This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of hydrological modelling, including the evaluation of model usefulness and uncertainty.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • Please enquire for course dates
  • DurationThree days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • Cost£870

Course structure

This course is delivered via a mixture of lectures and practicals. During this short course, you will be joined by full-time and part-time students from our master's and PhD courses, creating a dynamic and interactive experience.

What you will learn

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Identify and evaluate the standard types of numerical models in use in hydrology and water-related problems,
  • Formulate the generic process of model design, building, calibration and validation,
  • Recognise some of the uncertainties introduced in this process,
  • Assess the model building process in the context of the system under consideration,
  • Construct a hydrological model in a user-friendly environment and use it to assess climate change impacts.

Core content

  • Introduction to the wide range of applications of numerical models to address water-related problems,
  • Overview of the types of models applied; mechanistic, semi-empirical and empirical models. Why these different forms exist, and what are their strengths and weaknesses? How are they applied?
  • Identifying the selection criteria and rational for a modelling approach,
  • Introduction to numerical solutions and empirical solutions to model parameterisation and calibration,
  • Recognising limits and uncertainties; validating the model. Recognising the importance of good data.

Accommodation options and prices

This is a non-residential course. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information regarding our accommodation on campus can be found here.

Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.

London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world. 

Further location and travel details

Location address

Cranfield University
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford
MK43 0AL

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.