Why study Aquatic Sciences at Stirling?
✭ You can choose from a BSc with Honours in Aquaculture or Marine Biology. Our flexible degree structure allows you to retain the option to switch between both degrees until the end of 3rd year. A 3-year BSc degree in Aquatic Science is also an option.
✭ Unlike most universities, you begin to study aquatic science (along with other biological and environmental sciences, or other subjects) in your first year. This means that you have more time to build up a good level of subject-specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree.
✭ You have the option to gain an HSE Professional SCUBA diving qualification, or, a PADI sports diving qualification, through an arrangement with a professional diving company. The HSE qualification would allow you to be able to SCUBA dive for most scientific and inshore commercial purposes upon graduation, making Stirling graduates attractive to prospective employers.
✭ Aquatic science programmes at Stirling are run by the Institute of Aquaculture which is the largest, multi-disciplinary department of its kind in the world. Stirling students therefore have a unique opportunity to study and gain practical experience of a wide range of topics within the subject area, all within one department.
✭ You have the opportunity to spend your final semester on an overseas placement to complete your dissertation and gain some work experience. The Institute of Aquaculture has contacts with other academic departments/government facilities/industry all over the world so placement options are plentiful.
✭ The Institute is located in central Scotland and both East and West coasts are a short drive away, thus providing students easy access to a range of aquatic habitats.
✭ Stirling is one of the few universities to offer a "Study Abroad" scheme where the funds you receive from the university are still paid to you while you are overseas. You can spend whole or part of your 3rd year in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan or the United States, or a semester in Europe.