Industry Masters Programme
An industry-integrated Masters by Research delivered with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.
The RMIT-NWSDB Masters by Research Programme is an industry-university collaboration between RMIT University and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), Sri Lanka's largest government engineering organisation. It delivers a Masters by Research at RMIT University for NWSDB employees, combining academic research training with industry-based application. Each candidate is supervised jointly by two RMIT supervisors, one from NWSDB and one from a Sri Lankan partner university.
This builds on previous RMIT-NWSDB collaboration, including joint PhD programmes, and introduces an industry-based Masters by Research model in Sri Lanka. It is designed for NWSDB employees released on paid leave to undertake the degree.
- 18 months based in Sri Lanka
- Up to 6 months based in Melbourne at RMIT University
About NWSDB
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board is the largest engineering organisation in Sri Lanka's government sector. Operating under the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, NWSDB is the country's principal authority for safe drinking water and sustainable sanitation services.
- Strong engineering organisation in the public sector
- Established research and innovation activity
- Previous collaboration with RMIT on joint PhD programmes
- Dedicated research and innovation facilities through the Centre of Excellence for Water and Sanitation (CEWAS) and the Centre for Innovation
- Multidisciplinary research opportunities addressing real-world challenges in water supply, wastewater, and sanitation
- Access to extensive engineering expertise, operational knowledge, and sector-specific data to support applied research
- Specialised laboratory facilities and technical capabilities supporting research, testing, and innovation
- Strong focus on translating research outcomes into practical solutions for the water sector
Applying to the programme
The RMIT-NWSDB Masters by Research Programme follows a joint admission process coordinated by RMIT University, NWSDB and the Sri Lankan partner university. Applications are open exclusively to eligible NWSDB employees, shortlisted on academic qualifications and alignment with the proposed research area. Final selection is conducted jointly through an interview and assessment process.
RMIT follows a two-stage application process (Expression of Interest, then Final Application), while Sri Lankan universities run a direct admission process. The full registration process typically takes up to six months from the Expression of Interest.
- Bachelor's degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline
- First class (honours) or second class upper division for the Bachelor's degree
- Proof of English proficiency, see RMIT's entry requirements