Getting started : watch the video

This programme shares the same title, aims, objectives and modules as the programme taught at Loughborough University. The only difference is that the distance learning programme is delivered online, from here and on a USB pen drive. Whether you have enrolled for the MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate or a Professional Development programme, you will find everything here to help you get going online. If you have yet to apply for the programme, find all the information you need on the University's programme home page, making sure you select the distance learning option. If you have any concerns about how to apply, contact our Distance Learning Administration Team.

Booking modules

If you have already applied and are enrolled onto the programme, then the next step is to book the first module Management of Water and Environmental Sanitation Services. If you have completed this or other modules, check out the study schedules from the 'Studying with us' tab to find out which module you should study next. To book a module, use the WEFD Module Booking Form.

How the programme is delivered

It is also important at this stage to fully understand how your programme is delivered. The programme is comprised of a collection of discrete modules presented to you on this portal, and replicated as much as possible on a USB pen drive. Recognising that reliable Internet access may be limited in some parts of the world, we will send the pen drive to you before each module starts so you can choose to work offline. The unit guides also point to external resources which we think are important to support your learning. In effect, this portal is a 'one stop shop' for the programme.

LEARN

The internal module resources are drawn from the University’s Learning Management System called ‘LEARN’. On registration we will send you a username and password which will give you access to LEARN. When you have paid for a module, the materials will be released so you can get started straight away. Refer to the Study Guide to find out more about the delivery of the programme.

‌Study schedules | Length of programmes | Forthcoming semester dates | Price comparisons

The Study Guide

Thank you for choosing to study with WEDC. We hope you enjoy your distance learning programme. Whichever way you choose to learn, this guide will help you.

The Study Guide is designed to:

• introduce you to learning with WEDC;
• inform you of the procedures you need to take account of when studying;
• offer you a variety of approaches to help you learn;
• help you develop more effective ways of learning;
• support you to plan and carry out your coursework assignments, making the most of the time available; and
• help you produce work of the highest quality.

Study schedules

The number of modules you will be required to study is dependent on the level of programme you choose.

For the MSc programme you will study eight of the nine 15 credit modules and the 60 credit Research Dissertation module, so nine modules altogether.

For the Diploma programme you will study eight of the nine 15 credit modules but not the Research Dissertation module.

For the Postgraduate Certificate programme you will study four of the nine 15 credit modules

For the Short courses for professional development you will study one, two or three 15 credit modules

Length of programmes

You may take up to five years to complete the MSc programme. The study schedules show you how you can arrange your study depending on how long you wish to take.

Download pdf MSc schedules here: Three year option | Four year option | Five year option

Certificate programmes: If you do not have the qualifications necessary for direct entry onto one of our MSc or Diploma programmes, with relevant work experience you may still be eligible for entry onto one of our Certificate programmes. After successful completion you can normally upgrade your programme level, retaining the credits gained from your study on the Certificate programme.

For specific duration of the semesters, refer to the list below.

Semester dates

Academic year  2019-20

Semester 2: 3 February 2021 - 17 June 2021

Easter Sunday: 12

Academic year  2020-21

Semester 1: 28 September 2020 - 29 January 2021
Semester 2: 1 February 2021 - 16 June 2021

Easter Sunday: 4 April 2021

Academic year  2021-22

Semester 1: 4 October 2021 - 4 February 2022
Semester 2: 7 February 2022 - 22 June 2022

Easter Sunday: 14 April 2022

(Note: Because Easter Sunday is relatively late, there are 8 weeks of Semester 2 prior to the Easter vacation).

Academic year  2022-23

Semester 1: 3 October 2022 - 3 February 2023
Semester 2: 6 February 2023 - 21 June 2023

Easter Sunday: 9 April 2023

Academic year  2023-24

Semester 1: 2 October 2023 - 2 February 2024
Semester 2: 5 February 2024 - 19 June 2024

Easter Sunday: 31 March 2024

Academic year  2024-25

Semester 1: 30 September 2024 - 31 January 2025
Semester 2: 3 February 2025 - 18 June 2025

Easter Sunday: 20 April 2025

Price comparisons (2020-2021)

For latest prices refer to the WEFD Module Booking Form‌

* We regularly secure scholarships and bursaries in support of our students. 

Please note that fees can change from time to time. Consult the University's website for confirmation.

Programme modules

This section is where you can find the module unit guides and resources, the assignments and the noticeboards. To find out more about forthcoming modules download the programme brochure: WEFD Programme PDF. Semester dates are listed here.

Semester 1 

Water and the Natural Environment

Urban and Rural Water Supply Engineering

Flood Modelling and Management

Research Methods

Semester 2

Management of Water and Environmental Sanitation Infrastructure

Urban and Rural Sanitation Engineering

Groundwater Resources Modelling and Management

Disaster Risk Management or Advanced Wastewater Treatment

September – August (12 months)

Research Dissertation

Programme regulations

The programme regulations are governed by Loughborough University and apply to all postgraduate programmes. The regulations are set out in the Student Handbook which you should also read carefully and refer to if, or when, necessary.

In particular, we refer you to the following sections:

• Overview
• Registration
• Deferral and extensions
• Leave of absence
• Mitigating circumstances
• Plagiarism
• Academic misconduct
• Withdrawal or transfer

Please note that the regulations may change from time to time. If in doubt about any of the regulations contact the Distance Learning Administration Team. 

Module units

Our postgraduate modules are sub-divided into 'units' which are particular areas of study relating to the module. There are usually between 12 to 15 units to each module, with a few exceptions, such as Research Methods and Research Dissertation.

For each unit we provide a unit guide. In some cases the guide itself contains all we require you to study for its topic, with recommendations for further reading. In other cases it is a point of navigation to other resources too, ranging from academic texts, videos, webinars, recorded lectures and other learning 'assets', depending on the nature of the subject. Technical units are copiously illustrated to support your learning.

Trial unit guides

Here we provide three trial unit guides so you can get a clearer idea of what they look like.

Poverty and development

On-site rural sanitation

Handpumps – an overview

Please note that all other units are delivered from Loughborough University's learning management system called 'LEARN' and will be available on the start date once you have been enrolled onto a module.