River Morphodynamics

Discover how rivers respond to natural change and human interventions, and learn to analyse these responses using morphodynamic models.

  • Start
    19 April 2027
  • Location
    Enschede
  • Duration
    10 weeks, part-time
  • Investment
    € 2.067
  • Language
    English-taught
  • Fulltime/parttime
    Part-time
  • Result
    River Morphodynamics | Certificate of participation
  • Contact
    lll-et@utwente.nl

About the course

River Morphodynamics focuses on how river systems respond to changes in initial and boundary conditions caused by natural variability or human interventions. Participants learn how rivers adjust, and how those adjustments can be interpreted and used in river engineering and management.

The course is especially relevant for professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of river system behaviour and use that knowledge to assess interventions, interpret model outcomes and support sustainable river management.

About the topic

River morphodynamics is highly relevant in a context where rivers are increasingly influenced by climate change, flood risk management, infrastructure development and ecological restoration. Professionals working in river engineering and management need to understand not only what changes may occur, but also why they occur. Understanding river morphodynamic processes supports better design and interventions.

Course structure

This is a regular master course in which both students and professionals can participate. The course combines lectures, tutorials and a group assignment.

The course contains a group assignment, in which participants work in pairs to build and use a morphodynamic model, perform simulations and report on their findings. The course concludes with a written, closed-book exam covering the lecture material.

Details and assignments:

  • A written exam (70%)
  • A group assignment (30%)
  • Typically includes around eight lectures of two hours
  • Three tutorials of two hours
  • Four practical sessions of four hours
  • A final Q&A session
  • Attendance is not mandatory, although active participation is encouraged

Intended participants

This course is intended for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of river behaviour, sediment dynamics and morphodynamic modelling. Typical profiles include, but are not limited to, river engineers, hydraulic engineers, consultants, researchers, water managers and technical specialists.

Participants are expected to have a Civil Engineering background and some prior knowledge of mathematics and basic fluid mechanics. If a participant has a different background, suitability can be discussed with the course instructor.

Practical details

Start date: April (Q4)

Total duration: April until July (excluding resits) (140 uur studielast)

Number of teaching days / sessions: Approximately 8 lectures (2-hour sessions), 3 tutorials (4-hour sessions), and possibly 1 Q&A session

Total programme fee: €2067,15 (5 ECTS × 413,43)

Programme type: master course

Location: University of Twente, Enschede, NL

Language of instruction: English

Admission requirements: A Civil Engineering background is recommended. Basic knowledge of mathematics, fluid mechanics and river flow processes is expected. If your background differs, eligibility can be discussed with the course instructor.

Teachers:

dr. V. Kitsikoudis (Vasileios)
Assistant Professor