Study programme description for students
Environmental Engineering - Master
Facts
Studyprogram code M-ENVTEC
Credits (ECTS) 120
Level Master's degree (2 years)
Leads to degree Master of Environmental Engineering (miljøteknologi)
Full-/Part-time Full-time
Duration 4 semesters
Undergraduate No
Language of instruction English
The Master's programme in Environmental Engineering focuses on aquatic ecology, water and wastewater treatment in addition to environmental science and technology that can be used both on- and offshore.
Objectives, content, and organisation of the study programme
The degree programme consists of compulsory and elective courses and a research component based on environmental engineering. Students conduct a supervised original scientific research project worth 30 ECTS resulting in a master’s thesis.
The structure of the programme reflects the overall objective of educating students to become capable of analysing environmental systems, identify detrimental environmental impacts and suggest technologies for remediation. Our focus is the aquatic environment. The first semester introduces students to the multidisciplinary perspective of an environmental engineer through courses on fundamental mechanisms and processes of aquatic systems, quantitative and qualitative analysis of water quality parameters and introduction of systems analysis based on conservation laws. Students’ progress into the second semester by focusing on technologies for water and wastewater treatment. In the third semester, students choose a combination of advanced elective courses that will define their career directions along with the completion of a full-time thesis project in the final semester. This degree structure reflects the idea of environmental engineers' ability to understand and analyse the state of a system (systems analysis), identify detrimental environmental impacts, and based on that, suggest sustainable solutions for remediation.
The programme is well suited for students who want to focus on technologies for water and wastewater treatment. The programme provides students with fundamental and advanced competences in aquatic chemistry, environmental biotechnology and water process engineering allowing them to solve problems in an environmentally sustainable way.
The students will gain the skills necessary to qualify for a wide variety of careers in water and wastewater treatment, aquaculture and environmental management in the offshore industries. With an MSc in Environmental Engineering, graduates will be able to suggest, design and operate environmental process technologies based on profound understanding of recipient aquatic system, both offshore and onshore.
The master's programme in Environmental Engineering will provide you with knowledge, skills, and competencies that can contribute directly to the work in achieving the goals for a better world.
Details on teaching and learning methods, required literature, evaluation methods, and assessment criteria are provided in each course description.
The University of Stavanger strives to deliver all study programs as planned; however, it reserves the right to make adjustments should there be insufficient resources and/or student enrollment to ensure implementation. Over time, it is expected that both the academic content and the range of courses will evolve in response to developments within the discipline, advancements in technology, and broader societal changes.
Learning outcome
A graduate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
K1: The candidate has advanced level knowledge in water chemistry and microbial ecology of aquatic systems.
K2: The candidate has extensive knowledge of sources, conversion and transportation of vital chemical components for overall water quality in freshwater and marine recipients.
K3: The candidate knows how to characterise water quality and perform aquatic process analysis based on continuity principles and biogeochemical conversion processes.
K4: The candidate knows how to stay current in environmental science and technologies by applying information resources and industrial contacts.
K5: The candidate has advanced level knowledge in technologies for treatment of potable water, and municipal and industrial wastewater.
K6: The candidate has advanced level knowledge of criteria for environmental risk assessment, including key parameters for fate and effect evaluations in receiving aquatic systems.
K7: Advanced knowledge of biodegradation and fate of environmental pollutants including applications with bioremediation.
K8: Plan execute and report at research project under supervision.
Skills
S1: The candidate can apply and evaluate disciplinary knowledge to diagnose aquatic ecological problems and suggest adequate solutions based on holistic ecological reasoning, including analysis and evaluation of field data.
S2: The candidate can apply basic field equipment for limnological and hydrological measurements including sampling techniques of sediments and free water masses. Furthermore, candidates know how to perform fundamental laboratory methods for water quality analysis and laboratory tests for design and operational analysis of treatment unit processes.
S3: The candidate is competent for work in water quality and ecotoxicological laboratories and acquainted with methods for water quality characterization and chemical biodegradation analyses. The candidate can adequately document analytical results including formal reporting.
S4: The candidate is able to perform advanced-level water and wastewater characterization, including laboratory testing, and apply mass and energy balances for design, and operational analysis of treatment processes.
S5: The candidate can use advanced computer tools and system models for simulation and system identification of aquatic systems and water treatment processes.
S6: The candidate knows how to apply key parameters for environmental risk management and apply environmental risk assessment tools to relevant problems in industry.
General Competence
G1: The candidate can contribute to original analysis, innovation and entrepreneurship via development and realization of sustainable products, systems and solutions.
G2: The candidate has a profound understanding of environmental, human health, and societal consequences of ecological impacts on aquatic environments, and competences to view these in ethical and life-cycle perspectives.
G3: The candidate can communicate advanced technical and natural scientific knowledge to a wide range of audiences both orally and written. Furthermore, candidates are able to direct attention to the importance and consequences of environmental technology.
G4: The candidate can contribute to scientific discussions, show respect and understanding of other disciplines, and contribute to multidisciplinary projects.
G5: Candidate can plan, design and operate environmental technologies
Career prospects
This master’s degree opens doors to a world of opportunity. As the demand for sustainable solutions grows, your expertise will be in demand for addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges. Whether onshore or offshore, industries increasingly rely on environmentally friendly processes — and you can be a part of the solution.
With this degree, you’ll unlock diverse and meaningful career paths where you can combine science, technology, and creativity for a greener, healthier future.
Work at the forefront of sustainability across critical sectors such as:
- aquaculture
- water and wastewater technology
- Resource Recovery and sustainabilty
A degree in Environmental Engineering provides a basis for work with:
- maintain clean water environments through water wastewater treatment and resource management
- manage waste sustainably, from recycling to innovative energy recovery
- environmental impact assessment and environmental risk analysis
- restore ecosystems with soil and groundwater remediation techniques
- drive climate solutions through renewable energy, carbon capture, and resilience planning
Course assessment
Schemes for quality assurance and evaluation of studies are stipulated in Quality System for Education.Studyplan with courses
Student exchange
Students may choose to study abroad gaining international experience outside the programme during the 3rd semester.
During the exchange semester you should choose courses similar to your programme. The courses you want to take abroad must be approved by the department. It is important that the courses from abroad do not overlap with courses you have already taken. You must choose at least one non-science/technological course equivalent to 5-10 ECTS (e.g. economics, languages, ethics, project management, green transition or similar).
More opportunities
In addition to the recommended universities listed below, The University of Stavanger has a number of agreements with universities outside Europe that are applicable to all students at The University of Stavanger, provided that they find a relevant subject offering. Within the Nordic region, all students can use the Nordlys and Nordtek networks.
Find out more: Outbound exchange at UiS | University of Stavanger
Contact your study adviser at the faculty if you have questions about guidance and pre-approval of courses: Hege Bakken
General questions about exchange:
Go to the exchange guide in the Digital student service desk
See where you can travel
Contact information
Study Adviser: Hege Bakken
Faculty of Science and Technology, telephone (+47) 51 83 17 00, E-mail: post-tn@uis.no
