aquatic Ecology and Ecotoxicology | 5 |
| Conflict Management and Communication | 5 |
| Apllied Watershed Management | 5 |
| Water Extremes - Risk Assessment and Management | 10 |
| Numerical Methods for Hydrosciences | 5 |
| Hydrodynamics | 5 |
| Statistics | 5 |
The 3rd semester spend at the Technical University of Dresden consists of 3 compulsory courses and 11 elective courses. Offered modules deal with a variety of science and engineering related topics. The compulsory study project gives students the opportunity to investigate a topic in a study group under the supervision of a supervisor from the faculty.
For TU Dresden, the legal framework for the programme is set out in the study regulations and examination regulations.
Students at TU Dresden benefit from...
| 🌍 Expertise in Climate & Water TU Dresden offers leading research in climate-groundwater systems and environmental science. |
🧪 Signature Study Project Work in teams on real-world challenges with academic support—worth 10 ECTS credits. |
🎓 Flexible, Applied Electives Tailor your profile with courses in engineering, geoscience, climate, and policy. |
🏙️ Vibrant, Student-Friendly City Live in Dresden—affordable, green, and ideally located for regional field trips. |
Admission and Deadlines
The programme starts every September in Lisbon and offers around 15-20 scholarships per year. Please note that all applicants have to apply via the official programme website (www.groundwatermaster.eu) with the following deadlines:
- Applications for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: 06 January (for Partner Countries) and 03 February (for Programme Countries) of the corresponding academic year.
- Applications with independent funding: 31 May of the corresponding academic year.
Please do not apply for GroundwatCh directly at TU Dresden as it won't have any success.
Please check www.groundwatermaster.eu for more information on the course and the application guidelines.
Contact
Main Contact at TU Dresden
Karen Rojas
Contacts at IHE Delft
Dr. Tibor Stigter, Programme Coordinator