Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen MSc Sustainable Water Management programme starts in September 2026. It requires a UK 2:2 Honours degree, or an equivalent Honours degree from a non-UK institution, in any discipline. For Chinese applicants, a score of 65–79% from a well‑ranked public institution is considered comparable to a UK 2:2. The English language requirement is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with minimum sub‑scores of 5.5 in Listening, Reading and Speaking, and 6.0 in Writing. IELTS Indicator and IELTS General Training are not accepted. The programme is delivered on‑campus and can be taken full‑time over 12 months or part‑time over 24 months.
Academic entry requirement
The programme requires a 2:2 UK Honours degree, or an equivalent Honours degree from a non‑UK institution, in any discipline. No specific subject background is mandated.
China qualification equivalences
For Chinese applicants, the University of Aberdeen states that a score of 65–79% from a well‑ranked public institution is considered comparable to a UK 2:2. The official page does not provide a separate percentage range for higher classifications, nor does it list institution names or rankings that define “well‑ranked”.
English language requirement
The required English language test is IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.5. The minimum component scores are:
- Listening: 5.5
- Reading: 5.5
- Speaking: 5.5
- Writing: 6.0
IELTS Indicator and IELTS General Training are not accepted. The official evidence does not list alternative English language qualifications or waiver conditions.
Programme structure and study modes
The MSc Sustainable Water Management is an on‑campus programme. Two study modes are available:
- Full‑time: 12 months
- Part‑time: 24 months
The start date is September 2026. The official page does not detail module titles, assessment methods, or term dates.
What the official page establishes and what requires live rechecking
The official page establishes the degree classification requirement, the China‑specific percentage band, the IELTS Academic score and sub‑score thresholds, the non‑acceptance of IELTS Indicator and General Training, the study modes, the start date, and the on‑campus delivery. It does not establish application deadlines, tuition fees, deposit amounts, CAS issuance timelines, or whether places are capped.
How to use this information
This article translates the published entry criteria for Chinese applicants. It does not assess an individual’s likelihood of receiving an offer.
FAQ
Does the programme accept IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training?
No. The University of Aberdeen explicitly states that IELTS Indicator and IELTS General Training are not accepted for this programme.
What is the minimum IELTS Writing score?
The minimum IELTS Writing score is 6.0. The other three components—Listening, Reading and Speaking—each require a minimum of 5.5.
Can the MSc Sustainable Water Management be studied online?
The official evidence describes the mode of learning as on‑campus only. No online or distance‑learning option is listed.
Is a specific undergraduate major required?
No. The programme accepts an Honours degree in any discipline, provided it meets the 2:2 UK standard or its recognised equivalent.
What percentage do Chinese applicants need from a well‑ranked public institution?
A score of 65–79% is considered comparable to a UK 2:2. The official page does not give a separate range for a 2:1 equivalent, nor does it define which institutions count as well‑ranked.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn exclusively from the University of Aberdeen’s official programme page for MSc Sustainable Water Management, as accessed for the 2026/27 entry cycle. No other sources have been used.
- University of Aberdeen MSc Sustainable Water Management