The Master of Engineering (Water Resources Management) is an advanced postgraduate qualification that equips engineers with specialised knowledge and skills to plan, design, manage, and protect Australia's water systems. The degree covers a broad spectrum of water-related engineering disciplines, including hydrology, hydraulics, groundwater management, water quality, flood assessment, stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and integrated catchment management. Students develop the technical and analytical capabilities needed to address real-world challenges across the full water cycle — from source catchments and rivers through to coastal environments and urban drainage networks. The curriculum combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical modelling, design, and research components, often culminating in a major thesis or industry-partnered capstone project.

This qualification is designed for civil engineers, environmental engineers, and applied scientists who wish to deepen their expertise in water-focused engineering practice. It is well suited to both recent engineering graduates seeking to specialise and working professionals looking to formalise or advance their skills in the water sector. Graduates are prepared for careers across a wide range of employing organisations, including engineering consulting firms, state and federal government water agencies, local councils, water utilities (such as Water Corporation, SA Water, Melbourne Water, Sydney Water, and Seqwater), mining companies, and infrastructure delivery organisations. The degree is typically accredited at the Professional Engineer level by Engineers Australia, making graduates eligible for membership and international recognition under the Washington Accord.

Applicants to a Master of Engineering (Water Resources Management) in Australia are typically required to hold an undergraduate degree in civil engineering or a closely related discipline such as environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or an applied science degree with engineering content. Most programs require the equivalent of an Australian Bachelor's degree (or higher) with a minimum GPA of around 5.0 on a 7-point scale, though this varies between institutions. Applicants who hold an Engineers Australia-accredited or Washington Accord-accredited Bachelor's degree in civil engineering may be eligible for Advanced Standing, allowing them to complete the degree in as little as one to one-and-a-half years of full-time study rather than the standard two years. Those holding a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in civil or water engineering may also be eligible for reduced program duration.

International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test. Minimum requirements typically include an IELTS overall score of 6.0–6.5 (with no band below 6.0), a TOEFL iBT score of around 79–90, or a PTE Academic score of 50–58. Some programs may have additional prerequisites in mathematics, fluid mechanics, or engineering science. Applicants whose qualifications do not directly meet standard entry requirements may be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the program director, with relevant professional experience also taken into consideration. Work experience in engineering or a related technical role, while generally not mandatory, can strengthen an application and may be considered as part of the selection process for competitive intake programs.