Institute of Irrigation and Development Studies The Institute was created in 1979 to expand the postgraduate activities in irrigation studies. Its origins can be traced to 1964 when a MSc course in Irrigation Engineering was established. The Institute has recently expanded its interests to cover all aspects of irrigation. Its aims and functions are:

1. To conduct postgraduate courses in irrigation engineering (leading to the DipSoton or the MSc) providing professional training in the design and operation of irrigation schemes throughout the world.

2. To conduct fundamental and applied research into any aspect of irrigation and irrigated agriculture.

3. To participate in aid programmes for developing countries by means of teaching, research and consultation.

4. To be a centre for acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in all aspects of irrigated agriculture and related engineering practice.