MSc Aquaculture: Sustainable Aquaculture
University of Stirling
Key Information
Campus location
Stirling, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
12 - 27 months
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
Request info
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* For up to date fee information, please see website
Introduction
Study at the world-renowned Institute of Aquaculture – a leading Institute for sustainable aquatic food production and the largest of its kind in the world. The Institute brings together world-class, cross-disciplinary researchers to address a wide range of global challenges facing industry and society.
Top reasons to study with us
#1 85% overall student satisfaction for Biological and Environmental Sciences - Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2021
#2 You’ll study at the Institute of Aquaculture, a leading institute for sustainable aquatic food production
#3 We work closely with the aquaculture industry in more than 20 countries
Curriculum
Our Masters in Sustainable Aquaculture explores the principles of aquaculture and the key factors influencing the viability of aquatic animal farming and food production systems. You’ll develop an understanding of aquatic animal biology, environmental issues, nutrition, reproduction and genetics, disease and health management.
With practical application at the core of your studies, you can choose to focus on specific aspects of sustainable aquaculture, including:
- advanced broodstock management
- aquaculture policy and planning
- livelihood analysis
- environmental management and biodiversity
- feed formulation and resources
- aquatic animal health control
- epidemiology
- ecotoxicology
You can also explore the commercial business of sustainable aquaculture, with optional modules covering marketing, business studies and economics. You’ll learn the skills necessary to establish, manage and appraise aquaculture enterprises and development projects from within the industry or public sector.
A flexible course
This course is highly modular, and has been designed to offer considerable flexibility for learning while maintaining a high standard of training. This structure lets you make more subject choices which will benefit your future career.
There are a number of degree outcomes available. These differ primarily in their defined path of required modules - specialised outcomes have more compulsory modules where the Sustainable Aquaculture degree has greater choice. The degree outcomes are:
- Master of Science in Aquaculture
- Master of Science in Aquaculture (Environmental Management)
- Master of Science in Aquaculture (Breeding and Genetics)
- Master of Science in Aquaculture (Aquaculture Nutrition)
- Master of Science in Aquaculture (Aquaculture Development and Food Security)
The course is also available on a block-release basis (by selecting individual or a series of modules) over a period not exceeding five academic years.
Course objectives
The Institute of Aquaculture has been closely associated with the global expansion of aquaculture, initially through developing and improving the existing production systems and the development of new farmed species.
In recent years our research has focused on increasing the sustainability and security of aquaculture development and practice, and on improving the efficiency of utilising natural resources. You’ll have the unique opportunity to be associated with these activities and get an insight into all aspects of aquaculture sciences and development worldwide.
Our students
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds. Many have first degrees in natural sciences; others have qualifications in agriculture, engineering, business and finance or information technology. Many have some prior work experience and we welcome more mature applicants looking for a step-change in their career. The diversity and experience of students on the programme contributes substantially to everyone's learning and ensures the programme is relevant to, and connected with, the global aquaculture industry.
Course details
The full Masters course for each degree outcome is divided into six taught modules, and a single research project module. The overall course is divided into three parts.
Foundation modules
There are two compulsory modules taken consecutively, which give a broad introduction to aquaculture science and practice. The first focuses on aquaculture species, systems and environments and their interaction whilst the second considers aquaculture as a commercial activity, its governance and insights into aquaculture in practice. Successful completion of the foundation modules plus one advanced module will qualify you for a Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Aquaculture.
Advanced modules
You must choose four advanced modules from nine offered. As these are sequential, there is a choice of two or three modules for each of the four timetable blocks. Successful completion of the two foundation modules plus four advanced modules, will qualify you for a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture.
Research Project module
The Research Project module is completed in a subject area which complements the chosen course of advanced study or your named degree outcome. These projects can be lab based, field based, or involve a desk study analysis/report. Successful completion of the module, subsequent to foundation and advanced modules, will qualify you for an MSc in a selected degree outcome.
Teaching
A variety of teaching approaches is used in the course. Our teaching makes use of both our campus-based teaching facilities and online learning environment. In addition to lectures, online materials, workshops, seminars, case studies, field and laboratory exercises, and a number of minor projects are assigned throughout the course. These are an integral part of the teaching and will involve the students working alone or in groups. These projects may require a written outcome or a presentation to peers and other staff and students.
Fieldwork
There will be a number of field exercises throughout the course. Some trips may involve several nights away from Stirling.