UPEACE Africa · MA-SWCA
MA Sustainable Water Resource Management & Climate Change Adaptation
January 2027 intake · Applications close 25 December 2026
Apply for this programmeProgramme overview
Build leadership and resilience competencies in sustainable water resource management and climate change adaptation. The programme connects water science, policy, environmental security and community development, with research and practical learning supporting national and international water-management challenges.
Academic information is drawn from the UPEACE Master’s brochure. Duration, delivery format, entry requirements and curriculum for the January 2027 intake are subject to confirmation by admissions.
Who this programme is for
Existing and aspiring water resource management leaders and applicants interested in climate adaptation and community development.
Areas of study
- Hydrology and integrated water resources management
- Climate change impacts and adaptation
- Water policy, governance and security
- Transboundary water management
Knowledge and skills
Strengthen the ability to analyse water-management challenges, evaluate adaptation approaches and contribute to resilient water policy and practice.
Programme modules
Modules listed in the supplied UPEACE brochure. The admissions team confirms the final curriculum and credit requirements for your intake.
Semester 1
UPEACE Foundation Course
UPM-6001 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Environmental Analysis & Management System
SWCA-6000 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Global and Regional Environmental Studies
SWCA-6001 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Climate Change – Impacts and Adaptation
SWCA-6002 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Hydrology and Hydrogeology
SWCA-6003 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Integrated Water Resources Management
SWCA-6004 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Water Policy and Governance
SWCA-6005 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Semester 2
Environmental and Water Security
SWCA-6006 · 4 credits · 4 weeks
Sustainability and Climate Security
WCA-6007 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Transboundary Water Management
WCA-6008 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Project Management
RMSED-6042 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Research Methods
SWCA-6010 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Final Research Project (Thesis)
SWCA-7000 · 8 credits · 24 weeks
Teaching and assessment
Live online teaching combines discussion, participatory activities, critical reflection and applied tasks. Faculty and tutors provide course materials and feedback. Assessment includes course papers and examinations, followed by a final research project or dissertation. Field practice is included where specified in the programme curriculum.
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree; the brochure lists social or behavioural sciences, business, economics and humanities. Admissions reviews programme-specific suitability.
- Evidence of English-language competence, including previous study in English or an appropriate language assessment.
- Reliable internet access and familiarity with e-learning tools, word processing and presentations.
Application documents
Prepare a completed application form, certified Bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts, a 300-word statement of purpose and evidence of English competence. The Africa admissions process also requests an ID or passport copy and passport photograph.
Fees and scholarships
While the standard international tuition for postgraduate programmes at the University for Peace Main Campus in Costa Rica is USD 10,000, the UPEACE Africa Regional Programme provides an automatic 50% regional scholarship to qualifying African professionals admitted to our executive online and hybrid programmes. The total tuition payable is adjusted to USD 5,000 for the complete 18-month programme. The fees are payable in instalment.
| Milestone stage | Academic checkpoint & timing | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Admission & Registration | Upon offer acceptance (secures seat) | $500 |
| Semester 1 – Installment 1 | Prior to commencement of Semester 1 | $750 |
| Semester 1 – Installment 2 | Before the end of Semester 1 (Prior to exams) | $750 |
| Semester 2 – Installment 1 | Prior to commencement of Semester 2 | $750 |
| Semester 2 – Installment 2 | Before the end of Semester 2 (Coursework clearance) | $750 |
| Dissertation – Installment 1 | Beginning of dissertation (Supervisor allocation) | $750 |
| Dissertation – Installment 2 | Before final thesis defense & graduation clearance | $750 |
| Total programme fee | $5,000 USD | |
Fees are payable in the seven instalments shown above. Payment instructions are issued by the UPEACE Africa finance office once an offer of admission is confirmed.
Contact admissions about fees and scholarshipsRequest Information & Prospectus
MA Sustainable Water Resource Management & Climate Change Adaptation
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