PROGRAM - Management of Hydrotechnological and Environmental Projects (HYDROPROTECH)

PROGRAM - Management of Hydrotechnological and Environmental Projects (HYDROPROTECH)

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Website of the academic program

Contacts

Head of the prgram
morgan.abily@univ-cotedazur.fr
Student services
04 89 15 00 00
campus-valrose.scolarite@univ-cotedazur.fr
Career guidance service
04 89 15 16 22
orientation-valrose@univ-cotedazur.fr
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Résumé

A two-year master’s program accredited by the IAHR and UNESCO, designed to train future professionals in engineering for water resource management, with the option of apprenticeship. Read more

Objectifs

Initial training / Accessible for resumption of studies / Alternance (Apprenticeship)
2 years
Portail Sciences et Technologies / École Universitaire de Recherche Sciences Fondamentales et Ingénierie
Campus SophiaTech - Site des Templiers / IMREDD
French / English

Details

Student Experience

Promotion M2 HYDROPROTECH
Promotion M2 HYDROPROTECH

Understanding and quantifying water exchanges between surface streams, alluvial aquifers, and artificial water bodies was the focus of a recent field trip undertaken by the HYDROPROTECH Master’s program at the Estéron River and Lake Broc.

More information >

 

Program highlights

  • International recognition: awarded the IAHR (International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research) Label for Water Training and Education, endorsed by UNESCO.
  • Established teaching expertise: a program built on more than 20 years of experience in the field.
  • Job placement opportunities: professional training or apprenticeship contract.
  • Global reach: 3-month mobility program offered during the first year, with the “Hydroinformatics and Water Management” program in Beijing (China).
  • Alignment with the job market: training that keeps pace with industry trends and the needs of the sector.
  • Project-based learning: management and implementation of group engineering projects, in collaboration with academic and professional partners.

Apply now!

Want to work on real-world, sustainable water engineering projects?

Join the HYDROPROTECH program, starting at the first-year master’s level, by submitting your application on the Mon Master platform

  • Closed  → Main application period

Applying directly at second-year master’s level?
If you are not a Université Côte d’Azur student or wish to change your program, submit your application on the Université Côte d’Azur eCandidat platform

  • Closed  → External applications open for second-year students

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Introduction



The Management of Hydrotechnological and Environmental Projects (HYDROPROTECH) program prepares water engineering professionals to meet the needs of businesses and local authorities specializing in the field.

Graduates are particularly proficient in modeling tools used in all sectors of the field: urban water management, design of hydraulic equipment and infrastructure, water supply network operations, management of water resources and sediment transport, forecasting of extreme hydroclimatic events, delineation of flood zones, and so on.

The program has been offered since 2001 and has been open to work-study students through apprenticeship or professional training contracts since 2012. The HYDROPROTECH program prepares students for immediate entry into the job market while providing them with a high-quality education


An internationally recognized program

  • HYDROPROTECH is the first program to receive the IAHR-UNESCO label, which recognizes excellence in training programs for water professionals.

Training with a global perspective

  • 40% of classes taught in English.
  • A multicultural cohort with more than 12 nationalities represented.
  • The program has developed collaborations and mobility opportunities with several leading institutions:
- China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR) – Beijing (China).
- Technological University of Panama.
- Incheon National University (South Korea).


Opportunities for international mobility:

In the first year:
  • Opportunity for international mobility in China in Semester 2: academic exchange with the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR) in Beijing.
In the second year (work-study):
  • Hybrid teaching sessions and international seminars for the entire cohort during intensive two-week courses: HYDROLATINAMERICA and HYDROASIA.
Some key figures  from 2025-2026

• +12 different nationalities in the first and second year (M1 and M2).
• 7 first-year students studied abroad in China.
• 17 second-year work-study students participated in the Hydrolatinamerica program in Panama.
• 15 second-year work-study students participated in the 2026 HydroAsia program in South Korea.
• 100% of students attended between one and three international conferences, presenting posters or talks at the IAHR-HIC Hydroinformatics, SHF-SIMHYDRO, and IAHR-APD conferences in special sessions for young professionals.

• International students were hosted in France for several months:
- 5 Panamanian students (notably in collaboration with the MSc Engineers for Smart Cities).
- 4 Korean students.
- 1 Vietnamese student from Danang University.

 
Success rate

100%* (out of 19 second-year students)

*Data provided by the Student Services Department of Université Côte d’Azur (2025)

Employment rate

80%* of HYDROPROTECH graduates found employment within six months of graduating in 2022.

*Observatory of Student Life and Professional Integration - Université Côte d'Azur

Examples of career opportunities:

- Design engineer in an engineering firm or local administration.
- Design engineer for public service contractors.

- Operations engineer for drinking water supply and production or wastewater treatment plants.
- Project manager (cost estimation).
- Flood response manager (coordinating various stakeholders).


 

The Management of Hydrotechnological and Environmental Projects (HYDROPROTECH) program at SPECTRUM Graduate School specializing in sciences and engineering, trains future professionals in engineering for water resource management.

These skills are critically important in the current context of climate change and the associated environmental challenges.

Faced with the growing impact of climate change on water resources, the need to train highly qualified experts in sustainable water management has become an imperative.

The HYDROPROTECH program is therefore addressing a critical societal need.
 

To find out the student satisfaction rate of this program, contact the head of the program

  • Offered as a work-study program starting in the first year, HYDROPROTECH trains professionals in engineering for water resource management.
  • This program in managing hydrotechnological and environmental projects provides students with a theoretical foundation in hydrology, hydraulics, project management, numerical modeling, Geographic Information Systems, and network design and monitoring. This expertise is taught in a real-world setting, through apprenticeships, internships, and engineering projects starting from the first year.
  • The program is continually adapted to reflect current trends in the job market, meet current and future societal needs and issues, and address the technical and scientific challenges posed by water resource management.
  • In the second year, lectures from professionals deepen students’ knowledge and provide practical applications in the use of industry tools and methods.
  • This high-quality program has been running for more than 20 years, and many of the professional lecturers and apprentice and intern employers are HYDROPROTECH alumni. Now high-level experts within their organizations, these alumni confirm the success of this program.
  • Management and implementation of group engineering projects offered by partners.
  • Opportunity for a 3-month international mobility offered through an exchange program with the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR).
  • There is no option to recognize individual components in this program.

Commitment to inclusion: Université Côte d’Azur has a disability officer on every campus to support students with disabilities.

On the Plaine du Var campus:

 

Formation accessible aux personnes en situation de handicap.
Consultez le site Mission Handicap

Formation éligible à MON COMPTE FORMATION
moncompteformation.gouv.fr

HYDROPROTECH classes are held at IMREDD on the Plaine du Var campus (Nice). 


 

The head of the program: Morgan Abily
 

Partnership

The HYDROPROTECH program is associated with the Geoazur laboratory, an interdisciplinary Joint Research Unit bringing together geophysicists, geologists, and astronomers to address major scientific issues such as natural hazards and risks. It is associated with the Mediterranean Institute for Risk, Environment and Sustainable Development (IMREDD).

 

The HYDROPROTECH program has established collaborations with public institutions that specialize in water management:
 

  • The public water authority Régie Eau d’Azur is responsible for the drinking water supply throughout the metropolitan area, covering 49 municipalities from the coast to the peaks of the Mercantour.
  • The Nice Côte d’Azur Metropole.
  • SMIAGE Maralpin, joint venture for Flood Control, Planning and Water Management in the Maralpine region.
  • Sophia Antipolis Urban Community (CASA).
  • Cannes Pays de Lérins Urban Community.
  • The City of Antibes.
  • The International Office for Water.
  • Water agencies and joint associations for water management, regional authorities, etc.

HYDROPROTECH maintains strong partnerships with well-known companies in the field of water and waste management:

  • Société du Canal de Provence, ensures a reliable water supply in Provence.
  • Egis eau, an international consulting, construction engineering and operations group.
  • Groupe Suez, water and waste management services provider, offering resilient and innovative solutions.
  • Altereo, water engineering, consulting and software development company for cities and regions
  • Veolia eau, a group that develops and implements effective practical solutions for managing water, waste, and energy.
  • EDF, French public company for producing and supplying electricity.
  • EDF R&D department, a key player in the development of new energy and electricity services, the promotion of competitive, low-carbon mixes, and support for the societal digital transition.
  • Groupe Artelia, an expert in key areas of planning and construction (transportation, water, energy, building, industry).
  • BRL Ingénierie, engineering company specializing in fields related to water, the environment and regional planning.
  • SAFEGE, subsidiary of SUEZ Consulting, in the field of ecological engineering (environmental studies, regulatory compliance, design studies, project management, project management assistance (AMO), and environmental monitoring).
  • Cabinet Merlin, leading player in environmental consulting and engineering for over a century.
  • CTH Ingénierie, engineering and project management firm.

Admission

Prerequisite

Graduate level

The HYDROPROTECH program is for students who have completed their third year of undergraduate studies in water, environmental and earth sciences.

As part of continuing education, admission to the two-year master’s program is open to professionals without a degree who have worked in a company, public institution or administration for at least five years.

Conditions of applications

Application procedures

For French or European applicants*:
 

Click to apply for the first (Master 1) or second year (Master 2)

Quick guide for applying for a master’s program:

  • For first-year applications to “Environmental Management”: submit your application on the national Mon Master platform, then select your program.
Master 1: application schedule – Mon Master platform

Visit the Mon Master platform from (Information to follow) to apply for admission to the HYDROPROTECH program (in Information to follow)

 
  • For second-year applications: If you are not a Université Côte d’Azur student and wish to apply for the second year, or if you are a first-year student and wish to change your program, submit your application on the Université Côte d’Azur eCandidat platform and select the “Environmental Management” program then the M2 track.

If your application is accepted, your enrollment must then be confirmed with student services.

If you are a first-year master’s student at Université Côte d’Azur and are continuing with the second year of the same program, no application is necessary.
 
*Countries concerned 

European applicants include nationals of countries in the European Union, the European Economic Area (EU + Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.

Application guidelines for non-European master’s degree candidates

  1. If you reside in one of the countries or regions listed below*, submit your application on the Etudes en France platform.
  2. If you are a non-European candidate who does not reside in a country covered by the Etudes en France procedure, submit your application for the first year (Master 1) in "Environmental Management" via the Mon Master platform once the application phase opens.
  3. Second-year applications (Master 2) must be submitted via the Université Côte d'Azur eCandidat platform. Choose the "Environmental Management" program, then select the M2 track.

 If your application is accepted, your enrollment must then be confirmed with student services - campus-valrose.scolarite@univ-cotedazur.fr

*Countries and regions covered:

Algeria, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam.

Conditions of specific applications

Admission requirements/Selection process:

Fist-year applications are submitted via the national “Mon Master” platform. The admissions committee assesses applications based on the application materials submitted, placing particular emphasis on the quality of the following elements:

- CV
- Student transcripts from previous academic years
- Cover letter

After a pre-selection process, applicants may be invited for interview.

Program

The HYDROPROTECH program develops expertise in the following areas:

  • Basic knowledge in water sciences (hydrology, hydraulics, hydrogeology, geosciences).
  • Proficiency in digital mapping tools (GIS) and process modeling (hydrological, hydraulic, network modeling, etc.).
  • Knowledge of regulatory aspects (water laws, European directives, etc.) and economic issues (micro-economics, public finances, public contracts, etc.).
  • Proficiency in decision support systems and communication technologies.

Equipment required: Laptop PC

First year

 
Teaching unit 1: Hydrodynamics of physical environments: Statistics for engineers, Surface hydrology, Hydraulics, Applied geology and hydrogeology.
Teaching unit 2: Digital tools: GIS and computer-aided design (CAD).
Teaching unit 3: Supervision of works: Project management and supervision of hydraulic works, Soil mechanics and geotechnics.
Teaching unit 4: Water supply networks: Sewer system, On-site sewage facilities (septic systems), Wastewater treatment, Production, treatment and distribution of drinking water.
Teaching unit 5: Development: Applied programming, Artificial Intelligence 1.
Teaching unit 6: Communication: Oral and written communication, English.
Teaching unit 7: Engineering tools: Project management, Fluid mechanics, AI and spatial imaging.
Teaching unit 8: Work experience (semester 2).

Second year

Teaching unit 9: Hydraulic modeling: Urban hydraulic modeling, 2D modeling (free-surface and pressurized flows).
Teaching unit 10: Operational methodologies: GIS and operational applications, Statistical, deterministic and operational hydrology, Hydraulic design, civil engineering and cost estimation.
Teaching unit 11: Projects: HydroEurope project, Practical hydraulics.
Teaching unit 12: Regulatory context and communication: Public contracts and local authorities, AI and parallel processing.
Teaching unit 13: Project tools: Drinking water supply networks: design and operation, Operational hydrogeology, River hydraulics and sizing.
Teaching unit 14: Regulatory context 2: Laws relating to major water and environmental projects, Local Urban Development Plans (PLU) and water management and flood prevention (Gemapi). Teaching unit 15: Engineering tools: Professional project, VBA programming, Climate change and associated issues.
Teaching unit 15: Engineering tools: Professional project, VBA programming, Climate change and associated issues.
Teaching unit 16: Work experience (semester 4).

 

Teaching staff
  • M. Abily, Université Côte d'Azur
  • E. Allard, DHI
  • M. Andrio, Architect
  • J. Batica, Université Côte d'Azur
  • F. Billaud, Régie Eau Azur
  • F. Cordier, EDF R&D
  • B. Couraud, IMREDD
  • M. Denes, Université Côte d'Azur
  • Y. Dorgigne, MNCA
  • A. Gaggero, Régie Eaux Azur
  • P. Gilewski, WUT
  • T. Giraud, INGEROP
  • M. Hernandez, Azur Géo Logic
  • P. Javelle, INRAe
 
First-year lecturers

  • Statistics for engineers: P. Gilewski
  • Surface hydrology: P. Gilewski & J. Batica
  • Hydraulics: G. Paguedame & G. Olivares
  • Geology and applied hydrogeology: B. Viguier
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS): M. Abily
  • Computer-aided - design (CAD): M. Andrio
  • Project management and supervision of works: T. Giraud, S. Thibault, Y. Dorgigne
  • Soil mechanics and geotechnics: M. Hernandez
  • Sewer system: P. Lacour
  • On-site sewage facilities (septic systems): M. Hernandez
  • Wastewater treatment: P. Lacour 
  • Production, treatment and distribution of drinking water: O. Khedher 
  • Applied programming: F. Picourlat & M. Gaetano
  • Artificial Intelligence 1: B. Couraud
Second-year lecturers
 
  • River hydraulics and sizing: F. Cordier
  • Operational hydrology: P. Javelle
  • Drinking water supply networks:design and operation: F. Billaud & O. Khedher
  • 2D modeling(free-surface and pressurized flows): F. Cordier
  • Urban hydraulic modeling: E. Allard
  • GIS and operational applications: M. Abily
  • Statistical, deterministic, and operational hydrology: F. Picourlat
  • Hydraulic design,civil engineering and cost estimation: T. Giraud
  • Public contracts andLocal authorities: A. Gaggero
  • AI and parallel processing: F. Cordier
  • WaterEurope Project: M. Abily
  • Practical hydraulics: F. Cordier & M. Abily


This list may be supplemented by adjunct lecturers

First-year internship

• Mandatory: 5-month internship or 3-month international mobility plus 2-month internship.
• In semester 2.
• From May to September.


Second-year internship

• Mandatory: 5-month internship or 3-month international mobility plus 2-month internship.
• In semester 4.

Find relevant resources (internship opportunities, internship agreements, etc.) on this dedicated page >

Full time

FIRST AND SECOND YEAR

• Starting and finishing dates for the program for the upcoming university year: from September 9, 2024 to September 5, 2025.
• First-year students are required to be on campus on a regular basis to be supervised on projects assigned throughout the year.
• The first-year HYDROPROTECH work-study program is organized into four to five teaching periods (of 1-4 weeks each) and four to five placement periods (of 2 weeks to 2.5 months) in the host organization.
• This schedule of practical instruction condensed into several consecutive weeks is very popular with employers. It allows students to work in companies anywhere in the region (or even internationally).

Program length

• Total hours for the first academic year: 488 hours of class.
• Total hours for the second year: 482 hours of class.
• Number of hours of classes at the university: 488 hours.
• Number of hours in the company: BASED ON A FULL-TIME CONTRACT.
• For first-year full-time students, attendance is required based on the number of work hours expected of work-study students.

Work-study

The second-year HYDROPROTECH work-study program is organized into four or five teaching periods (of 1-4 weeks each) and four or five work placements (of 2 weeks to 2.5 months) in the host organization.


 

Common assessment methods in the first and second year

All units are graded through continuous assessment based on individual and group projects completed as part of the unit.

Grades are awarded based on the quality of the work and the student’s capacity to present their results orally.
· A pass grade is attained if the average of the grades for all teaching units is equal to or greater than 10/20.

View the assessment procedures for the HYDROPROTECH program

What's next ?

Year of highschool graduation

3eme cycle (>bac+5)

Level of education obtained after completion

Graduate level, Degree equivalent to 4 or 5 years' higher education (Bac +4 & Bac +5)

RNCP URL of content

The professional skills acquired in this program are listed in entry number 39184 of the National Directory of Professional Certifications.
 

  • Certifier: Université Côte d'Azur
  • Expiry date for RNCP entry: August 31, 2029 

Target activities / attested skills

RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications) entry

  • Analyze the components of the large and small water cycles and the physics behind how they work.
  • Assess the sizing of infrastructure, networks and water management and treatment systems by developing critical thinking skills and an open mind.
  • Summarize and communicate professional information appropriately for different audiences.
  • Develop numerical models in hydrology, hydraulics and hydrogeology by drawing on multidisciplinary skills.
  • Carry out a project based on scientific results and technical or regulatory information, with guidance, individually and in a group.
  • Build a professional career in the water sector at the managerial level.

Possibility to pursue a PhD.

Business sector or job

Employment sectors and types of jobs

List of sectors
• Other scientific and technical specialized activities.
• Public administration.


List of occupations

• Design engineer in an engineering firm or regional administration (sewer systems, flood prevention and management, flood risk prevention plans, hydrological and hydraulic modeling, drinking water supply, etc.).
• Design engineer for public service contractors.
• Operations engineer for drinking water supply and production or wastewater treatment.
• Project manager (cost estimation).
• Flood response manager (coordinating various stakeholders).


Job codes in the National directory of professions and occupations (ROME)

• A1204 - Protection of natural heritage
• A1303 - Engineering in agriculture and the natural environment
• H1302 - Industrial HSE (Health, Safety an Environment) management and engineering
 

The French Observatory of Student Life and Professional Integration (OVE-IP) conducts regular surveys on the transition to the workforce:

  • National survey of master’s and professional bachelor’s degree holders, 30 months after graduation.
  • Local surveys of master’s, professional bachelor’s and bachelor’s degree holders, 6 months or 1 year after graduation.

Find the Université Côte d’Azur employment rate from the Observatory of Student Life (OVE) >

Submission

Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC)

The CVEC is a mandatory contribution by all students pursuing their education in a public higher education institution, according to article L. 841-5 of the Education Code.

Before registering at the university, you must obtain a receipt of payment of the CVEC. This contribution must be made each academic year.

A receipt specifying your CVEC number is issued upon payment. This number is essential to proceed with your registration, either online or in person.

This contribution is mandatory for:

  • Students in initial education, as well as those in apprenticeship contracts, preparatory courses (CPGE), and in medical and paramedical programs (nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists, etc.).
Exemptions

The following students may qualify for an exemption:
- Scholarship recipients.
- Students with refugee status.
- Students with subsidiary protection status.
- Students seeking asylum with the right to remain in the country, etc.

As a future scholarship recipient at Université Côte d’Azur, you are also exempt from:
· University registration and library fees.

Once you have paid the CVEC and received the receipt, you can register for the program to which you have been accepted.

If at the time of enrollment you are unsure whether you qualify for an exemption, you can later request a reimbursement of the CVEC from CROUS.

For further details about all the fees, exemptions and non-eligibility rules, refer to the Order of 19 April 2019 regarding registration fees.


Registration fees

In addition to the CVEC, students must pay registration fees to the institution.

  • For the 2026-2027 academic year, the fee for students with French or European Economic Area nationality enrolled in a master’s program at Université Côte d’Azur is €255.

For more information, see the dedicated page: Registration fees >

Non-European Students

Non-European Students

For the 2025-2026 academic year, non-European students are not eligible for an exemption from tuition fees.

You are required to pay differentiated fees, which amount to approximately €3,950. In addition, all students — including non-European students — must pay the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC) of €105, before registering at the university. A receipt showing your CVEC number will be required to complete your enrollment.

Financial support: Excellence scholarships

As part of its commitment to academic excellence and international attractiveness, the Graduate School for Formal, Physical and Engineering Sciences (SPECTRUM) may provide financial support for your studies through excellence scholarships.

Financial support: Excellence scholarships

As part of its policy for attracting students, SPECTRUM Graduate School, specializing in Formal, Physical and Engineering Sciences, offers financial support through excellence scholarships.

Continuing education

For professionals returning to studies or seeking Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), find more information on the dedicated page: continuing education

Specific registration fees for those returning to study are available for download directly from the dedicated page >

Have you been accepted into the HYDROPROTECH program?

Whether you are a new student or currently enrolled at Université Côte d’Azur, administrative registration is mandatory. This process activates your student account and provides access to the student intranet.

Before beginning the registration process at Université Côte d’Azur:

  • Pay your Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC) and obtain your receipt by clicking here >
  • Prepare your supporting documents in digital format (click for a non-exhaustive list of required documents). Accepted formats are: .PDF, .JPG, .JPEG, or .PNG, except for ID photos, which must be in .JPG, .JPEG or .PNG (not .PDF). Maximum size: 5 Mb.
  • If you are already a student at Université Côte d'Azur, ensure that your 2024-2025 academic committee has completed its deliberations and that you have your academic transcript showing you have achieved the required level.

Registrations open: date available soon

If you are beginning the first or second year of a master’s program in initial education (via the Etudes en France procedure)

Do not register online. Contact student services on the Valrose campus: campus-valrose.scolarite@univ-cotedazur.fr

If you are beginning the first or second year of a master’s program in initial education (not via the Etudes en France procedure)

- First year (M1):
 New students to the University or re-enrollments: date to be announced

 - Second year (M2): date to be announced

If you are beginning the first or second year of a master’s program as a work-study student

Do not register online. Contact student services on the Valrose campus:campus-valrose.scolarite@univ-cotedazur.fr
Your contact person for managing work-study contracts is Mrs. Marion DENES: marion.denes@univ-cotedazur.fr