The IPGL programme provides an overview of the structure and functioning of freshwater ecosystems and how to manage them sustainably. 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: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna,
Lunz (Inter-University Center WasserCluster Lunz),  Mondsee (Austrian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Limnology) and Vienna (University Vienna, Technical University Vienna). LWM course modules are also held at UNESCO-IHE, Delft, the Netherlands and at Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya.