Environmental Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme

The Master's program 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.

Programme content, structure and composition

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.

The knowledge (K1 to K3 and K5) and skills (S1 to S5) learning outcomes relate directly to understanding water quality, treatment processes, and ecological reasoning for water-related problems. They align with SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation by addressing the need for knowledge and technologies to ensure clean water availability and proper water management in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. water chemistry, microbial ecology, and water quality analysis for freshwater and marine systems, including advanced knowledge in treatment technologies for potable water and wastewater.

The knowledge (K1 to K3 and K7) and skills (S1 to S3 and S6) specifically address knowledge about aquatic systems, environmental risk assessment, and ecological impacts on aquatic environments. They align with SDG 14 Life below Water by focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

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: 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

A master’s degree in Environmental Engineering 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.

With this degree, you’ll unlock diverse and meaningful career paths. Work at the forefront of sustainability across critical sectors such as food production, aquaculture, and water and wastewater technology. Whether onshore or offshore, industries increasingly rely on environmentally friendly processes—and you’ll be part of the solution.

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.