ObjectivesThe object of the programme is to train you in the wide range of disciplines and skills necessary for the investigation, prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases in all cultured species. You will gain an understanding of the biology, husbandry and environment of farmed aquatic species, in addition to specialist expertise in aquatic animal diseases. It is also intended as a preparation for students who plan to pursue a PhD in the area of aquatic animal health or disease.
Entry requirementsEntrance Requirements A good Honours degree in Agriculture, Zoology, Applied Biology or Microbiology is required.
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 Aquatic Pathobiology. 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 completes six compulsory modules.
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:
-Systemic Pathology and Histopathology
-Microbial Diseases
-Parasitic Diseases
-Immunology
-Epidemiology and Health Control
-Ecotoxicology
Research Project Module
The research project module is normally completed between March and July. The research projects are of very high quality and more than 50 percent result in peer reviewed publications. Successful completion of the module, subsequent to Foundation and Advanced modules, will qualify the student for an MSc in Aquatic Pathobiology.
Delivery and Assessment
The programme is delivered though a variety of formats including lectures, practical classes, seminars, field visits and directed study. Assessment consists of a number of assignments in a range of formats. The research project is marked on your activities during the project, your thesis and a presentation made in front of the class, supervisors and examiners.
Career Opportunities
This programme has run for over 20 years and has trained over 200 students from all over the world. It equips graduates with expertise applicable to a wide range of potential careers. The career path selected depends on your personal interests, as well as your previous experiences. Our graduates generally find employment in their area of interest and the world employment market in the area of aquatic animal health remains buoyant.
The programme provides a natural career progression for most candidates and a conversion course for others wishing to enter the field. It also provides training for those who wish to pursue a PhD, especially in aquaculture, aquatic health, fisheries and aquatic resources management.
Over the last four intakes, 32 percent of graduates have gone on to a PhD or further research, 23 percent have taken employment as aquatic health consultants, 21 percent work in government fisheries departments, 17 percent are university lecturers and the remainder are managers of farms or aquaria or have other types of employment.