Aquatic Veterinary Studies (Taught)

Aquaculture was worth £3.3bn to the Scottish economy over last decade (source: Fish Farming Expert 2023). Skilled aquatic veterinary specialists are needed to meet demand.
Our Masters in Aquatic Veterinary Studies equips you with the expertise to prevent, diagnose, and control aquatic animal diseases. Gain in-depth knowledge of the biology, husbandry and environment of farmed aquatic species. The course is for veterinary professionals looking to specialise.
You’ll study at the Institute of Aquaculture, one of the top institutions in this field. Their facilities include:

• freshwater sites in Central Scotland;

• tropical and temperate freshwater recirculation systems on campus;

• marine facilities in the west of Scotland.

Gain valuable aquatic veterinary insights on field trips
On this Aquatic Veterinary Studies MSc you’ll go on field trips to locations such as:

• farms

• hatcheries

• processors

• feed companies

• equipment suppliers

• research laboratories

Opportunities to carry out industry-based projects
We work with the aquaculture industry in over 20 countries, including all major companies in Scotland. These connections give our students the chance to engage in industry-based research projects. Examples of past projects include:

• Bioacoustics of sound production by farmed Ballan wrasse
  Partner: OtterFerry SeaFish Ltd

• Cellular dynamics of the Atlantic salmon gill infected with aeromonas salmonicida
  Partners: Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, University of Aberdeen

• Industrial hempseed meal as an alternative ingredient: impact on salmon health
  Partner: Rare Earth Global

Learn from aquaculture experts
On this Aquatic Veterinary Studies Masters degree you’ll be taught by aquaculture professionals from Scotland and across the world. Past guest lecturers have been from commercial partners, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government agencies, including:

• MOWI Scotland

• Benchmark Genetics

• INVE Aquaculture

• Patogen

• Marine Scotland

Taught module assessment is continuous and consists of assignments in a range of formats, including short tests, poster and platform presentations, essays, practical and project reports, and field assignments. The Research Project module is examined through a reflective diary maintained throughout the research project module, a written dissertation, a press release and a seminar presentation, which is delivered to peers, supervisors and the external examiner.