Institute of Aquaculture

All of our Master's degrees are accredited to the Scottish Credit Qualification Framework (SCQF). To be awarded an MSc you must accumulate 180 SCQF credit points, 120 SCQF credit points for a Postgraduate Diploma, and 60 SCQF credit points for a Postgraduate Certificate. 1 SCQF credit is equivalent to 10 hours of study. All of these qualifications are taught at SCQF level 11 (Master's level).

The SCQF system is mapped onto the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). 2 SCQF credits = 1 ECTS credit. SCQF level 11 is equivalent to ECTS level 7.

Our degrees are constructed from discrete modules where you follow a programme of modules accumulating credit as you go. Master's degrees consist of 3 module types: Foundation taught modules; Advanced taught modules, and a Research module.

A Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma are 'Intermediate Awards' en route to a Masters degree. You can achieve a PG Certificate upon completion of 60 SCQF points accumulated from Foundation modules, a PG Diploma upon completion of 120 SCQF points accumulated from a mixture of Foundation and Advanced modules, and an MSc upon completion of 180 SCQF points accumulated from a mixture of Foundation and Advanced modules plus a Research module. If you are not interested in doing research, then a Certificate or Diploma may be suitable for you although most students choose to do an MSc.

Certificate and Diploma credit could count towards a Diploma or MSc at a later date as long as you complete all credits within a 5-year period.

Our degrees are very flexible. You can choose to study full-time, part-time (by Distance) or discontinuously. As long as you accumulate the credit necessary within 5 years you will be awarded your degree.

No, because the modules offered for each mode of study are slightly different.

Then you can study individual topics from our 'Continuing Professional Development' courses. See CPD pages for further information.

Most of our students are very successful in getting employment or continuing to do research within the aquaculture sector. Most of our students use our highly regarded post-graduate degrees to work within industry or governmental departments developing aquaculture throughout the world. Many students choose to move into aquaculture research and development by doing a PhD, often at the Institute of Aquaculture by continuing project work developed during their MSc programmes.

The different degree exit points also offer a strong training base to give impetus for a job in aquaculture. The Foundation topics offer a good grounding in all aspects of aquaculture and form, not only a good basis for more advanced work on the MSc programmes, but an excellent conversion for people already with a particular expertise to move into the aquaculture sector.

Studying for a degree by Distance is ideal if you cannot or do not want to leave your current job, or, if you cannot afford to come, or are unable to come to the UK to study. Flexible modes of study, such as Discontinuous study, are available so you only study when you have time to do so. The duration of each module has been carefully planned to enable you to work and study simultaneously and effectively.

It takes a minimum of 4 months for a PG Certificate, 8 months for a PG Diploma and 12 months for an MSc. The maximum allowed for any degree is 5 years.

2 weeks

During the Research module you will carry out an independent research project in a topic relevant to your final degree outcome, under direct supervision from research staff here at the Institute of Aquaculture. Projects are based in laboratories using 'state of the art' facilities, or in the field at commercial aquaculture systems, or as desk-based studies. You may have the chance to carry out your research overseas. Typically, you conduct your research over a period of 3 to 4 months, then submit a dissertation in the form of a publishable manuscript and press release, and give a seminar presentation.

The degree outcomes specialise in various Aquaculture subject areas. All degree outcomes study the same core Foundation modules, the main difference is in the Advanced modules. For a degree in Sustainable Aquaculture you choose any 6 topics you wish to study and for all other outcomes you must study certain compulsory Advanced modules relating to the specific outcome. The Research module must be carried out in an area related to the specific outcome.

No, you only need to decide once you have completed the Foundation modules and have a firmer idea of what your interests are.

Studying for a degree by Distance is ideal if you cannot or do not want to leave your current job, or, if you cannot afford to come, or are unable to come to the UK to study. Flexible modes of study, such as Discontinuous study, are available so you only study when you have time to do so. The duration of each module has been carefully planned to enable you to work and study simultaneously and effectively.

Please see linked document Minimum Computing Specification

You should be fine. You will be introduced to your 'classmates' and staff in the introductory module and there will be a general discussion group where you can chat informally to your classmates. There will also be a 'discussion board' for each module which will be assessed. This will give you a further opportunity to interact with classmates and staff.

We would expect you to study about 15 hours per week per module in order to fully participate in activities and successfully complete the module.

It takes a minimum of 12 months for a PG Certificate, 24 months for a PG Diploma and 36 months for an MSc. The maximum allowed for any degree is 5 years.

7 weeks

During the Research module you will carry out an independent research project under supervision from research staff here at the Institute of Aquaculture. Typically, you conduct your research over a period of 9-10 months, then submit a manuscript and press release, and produce a conference-standard scientific poster. Projects can be carried out at your place of employment if you work in a related sector, if not, you can carry out desk-based research from your home

Both degree outcomes study the same core Foundation modules, the main difference is in the Advanced modules, where you must study 6 compulsory topics relating to your specific outcome. For a degree in Sustainable Aquaculture you must study 6 Advanced Sustainable Aquaculture topics. For a degree in Aquatic Resource Development you must study 6 Advanced ARD topics. The Research module must be carried out in an area related to the specific outcome.

No, you only need to decide once you have completed the Foundation modules and have a firmer idea of what your interests are.

Due to the very 'hands on' nature of some face-to-face modules it is extremely difficult to offer them online. A reduction in modules available online means we cannot offer as many outcomes by Distance. However, we do plan to offer more in future years

No, the degree is completed entirely online. The only time you may wish to come to Stirling is for your Graduation!