MSc Sustainable Aquaculture

at University of Stirling

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 (September to November)
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 (November to March)
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 (April to August)
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.
 

Modules

The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2021). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
 

The MSc Sustainable Aquacuture can be awarded with one of 4 named degree titles.
 

Students seeking a variant title e.g. MSc Sustainable Aquaculture (Environmental Management) must ensure that they undertake the appropriate modules the relevant named award. Details of these are below:
 

Year 1, Autumn semester

Compulsory module

• Foundations of Aquatic Production (AQUPGA1)    20 credits
   

Compulsory module

• Aquaculture in Practice (AQUPGA2)    20 credits
   

Option module

Select 20 credits from Sustainable Aquaculture autumn options list

• Aquaculture Nutrition (AQUPGP1)    20 credits
  ​​​​​​​

Year 1, Spring semester

Compulsory module

• Environmental Systems (AQUPGM2)    20 credits
   

Compulsory module

• Genetics and Reproduction (AQUPGP3)    20 credits
   

Option module
 

Select 20 credits from Sustainable Aquaculture options list

• Aquaculture and Society (AQUPGM4)    20 credits
• Aquaculture Health Control (AQUPGP4)    20 credits
   

Year 1, Summer semester

Option module
 

Select 60 credits from MSc Sustainable Aquaculture Dissertation List list

• Project (Aquaculture) (AQUPGAPent) (AQUPGDP)    60 credits
• Project (Aquaculture & the Enviro)    60 credits
• Dissertation Project (Breeding and Genetics) (AQUPGCP)    60 credits
• Project (Aquaculture & Developmnment) (AQUPGEP)    60 credits

Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
 

Other routes of entry
If you don’t currently meet the academic requirements for this course, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need for direct entry.
 

English language requirements
 

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill 
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
• IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
• Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
• Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
• Duolingo 95 overall with a minimum of 90 in all sub-skills
• LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - High Pass overall with minimum 25 in each sub-skill

Overseas (non-EU) students

2022/23 - £23,325
2023/24 - £23,825
 

Course fees

Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.

• If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
• If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
   

Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
 

European Union and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.

This course has run for over 30 years and we’ve trained over 700 students from all over the world. The comprehensive nature of the course and our close links with UK and overseas industry allows good potential for employment in any aspect of commercial aquaculture. Approximately 30 percent of our students follow a direct route into the industry, including production, the supply sector (feed, health, equipment and systems), or post-harvest (processing and marketing).
 

The course is also an excellent grounding for research and further education, often building on the dissertation, and about 30 percent of graduates choose this route. Links with government departments throughout the world allow many of our graduates to establish careers in aquaculture development and aquaculture management in developing countries.
 

• Our career services is 1st in Scotland, top 5 in the UK and top 15 in the world (UK International Student Barometer (ISB) Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018)