Program Overview

MSc Sustainable Aquaculture

Overview

The MSc Sustainable Aquaculture explores the principles of aquaculture, focusing on the key factors influencing the viability of aquatic animal farming and food production systems. Students develop an in-depth knowledge of aquatic animal biology, environmental issues, nutrition, reproduction and genetics, disease and health management, and more.

Key Facts

• Award: Masters / MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
• Start date: September 2025
• Duration: MSc full-time: 12 months, MSc part-time: 27 months
• Mode of study: full time, part time
• Delivery: on campus

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• A minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

International Entry Requirements

• View the entry requirements for your country.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

Course Details

Foundation Modules (September to November)

• Two compulsory modules taken consecutively, which give a broad introduction to aquaculture science and practice.

Advanced Modules (November to April)

• Four advanced modules from the five offered, which are sequential and have a choice of two modules for the last of the four timetable blocks.

Research Project Module (May to September)

• Completed in a subject area which complements the chosen course of advanced study or your named degree outcome.

Teaching

• A variety of teaching approaches is used in the course, including lectures, online materials, workshops, seminars, case studies, field and laboratory exercises, and a number of minor projects.

Fieldwork

• A number of field exercises throughout the course, which may involve several nights away from Stirling.

Assessment

• Taught module assessment is continuous, involving short tests, seminars, essays, practical reports, critical and computational analysis, field assignments and set project reports.
• The Research Project module is examined through a written dissertation, a press release and seminar presentation.

Fees and Funding

Fees and Costs

• University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
• Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.

Scholarships and Funding

• Funding opportunities available, including the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) MSc Scholarships.
• Postgraduate tuition fee loans available for eligible students.

After You Graduate

• Graduates of the MSc Sustainable Aquaculture can follow a direct route into industry, such as production, the supply sector, or post-harvest.
• Roles within these areas of industry include scientist, fisheries technician, nutrition analysts, fish farm manager, commercial fish farm operator, fish pathologist, and fish vet.
• Aquaculture specialists can earn a base salary up to £43,000 annually.