MSc Aquatic Veterinary Studies
University of Stirling
Key Information
Campus location
Stirling, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
12 - 27 months
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
Request info
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* For up to date fee information, please see website
Introduction
Food from aquatic systems is essential for much of the world’s population. However, with wild catches of seafood declining in many places, aquaculture is playing an increasing role as an alternative source of high-quality, nutritious food - and as an employer. Controlling disease is important to the ongoing success of this industry.
Top reasons to study with us
#1 100% of our Institute of Aquaculture research was ranked as having outstanding impact (REF 2021)
#2 85% overall student satisfaction for Biological and Environmental Sciences - Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2021
#3 Our Institute of Aquaculture awarded the UK’s most prestigious academic honour, the Queen’s Anniversary Prize
Curriculum
You’ll study at the Institute of Aquaculture, one of the top institutions in this field. It’s internationally recognised for both research and teaching and has more than 70 staff and 80 postgraduate students.
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.
The Institute of Aquaculture has pioneered the development of aquaculture disease management. We have over 40 years of experience in investigating and controlling fish and shrimp diseases worldwide, which it uses to improve your problem-solving skills, ultimately equipping you to make a real contribution to the sustainability of aquaculture.
The course can also be seen as preparation for anyone who plans to undertake a PhD in the area of aquatic animal health or disease.
Course details
The full Masters course is divided into six taught modules, and a single research project module. The overall course is divided into three parts:
Foundation modules
There are two compulsory modules, taken consecutively, which give a broad introduction to aquaculture science and practice. The first focuses on aquaculture species, systems and environments and their interaction in relation to fish health and welfare. The second module considers aquaculture as a commercial activity, its governance and insights into aquaculture in practice. This is important for understanding the context within which fish health management decisions must be taken.
Advanced modules
There are four advanced modules which cover essential diagnostic skills for viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases, treatments and toxicology, epidemiology and overall health control strategies. Any three of these modules may be taken as a Postgraduate Certificate in Aquaculture Health Management. Completion of all four advanced modules together with the two foundation modules can be recognised with the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Aquatic Veterinary Studies.
Research Project module
The Research Project module involves research in many areas of aquatic animal health. These projects are mostly laboratory based and often result in peer-reviewed publications. Successful completion of the module, following the foundation and advanced modules, will qualify you for an MSc Aquatic Veterinary Studies.
Teaching
Research-led teaching is at the core of your learning as our staff conduct world-leading research in Aquatic Veterinary Science. Our teaching makes use of both our campus-based teaching facilities and online learning environment. In addition to lectures, online materials, workshops, seminars, case studies, field and laboratory exercises, and a number of minor projects are assigned throughout the course.
These are an integral part of the teaching and will involve the students working alone or in groups. These projects may require a written outcome or a presentation to peers and other staff and students.
Fieldwork
There will be a number of field exercises throughout the course, which include visits to Scottish aquaculture production sites, as well as the external marine and freshwater facilities of the Institute of Aquaculture.
Gallery
Program Outcome
This course has run for almost 40 years and we’ve trained over 200 students (in combination with Aquatic Pathobiology) from all over the world. As a graduate, your expertise will be relevant to a wide range of potential careers in aquatic animal health. Your selected career path will depend on your personal interests, as well as your previous experiences. Graduates have gone on to work as aquatic health consultants, with government fisheries departments, and as managers of seafood farms and aquaria.