Cranfield University

What you'll study

The programme covers the fundamental science and engineering of drinking water and wastewater treatment alongside practical skills in process design, monitoring and optimisation. Teaching blends core modules on physicochemical and biological treatment mechanisms with applied topics such as membrane processes, sludge management, nutrient removal and resource recovery.

• Core process fundamentals: reaction kinetics, bioprocesses, sedimentation, flocculation and filtration principles.
• Advanced treatment technologies: membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, adsorption, nutrient and micropollutant removal.
• Sludge and resource management: thickening, digestion, dewatering, energy recovery and circular economy approaches.
• Water quality and microbiology: pathogen control, water chemistry, monitoring and risk assessment.
• Modelling, control and instrumentation: process modelling, control strategies, data analysis and sensor technologies.
• Practical work and pilot studies: laboratory experiments, pilot-scale trials and plant investigations to develop hands-on skills.
• Project work: an individual research or design dissertation that applies learning to a practical problem, often with an industrial sponsor.

Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory and pilot-scale practicals, computer modelling sessions, group design exercises and industry-led case studies. Assessment typically combines exams, coursework, lab reports, presentations and the final dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours) in engineering, environmental science, chemistry, microbiology or a closely related discipline. Candidates with a lower second-class degree plus relevant industrial experience, or professional qualifications in the water sector, may be considered. International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in English through an approved qualification.

Selection also considers referees' reports and a candidate's motivation and relevant practical experience; those with substantial professional experience in water or wastewater operations, consulting or research can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across the water sector and related industries. Typical career paths include:

• Process engineer or design engineer in water and wastewater treatment companies and engineering consultancies.
• Operations and production roles within water utilities and private service providers.
• Asset management, sewer and catchment management, and regulatory compliance roles for public authorities and regulators.
• Specialist positions in membrane technology, resource recovery, sludge management and water quality monitoring.
• Research and development roles in industry or progression to doctoral studies and academic careers.
• Project management, environmental consultancy and technical advisory roles addressing sustainability and circular economy solutions.

Graduates benefit from strong employer demand for skills that combine technical knowledge with practical plant experience and modelling capability.

Why study at Cranfield University

Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate institution with a long track record of applied engineering and environmental teaching. The university places strong emphasis on practical, industry-focused learning delivered by academics and practitioners with sector experience.

• Practical facilities: access to well-equipped laboratories and pilot-scale treatment facilities supports hands-on learning and real-world experimentation.
• Industry links: close collaboration with water utilities, consultancies and technology providers delivers guest lectures, live projects and opportunities for sponsored research.
• Applied research culture: teaching is informed by active research into process optimisation, resource recovery, membrane systems and digital monitoring, helping students engage with current challenges.
• Professional development: the programme emphasises transferable skills—project management, data analysis and communication—that support career progression in the water sector.