Master Sciences De L'Eau — Eau et Société

The Eau et Société track of the Master Sciences de l'Eau at Université de Montpellier, in Montpellier, France, approaches water sciences from a social and governance perspective, examining how water resources are managed, shared, and contested among different groups in society. This field of study typically covers subjects such as water governance, environmental policy, the sociology of resource use, and the economic and political dimensions of water allocation, alongside a grounding in the hydrological and environmental sciences that underpin water systems. Students in this specialization generally learn to analyze conflicts over water use, evaluate governance structures, and assess the social and economic consequences of water scarcity or mismanagement. Because water is a resource shared across agriculture, industry, urban populations, and ecosystems, coursework in this track tends to combine scientific literacy about water systems with the study of institutions, law, and public policy that govern access and use. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the growing recognition that water management involves social and political questions as much as technical ones. The program is taught in French, spans two years, and begins in September. Graduates from this type of program commonly pursue careers in water governance organizations, public administration, environmental consultancies, non-governmental organizations, or research roles focused on the social dimensions of water resource management. The yearly tuition for this program is 250 EUR. This specialization is suited to students interested in the governance, policy, and social aspects of water management, complementing the more technical or scientific tracks within the broader field of water sciences.