University of Hull

What you'll study

This programme combines hydrology, hydraulics and coastal processes with risk assessment, policy and adaptation planning. Core topics typically include flood hydrology and hydraulics, hydrodynamic and rainfall–runoff modelling, coastal flood processes and sea-level change, and flood risk assessment and management. You will also study catchment and coastal management approaches, nature-based solutions and integrated water resources management.

• Hydrology and hydraulics: rainfall–runoff processes, river hydraulics, flood frequency analysis and channel hydraulics.
• Hydrodynamic and numerical modelling: hands-on use of commonly used modelling tools and principles of model setup, calibration and uncertainty analysis.
• Coastal processes and sea-level change: storm surge, wave overtopping, estuarine dynamics and the impacts of climate-driven sea-level rise.
• Flood risk assessment and mapping: hazard and vulnerability assessment, mapping techniques and risk communication.
• Adaptation, policy and governance: planning for resilience, cost–benefit appraisal of measures, policy frameworks and stakeholder engagement.
• Data analysis and GIS: spatial analysis, remote sensing, and use of GIS for flood mapping; common data-handling and scripting approaches (e.g. Python/R) are introduced.
• Research dissertation or industry project: an extended individual project allowing you to apply methods learned to a practical problem, often linked to a local case study or industry partner.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, laboratory and computer practicals, fieldwork on riverine and coastal sites, guest seminars and project supervision. Assessment typically combines coursework, practical modelling exercises, group work, written exams and the final dissertation or project report.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a UK second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) or international equivalent in a relevant subject such as environmental science, geography, civil or environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with professional experience in flood or water management, or those with a lower academic qualification plus relevant experience, may also be considered.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language requirements. You may also be asked to provide a personal statement, references and evidence of numeracy or quantitative experience where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates work in a range of organisations involved in flood and coastal risk management. Typical destinations include environmental and engineering consultancies, local and national government bodies responsible for flood planning and emergency response, water and utility companies, the Environment Agency and equivalent agencies, non-governmental organisations, and research institutions.

Common roles taken by alumni include flood risk modeller, coastal engineer, floodplain manager, resilience and adaptation officer, environmental consultant, GIS specialist for water management, and further academic research toward PhD study. The course provides practical modelling and project experience that employers value, and many students progress into roles that combine technical analysis with policy and stakeholder engagement.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull offers strong, practice-oriented teaching in flood risk and water management, benefitting from its geographic location on the Humber estuary and proximity to diverse riverine and coastal environments. This setting supports hands-on fieldwork and real-world case studies relevant to estuarine and coastal flood risk.

Students gain access to experienced academic staff who undertake applied research in hydrology, coastal processes and environmental modelling, and the programme maintains links with regional and national flood risk practitioners, providing opportunities for industry-relevant projects and professional networking. The course emphasises transferable technical skills — modelling, GIS and data analysis — alongside policy and stakeholder engagement, preparing graduates for both technical and strategic roles in flood risk management.