Department of Hydrology

Welcome to the Department of Hydrology at University of Zululand

Department of Hydrology established in 1983 at the KwaDlangezwa campus, the Department has grown into a centre of excellence in water science, research, and professional training. We are dedicated to advancing the understanding and sustainable management of Earth’s most vital resource—water.

The Department offers a range of fully accredited qualifications, including a Bachelor of Science (double major), Bachelor of Science (Honours), MSc, and PhD. All programmes are accredited by the Council on Higher Education, ensuring high academic standards and relevance to industry and research.

Hydrology is the scientific study of the occurrence, distribution, movement, and properties of water on Earth, and its interaction with the environment across all phases of the hydrological cycle. At the University of Zululand, hydrology plays a critical role in addressing water security, environmental sustainability, and climate-related challenges through teaching, research, and innovation.

The department offers a comprehensive academic pathway, including BSc (Double Major), Honours, MSc, and PhD programmes. Hydrology is offered as a double major with eight complementary disciplines: Geography, Zoology, Botany, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, and Mathematics/Applied Mathematics, providing students with a strong interdisciplinary foundation and diverse career opportunities.

Hydrological research is supported through the Hydrological Research Unit (established in 1990) and the Water Science and Technology Research Centre, which is equipped with advanced laboratory instrumentation such as FTIR, Ion Chromatography, ICP-MS, and Microwave Digesters. The department also supports postgraduate studies through EWSETA (Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority) funding, with additional ad hoc funding opportunities available for MSc and PhD candidates.