Gherissi Radia
Rank: Professor of Higher Education
Email: r.gherissi@cu-maghnia.dz

The Bachelor’s degree program in Hydraulics aims to provide students with fundamental and practical knowledge in water sciences and water resources management, enabling them to address the challenges of water security and demographic and economic growth in Algeria. The academic and professional objectives of this specialization can be summarized as follows:

Preparation for scientific research: Prepare graduates to pursue postgraduate studies at the Master’s level, including specializations such as urban hydraulics and hydraulic engineering, and to pursue careers in scientific research.

Mastery of fundamental sciences: Study the behavior of fluids (hydraulics) and water flow by providing students with a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and fluid mechanics.

Study and management of water resources: Develop an understanding of surface water resources, including dams and rivers, as well as groundwater, with a focus on protecting these resources from pollution and overexploitation.

Urban water infrastructure design and management: Equip students with the skills required to design and manage drinking water distribution networks and wastewater collection systems, as well as agricultural irrigation infrastructure.

The target audience for the Bachelor’s degree in Hydraulics includes holders of the Baccalaureate, particularly graduates from the Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and Technical Mathematics streams, as well as students enrolled in the Science and Technology Common Core who are directed to this specialization at universities operating under the LMD (Bachelor’s–Master’s–Doctorate) system.

Students holding qualifications from the former classical system may also be eligible for admission. This includes holders of the Diplôme d’Études Universitaires Appliquées (DEUA), corresponding to three years of university study after the Baccalaureate (Bac+3), as well as students who have completed their second year of study at National Higher Schools of Technology or Preparatory Schools for Engineering. Subject to review and approval of their academic records by the pedagogical committee, these students may be admitted directly into the third year of the Bachelor’s degree program.

Admission Requirements & Enrollment

The University Centre of Maghnia (UCM) offers diverse undergraduate programs open to both national and international applicants, subject to the following regulatory frameworks:

1. High School Graduates (Baccalaureate Holders) Prospective students holding a Bachelor’s degree (Baccalaureate) or an equivalent international qualification may apply according to the criteria and procedures updated annually by the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
2. Holders of Prior University Degrees (Classic System)

Candidates seeking to advance their studies or specialize further may apply based on available pedagogical capacity and ministerial guidelines. This includes:

• Holders of Prior University Degrees License degree (Classic System).
• Holders of the DEUABaccalaureate + 3 years Classic System)

3. Second Degree Candidates

Students who already hold a university degree may apply for a second degree programsubject to seat availability and specific departmental requirements

3. International Students (“Study in Algeria” Program)

UCM warmly welcomes international applicants. Admission is granted based on the following:

• The candidate must hold a degree in Baccalaureate degree or an internationally recognized equivalent
• Registration via the official ““Study in Algeria”” (Study in Algeria).
• Prior attainment of an Equivalence Certificate from the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Important Notes Regarding Tuition Fees:

• Tuition-Free: Education is free for Algerian residents and international students receiving official scholarships from the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education
• Fee-Paying: International students under the “Study in Algeria” program (non-scholarship) are subject to annual fees fees covering tuition, accommodation, and catering, determined by current regulatory decrees.

The structure of the Bachelor’s degree programs at the Institute of Science and Technology allows students to progressively choose their specialization according to the following model:

First Year – Science and Technology Common Core (ST)

First Semester:
The first semester serves as a common and unified foundation for all students enrolled at the Institute of Science and Technology. It aims to provide students with fundamental scientific knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science, while introducing them to the various specializations available. This enables students to make informed decisions regarding their future academic pathway.

Second Semester:
During the second semester, students begin to focus on introductory and core courses in engineering sciences, laying the foundation for their future specialized studies.

At the end of the first year, students are required to rank their preferences for orientation toward one of the major study tracks available in the second year, based on their academic performance.

Second Year – Bachelor’s Degree Year 2 (Initial Orientation)

The second year offers specialized study options, allowing students to pursue fields that provide a solid foundation in engineering sciences:

• Civil Engineering: Focuses on the design of infrastructure, structures, and construction materials.
• Hydraulics (Hydraulic Engineering): Focuses on water resources management, drainage and water distribution networks, and hydraulic structures.
• Telecommunications: Focuses on modern communication networks, signal processing, and digital wired and wireless systems.
• Energy Engineering – Mechanical Engineering: Focuses on energy conversion systems, thermal machines, and energy efficiency.

Third Year – Bachelor’s Degree Year 3 (Specialization and Advanced Study)

In the third year, students fully establish themselves within their chosen specialization, with an emphasis on practical applications, supervised projects, including the final-year graduation project, and optional field internships.

• Civil Engineering: Study of reinforced concrete, soil mechanics, and the design of buildings and bridges.
• Hydraulics: Study of hydrology, dam design, and water treatment.
• Energy Engineering – Mechanical Engineering: Advanced study of heat transfer, refrigeration and air conditioning, and renewable energy.
• Telecommunications: Advanced study of mobile communication networks, optical fiber systems, and network security.

Note: These four study tracks provide students with broad opportunities to pursue postgraduate studies at the Master’s and Doctoral levels in various technological institutes and universities, or to enter the labor market directly as highly qualified technicians and professionals in sectors such as construction, public works, energy, and telecommunications.

The Bachelor’s degree program in Hydraulics is designed to provide students with a progressive and coherent education that enables them to master the scientific and engineering principles required to address the challenges of water resources management and the development of hydraulic systems. The knowledge and competencies targeted throughout the six semesters of the program include the following:

Fundamental Scientific Knowledge – Semesters 1 and 2

Students develop a solid foundation in the fundamental sciences, focusing primarily on mathematics, physics, and chemistry, complemented by essential knowledge in computer science and programming.

Fundamental Engineering Knowledge and Engineering Applications – Semester 3

Students acquire the core principles shared by mechanical and hydraulic engineering, including classical mechanics, fluid mechanics, and the study of the physical behavior of fluids.

Introductory Knowledge in Hydrology and Applied Hydraulics – Semester 4

Students progressively deepen their understanding of hydraulics and hydrology, while being introduced to foundational subjects related to the design and management of irrigation systems and hydraulic structures.

Specialized Knowledge in Irrigation and Water Resources Management – Semesters 5 and 6

This stage represents the advanced specialization phase, focusing on providing students with the essential knowledge required to master modern technologies. It includes:

• Design and operation of hydraulic structures: dams, canals, and pumping stations;
• Surface and groundwater hydrology and flow analysis;
• Water treatment, water distribution networks, and wastewater collection systems;
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and hydroinformatics;
• Water planning and sustainable water resources management.

Academic Note

This body of knowledge is specifically designed to strike a balance between advanced theoretical education, which enables students to successfully pursue Master’s-level studies, and practical training, which facilitates their direct integration into the professional workforce.

Upon completion of the Academic Bachelor’s degree programme in Irrigation, graduates will have developed a range of scientific and technical competencies, the main ones being:

Engineering and Technical Integration (Hydraulics/IT): Addressing complex engineering problems involving mechanical and hydraulic design, and using information systems and digital technologies for control and monitoring.

Enabling students to pursue postgraduate studies at the Master’s level in Water Resources, Hydrology, and Environmental Engineering.

Mandatory internships and supervised projects in the final year of the License and Master’s programs serve as a vital bridge between theory and practice. Students gain immersive field experience, applying scientific methodologies to real-world business challenges while developing essential project management and problem-solving skills.

These opportunities foster professional networking and self-reliance, ensuring a seamless transition into the global workforce

A Bachelor’s degree in Irrigation and Hydraulics opens up diverse and promising career opportunities, enabling graduates to integrate quickly into private and public companies and economic institutions, engineering design and consultancy firms, or public bodies and administrations responsible for water, the environment, and natural resource management.

This programme provides genuine and competitive career opportunities across several key sectors, including:

Engineering Design and Technical Inspection Firms: Preparing design plans for water infrastructure, conducting performance tests, and ensuring that projects comply with national and international standards.

Agricultural and Industrial Enterprises: Designing and operating modern irrigation systems and efficiently managing water flows for agricultural and industrial purposes.

Water Networks and Infrastructure: Planning and managing pipeline networks, pumping stations, distribution systems, and dams to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply.

Water Treatment and Wastewater Management: Operating water treatment plants, monitoring water quality, and implementing environmental treatment systems and industrial wastewater management solutions.

Water Resources Management: Analysing surface water and groundwater hydrology, forecasting floods and droughts, and planning the use of renewable water resources.

Digital Engineering and Hydroinformatics: Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital simulation tools to monitor water networks and analyse water resource data.

Academic Prospects and Postgraduate Opportunities Post-Bachelor’s

This program opens broad horizons for students wishing to deepen their academic path, as the obtained Bachelor’s degree provides the following opportunities:

1. Postgraduate Opportunities

The current academic program allows for direct enrollment in Master’s degreewhether in the original specialization or moving toward integrated specializations within the same branch

2. Global Mobility & Scholarships

Distinguished students can aspire to pursue their postgraduate studies in Prestigious foreign universitiesthrough two pathways:

• Official Partnerships: Within the framework of international cooperation programs and scholarships established by the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research with partner countries
• Individual Application: Students are eligible for direct enrollment in international universities, in accordance with the academic standards and criteria set by those educational institutions abroad

Is considered Supervision Cell (Tutorat) A fundamental pedagogical support mechanism aimed at guiding students and facilitating their integration into university life. Its role consists of providing Knowledge-based and Methodological Support It helps students organize their academic path, overcome learning difficulties, and develop self-study skills

The cell acts as a liaison between the student and the administration, providing personalized consultations to build academic and professional project ambitious, ensuring higher success rates and achieving academic and professional excellence for graduates.

The Job Club at UCM (Job Club) at the University Centre of Maghnia, the primary interactive space for preparing students to enter the professional world. Its role extends beyond the academic aspect to focus on Professional Empowerment Through intensive training in self-marketing techniques, professional CV writing, and confidently navigating job interviews

The club serves as a true bridge connecting graduates to the labor market, providing them with the necessary tools to explore opportunities and build a professional network. This helps narrow the unemployment gap and ensures a swift and successful transition from the classroom to promising career paths

The University Centre of Maghnia serves as a fertile environment for innovation, where efforts have converged to establish an integrated ecosystem for supporting entrepreneurial thinking, led by The University Business Incubator Which works on mentoring innovators and startups from the ‘ideation’ stage to ‘implementation,’ by providing high-quality coaching and specialized consultations to obtain the ‘Innovative Project’ label

Alongside it, stands out Entrepreneurship Development Center (CDE) As a strategic link for developing students’ entrepreneurial skills, in partnership with the National Entrepreneurship Support and Development Agency (NESDA), it focuses on practical training and technical mentorship. The center also includes Technology and Innovation Support Centre (CATI) which ensures the protection of intellectual property and patents

These entities integrate to form a bridge connecting the university to the economic environment, thereby transforming academic projects into promising economic enterprises that contribute to local and national development. This establishes the University Centre of Maghnia as a true hub for shaping the entrepreneurs of tomorrow