ObjectivesWe aim to provide appropriate and flexible learning opportunities through which you can acquire and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to establish, manage and appraise aquaculture enterprises and development projects in the UK, Europe and overseas. The programmes above are a natural career progression for most candidates and invaluable for others wishing to enter the aquaculture field. They also provide training for students who wish to pursue a PhD, especially in aquaculture, fisheries and aquatic resources exploitation and management.
Entry requirementsEntrance Requirements Consideration will be given to graduates with an Honours degree in a relevant subject from a university or college recognised by the University of Stirling or an equivalent academic or professional qualification. Consideration will also be given to graduates with an Ordinary or General degree in a relevant subject from a university recognised by the University of Stirling or an equivalent qualification, or extensive experience in aquaculture and/or fisheries.
The full Master’s programme for each degree outcome is divided into 13 modules; six Foundation modules, six Advanced modules, and a single research project module. The overall programme is divided into three parts:
Foundation Modules
The Foundation modules are taught between September and December.
There are six compulsory modules, taken consecutively, giving instruction in basic aquaculture concepts and skills. Successful completion of all six Foundation modules will qualify the student for a Postgraduate Certificate in Aquaculture. Students select a particular named degree outcome at the end of the Foundation modules. The Advanced modules are then chosen appropriately.
The Foundation modules are:
* Aquatic Animal Biology and Health
* Aquatic Animals in the Environment
* Aquatic Animal Nutrition and Food Safety
* Aquatic Animal Reproduction and Genetics
* Aquatic Animal Production Systems
* Aquaculture in Practice – Study Tour
Advanced Modules
The Advanced modules of taught units and workshops are given between December and March. Here the student must complete six modules from 13 offered (choices are dependent on the final degree outcome to be awarded). Successful completion of the Advanced modules, subsequent to the Foundation modules, will qualify the student for a Postgraduate Diploma in a selected named degree outcome. The Advanced modules are:
* Advanced Environmental Management
* Business and Financial Management
* GIS and Remote Sensing for Aquaculture
* Economics, Marketing and Investment
* Practical Feed Production
* Biodiversity, Sustainable Development
and Aquaculture
* Advanced Aquacultural Engineering
* Livelihoods and Aquatic Resources
Management
* Policy, Planning and Management
* Epidemiology and Health Control
* Management of Broodstock
and Genetic Resources
* Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture
* Ecotoxicology
Research Project Module
The Research Project module is normally completed between March and July in a topic which complements the chosen programme of advanced study or named degree outcome. Successful completion of the module, subsequent to Foundation and Advanced modules, will qualify the student for an MSc in Aquaculture.
Delivery and Assessment
In addition to lectures, tutorials and seminars, a number of assignments must be completed. Practical sessions and fieldwork are also important elements. Fieldwork involves group teaching methods through organised field programmes.
Assessment is continuous, involving short tests, seminars, essays, practical reports and field and project reports, as well as written examinations. The research project is examined by both Institute examiners and an external examiner.
Career Opportunities
The comprehensive nature of the programme and our close links with UK and overseas industry make progression to all aspects of commercial aquaculture possible. Approximately 30 percent of our students follow this direct route. Additionally, the programme is 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.