MSc Aquatic Veterinary Studies

Program Overview

The MSc Aquatic Veterinary Studies program at the University of Stirling equips veterinary professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in aquatic animal health, focusing on disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Graduates are prepared for careers in aquatic health consulting, government fisheries departments, research, and management, with opportunities for further study at the PhD level. The program features research-led teaching, diverse teaching methods, and state-of-the-art facilities at the Institute of Aquaculture.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc program is designed for students with a veterinary science qualification who wish to specialize in the investigation, prevention, and control of aquatic animal diseases. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the sustainability of the aquaculture industry.

Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the biology, husbandry, and environment of farmed aquatic species.
• Gain specialist expertise in aquatic animal diseases, including their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
• Acquire practical skills in aquatic animal health management, including disease control strategies and biosecurity measures.
• Prepare students for a career in aquatic animal health research, consulting, or management.

Outline:

The MSc Aquatic Veterinary Studies program is a full-time, 12-month program (or part-time, 27-month program) delivered on campus at the University of Stirling.

• Aquaculture Species, Systems and Environments: This module provides a broad introduction to aquaculture science and practice, focusing on the interaction between aquatic species, systems, and environments in relation to fish health and welfare.
• Aquaculture in Practice: This module examines aquaculture as a commercial activity, exploring its governance, economics, and practical aspects.
It emphasizes the context within which fish health management decisions are made.

Advanced Modules (November to April):

• Aquaculture Diagnostic Skills 2: This module covers essential diagnostic skills for viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases, including laboratory techniques, interpretation of results, and disease surveillance.
• Aquaculture Health Control: This module explores strategies for preventing and controlling diseases in aquaculture, including biosecurity measures, vaccination, and disease management programs.
• Toxicology: This module examines the effects of environmental contaminants and other toxins on aquatic animals, including their impact on fish health, welfare, and food safety.

Research Project Module (May to September):

• Research Project: This module involves independent research in various areas of aquatic animal health.
Projects are typically laboratory-based and often result in peer-reviewed publications.

Assessment:

Assessment for the taught modules is continuous and includes a variety of methods, such as:

• Short tests
• Poster and platform presentations
• Essays
• Practical and project reports
• Field assignments
The Research Project module is assessed through:
• A reflective diary maintained throughout the research project module
• A written dissertation
• A press release
• A seminar presentation delivered to peers, supervisors, and an external examiner.

Teaching:

• Research-led teaching: The program emphasizes research-led teaching, with faculty members actively involved in world-leading research in aquatic veterinary science.
• Diverse teaching methods: Teaching methods include lectures, online materials, workshops, seminars, case studies, field and laboratory exercises, and minor projects.
• Fieldwork: The program includes field exercises, such as visits to Scottish aquaculture production sites and the Institute of Aquaculture's marine and freshwater facilities.

Careers:

Graduates of the MSc Aquatic Veterinary Studies program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in aquatic animal health, including:

• Aquatic health consultants
• Government fisheries departments
• Managers of seafood farms and aquaria
• Research scientists
• University lecturers

Other:

• Intercalating opportunities for veterinary students: The program is available to veterinary students who wish to take a year off their undergraduate studies to specialize in aquatic veterinary studies.
• Queen's Anniversary Prize 2019: The Institute of Aquaculture, where the program is delivered, has received the UK's most prestigious academic honor, the Queen's Anniversary Prize 2019, recognizing its pioneering work in aquaculture and its contribution to tackling global hunger.
• Work placements: While there are no formal placement modules, the research project offers opportunities to work within aquaculture businesses or other research organizations, often outside the UK.
• Study abroad: There are no formal study abroad options, but the research project may offer an opportunity to work with aquaculture businesses or other research organizations outside the UK.
• Flexible learning: Students interested in studying individual modules from the program can inquire about the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma options.
• Faculty facilities: The Institute of Aquaculture provides state-of-the-art facilities, including freshwater sites in Central Scotland, tropical and temperate freshwater recirculation systems in Stirling, and marine facilities in the West of Scotland.
The Institute also has analytical laboratories in key research areas, such as genomics, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, imaging, nutrition, and water quality.
• Research overview: The Institute of Aquaculture is ranked 1st in the UK for impact and 9th overall for research in Agriculture, Veterinary, and Food Sciences, with 100% of its research having outstanding impact.
100% of its research environment is world-leading or internationally excellent.

Fees and Funding

Fees and costs:

2023/24 2024/25

UK and Republic of Ireland £10,350 £10,900

International

(including EU) students £23,825 £25,000

• University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship. Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course. If you are studying part-time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study.

Payment options

We aim to be as flexible as possible and offer a wide range of payment methods- including the option to pay fees by installments.