School of Architecture

Master of Architecture (Water)

The University of Waterloo offers a unique research-based Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) collaborative program in Water. This program, jointly offered by ten departments across the Faculties of Arts, Engineering, Environment, Mathematics and Science, is intended to promote multi- and inter-disciplinary perspectives related to water. The goal of the program is to supplement disciplinary (specialist) training offered in individual departments with perspectives from a variety of water-related disciplines. Students graduating from the collaborative program will be better equipped to work in multidisciplinary teams to solve increasingly complex water issues.

The over 130 faculty members involved in water research at the University of Waterloo represent international excellence and leadership in the field. The faculty cohort includes a Canada Excellence Research Chair, eight Canada Research Chairs, two NSERC Industrial Research Chairs and several University Chairs. The University’s water programs are diverse and collectively comprehensive, creating a dynamic research and learning environment. Core disciplinary expertise includes:

• Hydrological (groundwater, surface water) science and engineering;
• Water/wastewater treatment and technology;
• Ecohydrology;
• Aquatic ecology and ecotoxicology;
• Water management, policy and governance.

The collaborative program in Water represents tremendous opportunity for graduate students to train within their chosen disciplines while being exposed to perspectives of water research, innovation and management from other fields.

Admissions Requirements

Interested students should apply to the collaborative program in Water in one of the following departments/schools via the regular university application process:

• Applied Mathematics
• Architecture
• Biology
• Chemical Engineering 
• Civil and Environmental Engineering 
• Earth and Environmental Sciences 
• Economics 
• Environment and Resource Studies 
• Environment, Enterprise and Development 
• Geography and Environmental Management 

The collaborative program is available to students who are applying to thesis or major paper-based research programs in the home department and whose program of study will have a substantial focus on water. Admission requirements are the same as home department programs, who must approve the application. Students will be required to submit a brief statement of their research interests in water with their application.

Degree Requirements

Students must fulfill all of the requirements of their home department, including any specific courses, thesis or seminar milestones, and all of the requirements of the Water program. Whether or not collaborative program courses can be used as electives in the home department will be determined by the department, and may differ from department to department. It is therefore possible that students will need to take additional courses beyond those prescribed by the home department in order to meet the specific requirements of the Water program.

Students in the Master of Architecture (Water) collaborative program must complete the degree requirements indicated below in addition to two core courses: WATER 601 and WATER 602.

*Required for students entering the program with a pre-professional Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo or equivalent degree. All other students will take this course requirement in year 1.

Students are encouraged to use elective courses to explore areas of specialization in support of their thesis research. One half (0.50) credit may be an independent Reading Course. Up to one half (0.50) credit elective may be taken in other departments. One half (0.50) WATER credit can be counted to fulfill one half (0.50) MArch elective requirement.

All masters’ students in architecture undertake and complete a research and design thesis. The thesis is developed within Arch 692 and Arch 693 Thesis Research and Design Studios and completed within the Spring semester. The thesis is supervised by a faculty advisor, and supported by a committee of one to two additional faculty members. The thesis must be presented and defended successfully before an Examining Committee composed of a minimum of the student's Supervisor, one Committee member and one Reader as per the requirements listed in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Core Courses

Core courses are designed to provide fundamental multidisciplinary knowledge and experience to complement the student’s specialist courses and water-related research in the home department.

The two required core courses are:

• WATER 601: Integrated Water Management (0.50 credit)
• WATER 602: Integrated Water Management Project (0.50 credit)

Research Seminar

Students will make a formal presentation on their research at an annual symposium or other designated event. This will be an opportunity to interact with a very broad multidisciplinary audience that crosses all areas of research in the collaborative programs.

Other opportunities

Students enrolled in the collaborative program will be offered other learning opportunities, such as participation in seminars and workshops and access to visiting fellows and scholars, which will enhance the learning experience.

Applying for the collaborative program in Water

For more information about the collaborative Water graduate programs, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator of a participating department or:

Dr. Mark Servos
Program Director
Phone: 519-888-4567 x36034
Email: mservos@uwaterloo.ca

Interested students should visit the Graduate Studies Office website.