The IPGL programme provides an overview of the structure and functioning of freshwater ecosystems. Ecology of aquatic ecosystems (lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands and groundwater). Foodweb structure, human impact assessment, bio-indicators, fish-stock assessment, fishpond management, water quality monitoring. The focus is on the translation of theory into practical approaches. The programme includes lectures, laboratory-work, fieldwork and excursions.

The quality of IPGL is based on the excellent collaboration of many renowned research institutions in Austria and several institutions in the world. As a result of this cooperation, IPGL course modules are held at several locations and centres of excellence in Austria, such as: Mondsee (Austrian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Limnology), Lunz (Inter-University Center WasserCluster Lunz) and Vienna (University Vienna, Technical University Vienna, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences). LWE course modules are also held at UNESCO-IHE, Delft, the Netherlands and at Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya.