Aquaculture is now recognised as the fastest growth sector of agribusiness on a global scale – learn about this growing industry through a multidisciplinary approach, which places emphasis on sustainable use of aquatic and marine resources for commercial exploitation for food and products. You’ll discover the scientific rationale for improving aquatic animal health, production and reducing environmental impact and address the socio-economic factors.
You’ll learn about the scale and nature of the global industry and the challenges required to develop sustainable solutions. The programme reflects key aspects of fish, shellfish and algae production relating to modern aquaculture practices with emphasis on nutrition, feed management, health, welfare and sustainable technology. It also incorporates the socio-economic and geo-political developments in this expanding area as well as marketing and enterprise. Topics include: fish nutrition, feed technology, fish and shellfish health management, disease prevention and genetic improvement of stock for aquaculture; management of fish production, ornamental fish culture and global demand for aquatic trades in captive fish species; environmental and legislative regulations in different countries and the problems of aquaculture expansion in rural areas; economics of the marine environment; seafood processing; and a research project leading to your dissertation.
Core modules
BIO504 Health and Production in Aquaculture- This module will address the biological, chemical and physical factors underpinning the health of organisms (including algae, invertebrates and fish) reared in freshwater and saltwater. The curriculum will include an evaluation of sustainable approaches towards enhancing health and production levels through the use of conventional and novel approaches. Developments in disease management, genetic improvement, nutrition and water quality optimisation will be included.
BIO505 Research Project- Aspects of animal management will be studied encompassing the relationships between ethological concepts and techniques, learning, training, and enrichment.
BIO5125 Sustainable Use of Resources in Biological Systems- This module provides a framework for the analysis of resource utilisation and management in biological systems. Students will study example systems appropriate to their programme of study to allow them to evaluate the extent to which resources are used sustainably
BIO5131 Postgraduate Research Skills & Methods- The module provides the research- and communication-related skills that biology postgraduates require to carry out an original research project at the forefront of their academic discipline. Emphasis is given to the philosophy, design, ethics and management of research, effective communication to a range of audiences, and advice on career management and presentation skills involved in job applications and interviews.
BIO5208 Contemporary Issues in Aquaculture- This module will address the key conceptual issues in aquaculture towards promotion of sustainable solutions to the key problems and issues facing this industry in the early twenty first century.
BIO5209 Seafood Processing - Current Perspectives- Several factors influence the quality and sustainable to foods from primary production along the added value chain from the aquatic systems into consumers. In addition to the study of systems and mechanisms, there will be also opportunities to develop creativity, and technical skills necessary to provide solutions for efficient and sustainable production systems.
MAR507Economics of the Marine Environment- This module will provide students with a clear overview of the problems associated with economic activity in marine environment and the potential solutions to these problems.
Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change.
Application procedure
Click here to apply: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/postgraduate
Cost:
EU applicants should refer to our dedicated Brexit webpage for details of the implications of the UK’s plans to leave the European Union.
New Students
- Home/EU- £9,500
- International- £14,400
- Part time (Home/EU)- £550
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances.
Postgraduate scholarships for international students
We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.
Find out about the postgraduate scholarships available to you as an international student here.
2019 fees £7,500 when awarded the Postgraduate Scholarship
As part of our wider agenda to support sustainability and food security, the University is pleased to offer Scholarships for the 2019 intake of our MSc Sustainable Aquaculture Systems programme.
- This scholarship will be offered automatically providing you meet the eligibility criteria. A separate application will not be required.
- Scholarship value: £2,000 off your tuition fees.
Eligibility: Students must be eligible for UK/EU (home) fees. Please note: students who are eligible for multiple scholarships, awards or discounts by the University of Plymouth will only qualify for the highest amount awarded. Where a student may qualify for the alumni discount and a scholarship then the highest award only will be applied.
Alumnus loyalty reward for postgraduate study
From September 2018, the University applies a discretionary alumni reward where alumnus meet certain criteria on particular postgraduate taught courses.
- a 20 per cent discount on home/EU tuition fees
- or a £2,000 discount on international tuition fees.
PGCE programmes, Master of Architecture, MChem, MEng, MGeol, MPsych, MSci, ResM and postgraduate research degrees are not included in this reward.
For further details, and contact information, please review our alumni discount policy.
Prerequisites:
UK / EU: For entry to postgraduate level, you should possess a good degree in a relevant subject. You may also be considered if you don’t have recent formal qualifications.
INTERNATIONAL: If you are an overseas applicant you can check the compatibility of your qualifications with the UK equivalent through the UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC), who provide an advisory service.
English language requirements.
If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is normally 6.5.
For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.
Application Procedure:
When to apply
Most of our taught programmes begin in September, with some January starts also available. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.
Before you apply
Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
- evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.
Disability services
If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services website.
International students
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email international-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Submitting an application
Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page).
What happens after I apply?
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
- Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
- Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Admissions policy
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced by downloading our Student Admissions Policy. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
Grant opportunities
Postgraduate scholarships for internationanl students: Here
Each year we are pleased to offer a number scholarships funded by our industry partners for students on this programme. These scholarships are typically valued at £1,000 each and are funded by companies such as Biomin GmbH, Lallemand SAS and Leiber GmbH. Please contact Dr Daniel Merrifield for further details on scholarships available this year.
Learning outcomes
Objective:
- Our MSc Sustainable Aquaculture Systems programme provides you with an opportunity to engage with world leading research, with access to outstanding aquaculture facilities and immersive field trips that will give you the tools to make the most of the global career opportunities in this field.
- Develop an appreciation for the growing aquaculture industry within a sustainable agenda for meeting the needs of culturing fish, crustacean, mollusc, aquatic plants and invertebrates for their products.
- Choose specialised modules and draw on the expertise of research active staff with proven track records of teaching and national as well as international recognition in their fields.
- Join a rich research group working on various aspects of nutrition, health, disease, behaviour, microbiomes and welfare of species of fish, crustaceans and molluscs of commercial relevance.
- Undertake a variety of projects and technical training with our contemporary facilities such as wet labs/aquaria, nutrition and feed analytical suites as well as teaching laboratories, molecular biology and an electron microscopy centre.
- Gain access to expertise from leaders in industry and commerce in a variety of aquaculture systems, advancing your technical and scientific knowledge.
- Benefit from our strong relationships with government agencies, commercial enterprising and advisory organisations.
- Join our well established postgraduate environment where PhD students interact and engage in related specialised areas to foster a sound academic forum for sharing ideas and technical knowledge.
- Graduate opportunities include various career paths within the aquaculture industry as well as associated fields relating to fish and shellfish health, welfare and research. Previous graduates have progressed into careers in these fields or PhD programmes in the UK, Europe, Asia and Africa.
- Benefit from a number of national and international field trips to hatcheries, farms and other related facilities.
Prerequisites
UK / EU: For entry to postgraduate level, you should possess a good degree in a relevant subject. You may also be considered if you don’t have recent formal qualifications.
INTERNATIONAL: If you are an overseas applicant you can check the compatibility of your qualifications with the UK equivalent through the UK National Recognition Information Centre(NARIC), who provide an advisory service.
English language requirements.
If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is normally 6.5.
For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.
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