Water and Development

Assessment details

 500 word essay (0%) 3000 word essay (100%)

Educational aims & objectives

Specific aims of the module

• to explore the linkage between water resources management and sustainable development through an understanding of both physical and socio-economic-political processes;
• to explore the various scales of water resources management and governance issues that emerge through development processes;
• to introduce contemporary policy discussions on the interface between water and development
• to practise applying theory and analytical tools to policy problems of water resources management and governance, including but not limited to Low- and Middle- Income Countries.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module students should be able to:

• to understand the role and implications of water resources management in sustainable development;
• to understand the relevance of environmental, socio-economic and political dimensions of water use and allocation at various spatial scales ranging from the local community level to the international transboundary river basin level;
• to identify and critically assess the role of actors and institutions involved in water resources management and governance;
• to critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of existing water policy;
• to demonstrate critical thinking through both structured essay responses and seminar exercises;
• identify and critically assess data and information through academic literature, newspapers, policy papers (and other grey literature), and websites

Teaching pattern

10 x 2 hours lectures/seminars

The module is structured (subject to change) as lectures, and seminar sessions which include activities and smaller group discussions. Indicative themes covered in the module are as below. Current, topical issues and policy-relevant discussions will also be included

• The ‘water crisis’ and global institutions
• Water and food
• Politics of infrastructure and dams
• Irrigation and development
• Transboundary water politics
• Integrated water resources management
• Water supply and sanitation
• Water and climate uncertainty

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.