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Food from aquatic systems is essential for much of the world’s population. However, with wild catches of seafood declining in many places, aquaculture is playing an increasing role as an alternative source of high-quality, nutritious food - and as an employer. Controlling disease is important to the ongoing success of this industry.
This Masters in Aquatic Veterinary Studies provides you with training in the wide range of disciplines and skills you need for the investigation, prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases. You’ll develop an understanding of the biology, husbandry and environment of farmed aquatic species, as well as specialist expertise in aquatic animal diseases.
You’ll study at the Institute of Aquaculture, one of the top institutions in this field. It’s internationally recognised for both research and teaching and has more than 70 staff and 80 postgraduate students.
The Institute of Aquaculture has received the UK’s most prestigious academic honour – the Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2019. The honour recognises outstanding work that shows quality and innovation, and delivers real benefit to the wider world through education and training. It recognises our pioneering work in the world’s fastest-growing food production sector and our bid to tackle global hunger.
The Institute of Aquaculture has pioneered the development of aquaculture disease management. We have over 40 years of experience in investigating and controlling fish and shrimp diseases worldwide, which it uses to improve your problem-solving skills, ultimately equipping you to make a real contribution to the sustainability of aquaculture.
The course can also be seen as preparation for anyone who plans to undertake a PhD in the area of aquatic animal health or disease.
Our students
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and many different countries. Some may have prior experience in general veterinary practice; others already have some experience in fish health laboratories.
Intercalating opportunities for veterinary students
Intercalation gives you the opportunity to take 12 months off of your undergraduate studies to specialise on a subject by undertaking another degree such as a Masters course. Our MSc Aquatic Veterinary Studies is available to all students considering this option. This is a great opportunity as you will gain an additional degree for only one year of study. It offers greater career prospects, and provides you with a specialisation on aquatic veterinary.
After the completion of the Masters, you can return to finish your undergraduate course.
Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2019
The Institute of Aquaculture has received the UK’s most prestigious academic honour – the Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2019. The honour recognises outstanding work that shows quality and innovation, and delivers real benefit to the wider world through education and training. It recognises our pioneering work in the world’s fastest-growing food production sector and our bid to tackle global hunger.
Top reasons to study with us
Work placements
There are no formal placement modules, but the research project offers opportunities to work within aquaculture businesses or other research organisations, often outside the UK
Study abroad
There are no formal study abroad options, but the research project may offer an opportunity to work with aquaculture businesses or other research organisations outside the UK.
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Faculty facilities
The Institute of Aquaculture aims to provide the highest standard of facilities in an ever-changing commercial, academic and regulatory environment. We have freshwater sites in Central Scotland, tropical and temperate freshwater recirculation systems in Stirling and marine facilities in the West of Scotland.
The Institute provides analytical laboratories in all the key priority research areas, including:
- genomic, molecular and bioinformatics
- microbiology and Immunology
- imaging facilities
- nutritional analytical services
- water quality services
Research overview
In REF 2021, we were ranked 1st in the UK for impact and 9th overall for research in Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Sciences, with 100% of the University's Institute of Aquaculture research having outstanding impact, the highest possible rating. 100% of our research environment is world leading or internationally excellent.