Aquaculture, Environment and Society MSc

University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)

What is special about this course?

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree in Aquaculture, Environment and Society Plus (EMJMD ACES+) offers specialised training to deliver highly skilled graduates capable of addressing the challenge of food provision for a growing world population.

Food security is of global importance and, in the face of declining resources, aquaculture will have an increasing demand for people with in-depth knowledge and practical expertise to enable this major industry to produce nutritious, high-quality and affordable foods. Graduates will be capable of addressing these challenges and will have exciting international career opportunities.

The sustainable development of the aquaculture industry in Europe has become essential for improving the competitiveness of this sector internationally. There are, however, many major scientific, technological and social obstacles to overcome.

Special features

• The course is delivered by an international team of experts at world-class research facilities including Scottish Association for Marine Science UHI; University of Crete (Greece); University of Nantes (France); and Radboud University (the Netherlands)
• The course language will be English although students are encouraged to learn Greek and French
• Associate institutes with world-class reputations are an integral part of this course and include the United Nations University - Institute of Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) and the Huinay Research Station, Chile
• Altogether we have 21 international Associate Partners supporting the course. These include the International Oceanographic Commission, Sainsbury’s and Marine Harvest, and they offer dissertation placements with full industry participation
• The course gives students an opportunity to study for 6 months in three European countries and offers an unparalleled insight into aquaculture practices and policies across Europe and beyond
• You will gain research experience through a dissertation, linked to an industrial partner and hosted by an ACES partner, with supervision from experts in the field
• You will benefit from strong peer-group support and networking, developed throughout the programme as you move around the partners as one group during the first three semesters
• A limited number of scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Any student can apply for a scholarship, and applications from EU and particularly non-EU candidates are welcome.

What can I do on completion of my course?

On successful completion, you will emerge with detailed knowledge of the global aquaculture industry and with the benefit of practical work experience in this global sector.

Employment opportunities in a world aquaculture market for ACES Master graduates include:

The aquaculture, including technology, and related commercial sectors
Policy makers and management roles related to the aquaculture industry
Food security and human nutrition sectors
Research / academia

You may also wish to progress to a PhD research programme to further your area of specialism.