Sustainable Aquaculture (MSc/PGDip/PGCert, Modular) - online at University of St Andrews

Programme overview

A modular online programme on sustainable marine and land-based aquaculture, covering operational best practice, engineering solutions, health and safety, animal welfare and sustainability. It is aimed at people working in or aspiring to work in the global aquaculture sector and allows study at MSc, PGDip, PGCert or single-module level.

Department: School of Biology | Duration: One to five years depending on level of study (MSc, PGDip, PGCert or single modules), part-time online | Intake: January 2027 (deadline Friday 8 January 2027) or September 2027 (deadline Wednesday 1 September 2027) | Study mode: online | Location: St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Study is through optional modules including Aquaculture: Feeding and Nutrition and Sustainable Aquaculture: Principles of Aquaculture, with an adaptive approach that lets students focus on vertebrate or invertebrate production. Delivery is by video lectures, online presentations, tutorials, guided reading, discussion and problem-solving tasks on Moodle. MSc students complete a dissertation, and employer-sponsored projects are welcomed.

Career pathways

Develops understanding of sustainable aquaculture best practice, leadership, project management and innovative approaches to production, for careers across the global aquaculture sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in a relevant biological science, or completion of the Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainable Aquaculture together with evidence of relevant professional experiential learning. Applicants without a degree are considered with at least five years of relevant professional learning. Application documents: CV, personal statement, two signed references (at least one academic), and transcripts and degree certificates. English language (international applicants, IELTS Academic; equivalents accepted): overall 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component (postgraduate taught profile 3-D). Also accepted: PTE Academic 79 overall (76 in each skill), TOEFL iBT (pre-2026 scale) 91 overall (reading 19, writing 23, listening 19, speaking 22). Applicants from some countries and those with a degree taught in English at a qualifying institution may not need a test score. Test scores are normally valid for two years.

GBP 18,000 for the whole programme. Estimated total fee for the MSc at £1,500 per 15 credits, January 2027 entry. Students pay per module. Source

Intake: January 2027 (deadline Friday 8 January 2027) or September 2027 (deadline Wednesday 1 September 2027

Duration: Between one and five years depending on the level of study

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