Aquaculture, Environment and Society MSc

What is special about this course?

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree in Aquaculture, Environment and Society STAR (EMJMD ACES-STAR) offers specialised training to deliver highly skilled graduates capable of addressing the challenge of food provision for a growing world population and ecosystem restoration at a time of climate change.

Food security and ecosystem restoration, through aquaculture, 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, affordable foods and other products. 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. Students will be equipped with the necessary skills to tackle these obstacles in the years to come.

What can I do on completion of my course?

On successful completion of the programme you will receive a Joint Masters Degree from the University of the Highlands and Islands and the University of Crete, and a single degree from the University of Nantes. In addition to these qualifications, you will also receive a diploma supplement from each core partner. You will emerge with detailed knowledge of the global aquaculture industry and with the benefit of practical work experience in this sector.

Our alumni are typically employed within three months of completing the course. Approxiately 50% secure PhDs internationally and 50% go on to be employed within the sector. Employers have included:

• UNFAO
• World Fish
• Marine Harvest
• Scottish Seafarms
• SAMS Seaweed Academy

Roles within the industry have included:

• Hatchery and farm management
• Policy development
• Environmental management

The EMJMD ACES-STAR programme has a truly global focus and looks to recruit students from all over the world. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the fields of environmental or social sciences, as well as a good level of English (at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). Basic French is recommended (although not essential, as intensive French language classes are provided) for day to day living in Semester 2. Admission is granted on the basis of a competitive selection procedure. The course is open to international students who are able to study at SAMS UHI with a standard visitor visa, which allows students to study for a period of 6 months in the UK before moving to the University of Crete.