Environmental Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme

The Master’s programme in Environmental Engineering has two specialisations: Water Science and Technology (WST) and Offshore Environmental Technology (OET). WST focuses on Aquatic Ecology, Water and Wastewater treatment, while OET focuses on environmental science and technologies related to the offshore oil and gas industry. A master’s thesis of 30 ECTS is compulsory for both specialisations.

Programme content, structure and composition

The degree programme consists of courses and a research component along two specialisations: WST and OET. Both specialisations are based on courses that include compulsory and elective subjects. Students conduct a supervised original scientific research project worth 30 ECTS within the scope of their specialisation, 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 courses that will define their direction of specialisation which is fulfilled by the completion of a full-time thesis project in the final semester. This degree structure reflects the idea of the environmental physiologist, being able to understand and analyse the state of a system (systems analysis), identify detrimental environmental impacts, and based on that, suggest solutions for remediation.

The specialisation in Water Science and Technology includes water chemistry and ecology, including technologies for treatment of water and runoff. This specialisation gives a foundation in natural science and research. Students will learn more about the aquatic processes and mechanisms that are crucial to understanding natural water environments and our use of them. In addition, students will learn more about environmental biotechnology and water treatment.

A specialisation in Offshore Environmental Engineering is suitable for those who are interested in technical and administrative methods for environmental management in the offshore industry. Students will take subjects in separation technology, environmental production technology and offshore environmental management. The offshore environmental specialisation gives you a head start if you want to work in the oil and gas industry or in an offshore related company.

The University of Stavanger has emphasis on offering all study programmes as planned but reserves the right to make changes subject to capacity and the number of students. Adjustments of content and structure of study programmes are natural in relation with changes in technology and society over time.

Learning outcomes

After having completed the master’s programme in Environmental Engineering, the student shall have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:

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: Candidates in WST have advanced level knowledge in technologies for treatment of potable water, and municipal and industrial wastewater.

K6: Candidates in OET have general knowledge on environmental aspects of offshore oil and gas exploration and production.

K7: Candidates in OET have advanced level knowledge of criteria for environmental risk assessment, including key parameters for fate and effect evaluations in receiving aquatic systems.

Skills

S1: The candidate is able to 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 toxic analyses. The candidate can adequately document analytical results including formal reporting.

S4: Candidates in WST are 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: Candidates in WST can use advanced computer tools and system models for simulation and system identification of aquatic systems and water treatment processes.

S6: Candidates in OET know how to apply key parameters for environmental risk management and apply environmental risk assessment tools to relevant problems in the oil and gas 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 is able to 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.

Career prospects

Graduated candidates qualify for positions within environmental technology and management in the private and public sector. This includes research institutions, engineering companies, public offices, or as technical consultants/environmental advisors in industrial enterprises. 

Candidates can also qualify for relevant PhD positions at the University of Stavanger, other universities in Norway or abroad.

Course assessment

Schemes for quality assurance and evaluation of studies are stipulated in Quality system for education.