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Study at the world-renowned Institute of Aquaculture – a leading Institute for sustainable aquatic food production and the largest of its kind in the world. The Institute brings together world-class, cross-disciplinary researchers to address a wide range of global challenges facing industry and society.
Our Masters in Sustainable Aquaculture explores the principles of aquaculture and the key factors influencing the viability of aquatic animal farming and food production systems. You’ll develop an understanding of aquatic animal biology, environmental issues, nutrition, reproduction and genetics, disease and health management.
With practical application at the core of your studies, you can choose to focus on specific aspects of sustainable aquaculture, including:
- advanced broodstock management
- aquaculture policy and planning
- livelihood analysis
- environmental management and biodiversity
- feed formulation and resources
- aquatic animal health control
- epidemiology
- ecotoxicology
You can also explore the commercial business of sustainable aquaculture, with optional modules covering marketing, business studies and economics. You’ll learn the skills necessary to establish, manage and appraise aquaculture enterprises and development projects from within the industry or public sector.
A flexible course
This modular course is designed to offer considerable flexibility for learning while maintaining a high standard of training. This structure lets you make more subject choices which will benefit your future career.
There are a number of degree outcomes available. These differ primarily in their defined path of required modules - specialised outcomes have more compulsory modules where the Sustainable Aquaculture degree has greater choice. The degree outcomes are:
- Master of Science in Aquaculture
- Master of Science in Aquaculture (Environmental Management)
- Master of Science in Aquaculture (Breeding and Genetics)
- Master of Science in Aquaculture (Aquaculture Nutrition)
- Master of Science in Aquaculture (Aquaculture Development and Food Security)
The course is also available on a block-release basis (by selecting individual or a series of modules) over a period not exceeding five academic years.
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
Course objectives
The Institute of Aquaculture has been closely associated with the global expansion of aquaculture, initially through developing and improving the existing production systems and the development of new farmed species.
In recent years our research has focused on increasing the sustainability and security of aquaculture development and practice, and on improving the efficiency of utilising natural resources. You’ll have the unique opportunity to be associated with these activities and get an insight into all aspects of aquaculture sciences and development worldwide.
Our students
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds. Many have first degrees in natural sciences; others have qualifications in agriculture, engineering, business and finance or information technology. Many have some prior work experience and we welcome more mature applicants looking for a step-change in their career. The diversity and experience of students on the course contributes substantially to everyone's learning and ensures the course is relevant to, and connected with, the global aquaculture industry.
Study abroad
The MSc Sustainable Aquaculture involves a research project lasting approximately three months. This can be carried out in Stirling, or with partner organisations in Scotland and other countries, which include both academic and industry partners. In recent years, student projects have been hosted in China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Kenya, USA and New Zealand.
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. You will benefit from our focus on research-led teaching in key areas such as sustainable aquaculture, health, breeding and genetics, welfare and behaviour, and nutrition.