Sustainable Aquaculture - online 2025 entry

This programme is designed to develop students’ critical understanding of sustainability in aquaculture production. 

The programme is aimed at those seeking professional development while working in or aspiring to work in the global aquaculture sector.

Start date
January 2025 or September 2025
Duration
Between one and five years depending on the level of study
School
School of Biology

January 2025

Application deadline: Monday 6 January 2025

Apply for PGCert Apply for PGDip Apply for MSc

September 2025

Application deadline: Monday 1 September 2025

Apply for PGCert Apply for PGDip Apply for MSc

Register your interest

Key information

  • Modular, PGCert, PGDip and MSc options are available for self-paced study
  • An adaptive learning approach lets you focus on either or both vertebrate and invertebrate aquaculture production
  • Start in September (PGCert, PGDip, MSc and Modular study) or January (PGCert and Modular study)

Entry requirements

A 2.1 or higher undergraduate Honours degree in a relevant biological science or biotechnology (or international equivalent).

If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements

If you do not have a degree

We will consider applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree. In these circumstances we expect candidates to have at least five years of relevant professional learning. The Admissions team will holistically assess your application and determine the best route of entry for you. In some cases, this may be onto the PGCert in the first instance where students will have the opportunity to progress and graduate with a full Masters degree.

English language proficiency 

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See the English language requirements and the approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Application requirements 

  • CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date 
  • two original signed references (at least one academic)
  • academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • personal statement 

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

 

Course details

The Sustainable Aquaculture online course will teach you contemporary approaches to marine and land-based aquaculture, including operational best practice, engineering solutions, health and safety, animal welfare, and sustainability.

The programme will help you to understand how to embed sustainability in all aspects of aquaculture, from production to markets.

The modular course structure will allow you to tailor the learning material to your professional needs and main interests.

Teaching

You will study using a combination of video lectures, online presentations, handouts, tutorials, guided reading, online discussions, self-assessment, and problem-solving tasks. 

The content will be distributed over multiple weeks, granting you the flexibility to tailor your learning experience to your existing schedule. 

Discussion forums will provide opportunities for discussion and exchange of ideas with your peers and tutors.

All the course resources and reading material will be available through the University’s online learning platform, known as Moodle.

Students on the MSc course will undertake a dissertation in sustainable aquaculture. Projects with an employer or sponsor are welcomed (subject to eligibility).

Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module.

To gain access to Honours-level modules, students must achieve the relevant requisites as specified in the policy on entry to Honours and in the relevant programme requirements.

To find out the classification equivalent of points, please see the common reporting scale.

The University’s Student Services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities web page.

Fees

MSc
£18,000

PGDip
£12,000

PGCert
£6,000

Application fee

Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to students each year.

15% Recent Graduate Discount

If you have graduated from the University within the last three academic years, you may be eligible for a 15% discount on postgraduate taught tuition fees. Terms and conditions apply.

Careers

Career-enhancing skills you will gain

  • Develop an understanding of best practice in sustainable aquaculture.
  • Cultivate your leadership skills and your ability to reflect on feedback, manage projects, and persevere in the face of challenges.
  • Improve your understanding of aquaculture production, while learning to think creatively and to use your knowledge to formulate, design and develop innovative approaches to sustainable best practice.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Contact us

Phone
+44 (0)1334 46 3401
Email
bioadmissions@st-andrews.ac.uk
Address
School of Biology

Biomedical Sciences Research Complex
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9ST

School of Biology website