The short, on-line courses are aimed at individuals involved in all aspects of freshwater quality management, staff in higher education and research, and industry staff responsible for water use, wastewater treatment and discharge. The courses, offered by the UN Environment GEMS/Water Capacity Development Centre, in conjunction with University College Cork (UCC), are particularly suitable for professionals looking to expand their knowledge in specific areas relevant to their work.

• The courses are accredited by UCC and delivered online in conjunction with the UCC Centre for Continuous Professional Development.
  

• Each course is twelve weeks in duration with one new lesson per week.

• The assessment for each course comprises online Multiple Choice Question tests.

• All courses run twice a year commencing in January and September each year. Applications can be made at any time but no later than six weeks prior to the start of the course.

• The courses are stand-alone, credit-bearing courses at postgraduate level and may be used as credits in other appropriate degree and diploma programmes.

The MSc is designed to give students a strong foundation in all aspects of water quality monitoring and assessment, equipping them to work in the area of water quality management in public or private sectors, including water and environment ministries, regulatory agencies, agriculture and industry. The programme will be of particular benefit for the career advancement of employees already working in freshwater resources management.