Flinders Water

Flinders University has a well-earned reputation as a leading light in the field of water resources, hydrology and groundwater with Australia’s largest academic, industry and government research team working on breaking exciting new ground in this field.

Our water resources research group belongs to the best in world; we are ranked 20th in the world for water^*

^{* Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking Academic Subjects 2022 – Water Resources}

Study options

Flinders groundwater research testimonials

National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training

Water Quality and Health research consortium

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RANKED 20th

in THE WORLD

* Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking Academic Subjects 2022 – Water Resources

Water study options at Flinders

World Water Day Talk 2022

Watch last year's talk by Professor Peter Cook, Director of the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training.

Groundwater is the only water supply available across the vast majority Australia. The economic contribution of its use to Gross Domestic Product across Australia is estimated to be more than $6.8 Billion per annum. So why is this vital resource misunderstood? Professor Peter Cook, world-leading groundwater scientist at Flinders University will provide an overview of the key fundamentals of groundwater – how much is there? How much do we use? How old is it? How fast is it replenished and how is it managed

"I am an international student here at Flinders University…I choose Flinders because here is more practical, you can see different places, different wells, different wetlands that excites you."

Caglar Bozan,
Graduate International Student.
Master of Science in Groundwater Hydrology – Dept of Mineral Research and Exploration, Turkey

"To see how much influence water has on people and the environment, it's so important to manage it because it is a finite resource...I have been very lucky to participate in many classes where we have gone out and had that opportunity as well as many extracurricular work experiences."

Rachael Roberts,
Graduate Field Hydrogeologist, Rio Tinto.
Bachelor of Science (Hydrology) (Honours)

“Doing my PhD in hydrogeology at Flinders University is rewarding. I research groundwater flow in the vicinity of large mines and can see how my research directly impacts the community. With a field site in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some places I would never otherwise see.

Groundwater studies combine aspects of many other sciences, including environmental sciences, geology, mathematics, chemistry and computer science, which means that I’m always learning new things, trying new approaches and never getting bored.”

Dr. Sarah Marshall, former PhD student,
PhD in Hydrogeology and Groundwater Modelling with the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training.

In-demand career opportunities

Water is fundamental to industries like agriculture, food manufacturing, mining and government, giving rise to a growing demand for water specialists to ensure future sustainability.

There are excellent career opportunities nationally and internationally and the majority of jobs involve field research as a core component, providing an exciting, hands-on experience focusing on innovative research and discoveries.

Industry-relevant courses

Flinders trains students to think logically, critically and quantitively, and with the research from the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training team, students are exposed to the most up-to-date and industry related information.

The knowledge of past and present research and findings are fundamental to predicting future changes and understanding the potential growth of the industry.

National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training

Flinders is home to the largest centre specialising in groundwater education and research in the southern hemisphere, the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training.

Established in 2009, the centre boasts a national and international profile with industry leading research and building public awareness for Australian groundwater science – allowing students to make an impact in this exciting and growing industry.

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Flinders Water Quality and Health research consortium

Australia faces a challenging future to ensure the sustainable supply of safe and reliable water resources. To address emerging problems relating to contaminants, decentralised treatment, and diminishing clean water resources, Flinders University has coordinated its water quality researchers from a number of disciplines through the creation of a Water Quality and Health research consortium. This consortium includes microbiologists, geochemists, hydrogeologists, chemists, and environmental health experts.

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Flinders research in science, environment and natural resources

The world we live in is complex. From the intricate network of relationships that make up our natural environment to the physical, chemical and biological forces that shape it, nothing exists in a vacuum. To manage our natural resources and plan for a sustainable future, we need to understand how these elements interrelate and the science behind them.

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