Postgraduate taught programme

MSc

Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries

Aquaculture and fisheries are vital to global food security, producing over 220 million tonnes worth $470 billion. Their interlinked systems must be sustainably managed to protect ecosystems and meet the needs of a growing population.
MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries
About Details Careers, industry and research Postgraduate student life Fees and funding Apply Register for open evening

About

Our multidisciplinary approach places emphasis on the sustainable use of aquatic and marine resources for commercial exploitation of food and products. Discover the scientific rationale for improving aquatic animal health and production, reducing environmental impact, and addressing socio-economic factors.

Access to world‑leading research and facilities

Train within a globally recognised research environment, using specialist aquaculture and marine science facilities, and gain hands‑on experience through immersive field trips in the UK and abroad.

Strong industry and government connections

The programme is shaped by close partnerships with government agencies, industry leaders and NGOs, ensuring you develop the technical and scientific expertise demanded across the global aquaculture and fisheries sector.

Exceptional career and placement opportunities

With an optional 6-12‑month industry placement and a track record of graduates progressing into roles across industry, government, NGOs and international research, the programme opens doors to diverse global career pathways.

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Details

Programme overview

Spend the year developing a deep, applied understanding of sustainable aquaculture, fisheries management, and marine resource use. Study aquatic animal health, production systems, sustainable fisheries practices, seafood processing, and advanced research methods, while also completing an independent dissertation project. Optional modules allow you to specialise further in areas such as aquarium nutrition, GIS and remote sensing, or marine ecosystem management, with placement preparation available for industry experience.
Sustainable aquaculture systems

Core modules

APIE500
Masters Placement Preparation

Prepare for a successful Masters-level industrial placement by developing the tools, confidence and professional awareness needed for the search process. You’ll learn how to identify opportunities, strengthen applications, and understand workplace expectations, ensuring you’re well?equipped to secure and thrive in a placement that supports your academic and career goals.

BIO504
Health and Production in Aquaculture

Explore the biological, chemical and physical factors that influence the health of aquatic organisms, including algae, invertebrates and fish, in both freshwater and marine systems. You will examine how health and production are shaped by environmental conditions, nutrition, genetics and disease dynamics through conventional and emerging approaches,with an emphasis on sustainable practice.

100% Coursework

BIO5132
Sustainable Fisheries

Examine how fisheries and aquatic resources can be managed responsibly in the face of environmental and economic pressures. Through real-world case studies, you’ll analyse management approaches, evaluate sustainability frameworks and learn to assess impacts critically. This module equips you with the knowledge needed to apprise and support aquaculture and fisheries operations.

100% Coursework

BIO5209
Seafood Processing - Current Perspectives

Examine how seafood quality and sustainability are shaped, from harvest to processing to consumption. You’ll study production systems, preservation methods and environmental influences, while exploring how innovation can improve efficiency. The module encourages innovation as you consider how to support responsible, high-quality seafood production across the value chain.

100% Coursework

PROJ522
MSc Dissertation 60 credits

Complete an independent, in depth research project shaped around your scientific interests. Work with an academic supervisor, to define a research question, develop a hypothesis and design a robust methodology. You may undertake experimental, field based or desk based research, applying appropriate analytical and statistical techniques, developing independent thinking, problem solving and critical evaluation skills.

100% Coursework

BMS500
SoBMS Postgraduate Methods Module 20 credits

This module aims to equip students with the practical skills and contextual framework for conducting high quality research. Emphasis is placed on workshop opportunities to acquire and practice research planning, analysis, communication, writing and oral presentation skills.

50% Coursework

50% Practicals

Optional modules

ANIM5012
Aquarium Health and Nutrition

Gain a strong foundation in the health and nutritional needs of aquatic species within modern aquariums. You’ll explore how diet, water quality and environmental design influence wellbeing, and study species-specific health challenges. Through real cases, you’ll learn how aquariums manage risks while supporting education, research and conservation goals in a professional setting.

100% Coursework

MAR518
Remote Sensing and GIS 20 credits

Develop practical skills in GIS and remote sensing for studying marine, coastal and polar environments. You’ll collect GPS and radiometric field data, evaluate remote-sensing tools and learn to interpret complex spatial datasets. This module blends hands-on computing with real-world scenarios, preparing you to use spatial data in marine science and management.

100% Coursework

MAR530
Managing Marine Ecosystems 20 credits

Explore and understand threats to marine ecosystems from human activities and how these can be mitigated by management approaches. Using case studies, you’ll examine the role of policies and conservation agreements and develop a critical appreciation of how they are applied in real world examples. This module deepens your understanding of how we protect marine environments while balancing ecological and societal needs.

100% Coursework

Optional placement

Take the opportunity to gain significant professional experience through a 6–12 month placement. Through the year you will integrate academic learning with practical workplace application, helping you develop advanced technical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. It also encourages critical reflection on your role, responsibilities, and professional growth within an organisational setting.
Assessment is based on progress reports, tutor and employer evaluations, and a reflective report or portfolio.
Female fish farm worker checking trout growth in fish breeding incubator. Getty 1281231059

Core modules

APIE501
Masters Placement

Gain invaluable experience through a 6-12 - month placement directly linked to your specialist area. You’ll contribute to real projects, receive feedback from academic and industry supervisors, and reflect on your development through structured assessments. This module deepens your professional skill set while reinforcing your ability to apply scientific knowledge in workplace contexts.

 
 
 

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

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:

MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries programme specification_7669

 
 
 
 
 

Student prizes and honours

Each year we are pleased to offer a number student prizes funded by our industry partners available exclusively to students on this programme:
[  The dsm-firmenich Excellence in Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries Award
Awarded to the student who has achieved the overall highest grade on the programme. Value: £2,000.
[  The Leiber Sustainability in Aquaculture and Fisheries Award
Awarded to the student who has achieved the highest grade on the Sustainable Fisheries module. Value: €1,500.
[  The Lallemand Innovation and Impact in Aquaculture and Fisheries Award
Awarded to the student who has been deemed to produce the most impactful and innovative dissertation. Value: €1,500.
[  The International Aquafeed Student Excellence Award
The winner of this award will receive a £250 prize and will have their work published in International Aquafeed.
Additionally, each year, a number of small scholarships (worth £500–£1,000) are usually attached to selected industry-sponsored dissertation projects.

Careers, industry and research

Your learning experience

The MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries programme equips you with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to help shape the future of sustainable aquatic food production. As global demand for seafood continues to grow, the programme explores how innovative aquaculture systems, responsible fisheries, emerging technologies, and evidence-based management can support food security, environmental sustainability, and aquatic animal health. You will examine a wide range of production systems and species, including finfish, shellfish, crustaceans, and algae, while engaging with the major global challenges facing the sector, from climate change and resource use to nutrition, biosecurity, welfare, and sustainability.
Teaching combines lectures, seminars, practical training, laboratory sessions, and industry-focused field trips, complemented by contributions from leading experts across industry, regulatory bodies, and research organisations. Through a combination of specialised modules and coursework-based assessment, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s global significance, economic importance, and the technologies and innovations driving the future of sustainable aquaculture and fisheries.
Green and brown algaes on field in Indian Ocean, during low tide near Zanzibar
 
 
 
 

Hear from our graduates

Maddy Entrekin

Aquaculture has rapidly become the fastest growing food production industry and is regarded as one of the most viable potential solutions for future food supply challenges, so transitioning from a background in marine biology and coastal ecology to aquaculture felt like a practical way to apply my knowledge to promote future sustainability in a real-world context.

Maddy from Georgia, USA, chose to continue her studies at Â鶹´«Ã½ for the MSc Sustainable Aquaculture

I would recommend coming to Â鶹´«Ã½ for the enthusiasm. From the technical staff, demonstrators, lecturers, and professors it is clear that everyone has a real passion for their job, the research they do, and the students they get to teach and inspire: it’s contagious and motivating. There is undoubtedly some great stuff going on here in Â鶹´«Ã½.

Nicola - MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries graduate, now a Strategic Research Coordinator.

Â鶹´«Ã½ has experienced lecturers and technical staff in the field of aquaculture research. I gained a lot of knowledge and experience with the help of lecturers and technicians and the access to laboratory equipment and statistical programs. This enabled me to have a successful and enjoyable education and provided me with the necessary skills for my current job.

Mehmet, MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries graduate - now an expert at the Research Institution of Aquaculture, Turkey.

N Read more from our MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries alumni 

 

Beyond the classroom

We undertake a number of field trips as part of the programme which provide you with a unique insight into the industry, building upon the learning material delivered within the MSc. 
We typically have a residential field trip to Scotland, plus day visits to hatcheries and farms in the South West of the UK.
 
MSc Sustainable Aquaculture & Fisheries graduate, Naomi, scuba diving under water.

One of the things that first drew me to the Â鶹´«Ã½ was its proximity to the ocean and beaches in Devon and Cornwall. Being based right by the sea really adds to the experience of studying marine-related subjects and helps to bring the theory to life on local fieldtrips.

Naomi, MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries graduate

 
 
 
 

Placement experience

A placement year provides invaluable real-world experience, helping you develop practical skills, professional confidence, and industry connections that enhance future career prospects. It offers the opportunity to apply knowledge gained during the programme within commercial, research, and policy-focused environments while gaining first-hand insight into the challenges and innovations shaping the aquaculture and fisheries sectors.
An exciting range of placement opportunities are available through our industry and research partnerships. One particularly popular destination has been  in Scotland, where several of our students have successfully completed placements. As a global leader in Atlantic salmon genetics and breeding, Landcatch provides students with hands-on experience across broodstock management, hatchery production, fish health, and freshwater operations, allowing them to further develop their technical expertise and industry understanding. Many students have enjoyed the experience so much that they have gone on to secure full-time employment with the company following completion of their placement.
Both students and host organisations have described the placements as highly rewarding and mutually beneficial, helping prepare the next generation of professionals to address major sector challenges including climate change, aquatic animal health, sustainability, and responsible food production.
N
y  Watch our MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries graduate Darshan's video on his placement at Landcatch.
 
 
 

The hands-on experience with an organisation like Landcatch is unmatched. Our students learn about sustainable practices in one of the most advanced hatchery environments in Europe. It prepares them to enter the industry as well-rounded professionals.â€

Daniel MerrifieldProfessor Daniel Merrifield
Professor of Aquaculture Health and Nutrition

 

Our partners

The MSc is greatly enhanced through our wide network of links and partnerships with organisations that contribute to the programme through guest lectures, offering placements, supporting research projects and hosting field trips.
 

Shaping tomorrow through world‑class research

The programme places you within a vibrant research community working across key aquaculture and fisheries systems, supported by major UK research councils, global industry partners and international research centres. You’ll gain hands‑on experience through a research project using advanced aquaria, wet labs and specialist analytical facilities - including proteomics, electron microscopy, nutrition, chemistry, histology and microbiology suites - while exploring themes such as nutrition, health, behaviour, welfare, physiology and environmental impacts. Projects can be undertaken on campus or with partner organisations worldwide, with recent opportunities spanning Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. 
 
 
 

Research careers

Our students have progressed into careers within R&D departments of the aquaculture and aquafeed nutrition industry. Others have progressed into research activities within academia. On completion of this masters programme you can apply to study a suitable of doctoral programme at the Â鶹´«Ã½ or elsewhere. PhD programmes presently undertaken include fish nutrition and feed technology, fish health and physiological biochemistry associated with aquaculture.
Find out more about career opportunities available for graduates
Sustainable aquaculture facilities
 
 
 

Hands-on learning

Benefit from access to advanced aquaria, wet labs and a full suite of analytical facilities - including proteomics, electron microscopy, nutrition, chemistry, histology and microbiology laboratories - supporting both in vitro and in vivo research on finfish, crustaceans and molluscs.
Facilities in the fish health and nutrition research laboratories
Sustainable aquaculture facilities
Sustainable aquaculture facilities
Sustainable aquaculture facilities
 
 
 
 
 

Our experts

Professor Daniel Merrifield Professor of Aquaculture Health and Nutrition


Professor of Aquaculture Health and Nutrition

Dr Victor Kuri Lecturer in Food Quality


Lecturer in Food Quality

Dr Benjamin Ciotti Associate Professor of Marine Biology


Associate Professor of Marine Biology

Show all

Meet our school technical staff  

Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories, workshops, and the field.
 

Postgraduate student life

Postgraduate study at the Â鶹´«Ã½ is about more than just getting a qualification – it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
With a supportive learning environment and flexible study options – including part-time and January start dates – you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Â鶹´«Ã½ offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
 
 
 
 
Elsa Domoney – MSc Sustainable Aquaculture graduate

The teaching standard at Â鶹´«Ã½ was very high and was delivered in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere by experts in their field. Â鶹´«Ã½ also has great facilities and industry contacts who gave guest lectures, providing opportunity for networking and career advice.

Elsa
MSc Sustainable Aquaculture* graduate
*Programme renamed to MSc Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries

 
 
 

Your Â鶹´«Ã½ community

At the Â鶹´«Ã½, you get the same access to support, sports and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Â鶹´«Ã½ community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer – get involved, stay connected and make the most of your time here.
 

Enrich your studies with the Postgrad Society

The Postgrad Society welcomes all postgraduate students - whether full-time, part-time, taught or research-based - offering a supportive space to connect beyond academic pressures. Join a vibrant community where you can unwind, celebrate achievements and meet likeminded peers through a wide range of activities - from pub quizzes, movie nights, and beach cleans to trips along the South West coastal path and the annual Postgraduate Christmas Ball.
Events are thoughtfully planned around key postgraduate milestones and often in collaboration with other societies, so you can try new things and make the most of your university experience.
N
Group of postgraduate students on the Hoe on a sunny day

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£11,700 per year
Part-time study
£650 per 10 credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about Fees and costs of studying. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£21,000 per year
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying. 
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As a postgraduate at Â鶹´«Ã½, there are plenty of funding options available, including postgraduate masters loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)

You may be eligible to apply for a to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
 

Tuition fee discount for Â鶹´«Ã½ graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Â鶹´«Ã½, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students 
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
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Entry requirements

UK/EU
A 2:1 or equivalent preferably in a biology, environmental science, zoology, marine biology related subject. We will consider a 2:2 or equivalent or other relevant awards. If you don’t have any recent formal qualifications, we may accept workplace experience.

Extended entry requirements

  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • 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.

Ready to apply?

Apply online

After you 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 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.
Programme code
7669
Duration

1 year
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Â鶹´«Ã½
 

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
You can check the compatibility of your qualifications with the UK equivalent through , which provides an advisory service.
 
 

BSearch entry requirements for your country

5

Extended entry requirements

  • a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element). English language requirements 
  • 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
  • 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.

Ready to apply?

As an international student, you can apply for this course directly through the Â鶹´«Ã½ or through an agent in your country.
 

Apply online

Need support with your application?

  • Personal statement guidance
  • Student visa support
  • Travel and arrival information
  • and more
 

After you 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.
Programme code
7669
Duration

1 year
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Â鶹´«Ã½
 
 
 

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Student in art classroom in Roland Levinsky Building