Hydrology

Importantly, the Hydrology minor focuses on assessing the impacts of climate change on water resources, which is an area of frequent media coverage recently with floods, droughts and the exporting of bottled water.

The University of Waikato is located close to the longest river in New Zealand, which has been significantly modified by hydroelectricity and flood control schemes, and impacted by point and diffuse discharges of contaminants.

The University of Waikato is participating in efforts to rehabilitate the river to reverse the effects of past activities and address the concerns of tangata whenua.

Our teaching staff are involved in national and international research programmes, particularly in greenhouse gas emissions from soils, alternative methods for storing energy (pumped storage), and methods to manage groundwater systems and avoid or mitigate contamination.

Facilities

As a Hydrology student at the University of Waikato, you will have access to the University's well-equipped laboratories, using the most up-to-date equipment and software required for the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of weather and hydrological data.  You'll be working alongside, and learning from, well-respected researchers, industry professionals and academics.

Build a successful career

Studying Hydrology is beneficial for students looking for careers dealing in water quality, water resources, or resource management. Students with a minor in Hydrology currently tend to be employed in the electricity generation and water supply industries, regulatory authorities, consulting companies, and research institutions.