Why study this course?
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.
The content will be distributed over multiple weeks, granting you the flexibility to tailor your learning experience to your existing schedule.
Discussion fora will provide opportunities for discussion and exchange of ideas with your peers and tutors.
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 or January (PGCert, PGDip, MSc and Modular study).
Teaching
Delivered using a combination of video lectures, online presentations, handouts, tutorials, guided reading, online discussions, self-assessment and problem-solving tasks.
Resources
All the course resources and reading material will be available through the University's online learning platform, Moodle.
Dissertation
Students on the MSc course will complete a dissertation. Projects with an employer or sponsor are welcomed (subject to eligibility).
Modules
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.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Sustainable Aquaculture - Principles of Aquaculture
- Aquaculture: Feeding and Nutrition
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Business Management
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Health and Disease Management
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Production Systems and Management
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Innovation, RAS and Other Technologies
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Genetics and Reproduction
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Environmental Management and Welfare
- Sustainable Aquaculture Research Project: The research project will involve the study of a defined problem within the field of Sustainable Aquaculture.
What it will lead to
Careers
- 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.
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University's Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.
Why St Andrews?
Wherever you are, you can take St Andrews with you. Online Masters at the University of St Andrews combine all the benefits of studying at one of the world's oldest and best universities, with all the advantages of flexible, personalised learning.
Alumni
Whether you join us online or in person, when you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in a relevant biological science. Entry will also be offered following successful completion of the Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainable Aquaculture in conjunction with additional evidence of relevant professional experiential learning. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
Application requirements
- CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- one original signed academic reference
- personal statement of no more than 500 words
- academic transcripts and degree certificates that confirm your current or final marks
If your transcripts are not in English, please provide certified translations. Do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
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 approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
£1,500 per 15 credits with an estimated total fee of £18,000
Students who intend to apply for funding support with one of the student loan companies (SLCs) must complete the MSc in three years and the PGDip in two years.
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.
Scholarships and funding
Scholarships, bursaries and discounts can be awarded based on financial need, academic achievements, and even on where you live. Unlike a student loan, you don't have to pay the money back.
To support you through your studies, St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and collaborates in funding schemes that can support you financially. You may be eligible for:
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Masters Scholarships
Current and former members of the UK armed forces may be eligible for funding under the Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme (ELCAS).
Contact us
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 11 May 2026