Education

Many alumni say ‘it transformed my life’ when describing their experience of studying at IHE Delft. They talk about learning from each other, as well as the world-renowned teaching staff. They loved their exposure to other cultures and disciplines among the staff and student body and the fact that they built a network for life - the largest water professional network in the world.

Targeting early to mid-career professionals, the education programmes at IHE Delft aim at addressing water challenges and contributing to global sustainable development, in particular to all Sustainable Development Goals in which water is key.

The importance of water in sustainable development is highlighted in a number of international policies, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, e.g. SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 2.5 and SDG 11.3, as well as the risk surveys by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the Ramsar Convention and many others.

These global challenges will expose future IHE Delft graduates to water problems of unprecedented complexity and magnitude. They therefore require a range of knowledge, skills and attitudes to be optimally prepared for these challenges and to contribute effectively to the development of integrated solutions.

IHE Delft graduates are expected to be critical, creative and independent thinkers and effective water professionals, who are able to connect and engage with a range of disciplines such as natural sciences, social sciences and engineering. They are expected to be able to work in environmental and societal complex contexts, with the ability to work productively in teams and take leadership.