This project will create a harmonised educational tool in water management that reflects guidelines set out in the European Union's Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC) and, which must be fully implemented across the EU by 2015. The WFD provides a framework for all water-related planning and water management activities in the EU. The project specifically aims to create a set of educational tools and a course diploma for the water and sewage sector that can be employed as international standards for educational training. University in the Field will design standardised educational tools and will implement these via both a virtual (computer-based) and practical setting using courses and seminars in the field. The course syllabus, consisting of theoretical and practical elements, will reflect the particular context of local water management. The project targets individuals in the sector with minimal educational qualifications but with good practical knowledge and work experience, with a particular focus upon older workers. Through cooperation between organisations for municipal water management, private entities, and universities, the project will create a 'University in the Field' for water/sewage management across six European countries. As the potential user group is extensive, the project will train trainers with the aim of disseminating the project at a local level. Project dissemination will primarily be through the European Water Association, individual countries' agencies responsible for water management, and via the project website. A network of key users for educational programmes in relation to the WFD will be established during the course of the project, and the possibility of creating a common European platform for water management education will be further explored.