Master's degree (2 years)
Full time
Aquaculture

The aquaculture industry is an innovation driven industry with a lot of possibilities; both within business and research.

Apply here

Application deadline:

April 15th
International applicants:
December 1st

Start of Studies:

Autumn

Requirements:

A bachelor's degree or equivalent

Requirements in detail
Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree in Aquaculture or equivalent education that includes basic science and biology knowledge.
Applicants with an engineering and other relevant background are evaluated individually.
The following compulsory requirements must be in place for the application to be considered:
A motivation letter specifically aimed at the program
A weighted, average grade of minimum Norwegian C (from the Bachelor's degree) is required at NMBU to be qualified for applying to Master's degree
English language ability in accordance with the NMBU regulations
Applicants who have already completed a master degree will not be prioritized.

The study starts with an introductory course in sustainability and animal welfare in aquaculture before continuing with courses in fish physiology and applied aquaculture.

The aim of the study is to provide students with practical and theoretical knowledge in various fields, before they complete their master's thesis within a focus area, which can be chosen from genetics and breeding, fish nutrition, production technology or another area of interest, e.g. water or product quality.

The master's thesis project normally lasts six months or a year and offers great flexibility in terms of project type and location.

See study plan

Career opportunities

Our candidates could work as managers in the farming industry, quality control, feed production, advisory positions within both private and public authorities, product development and research into new technology, feed and equipment for the aquaculture industry.

The master's degree also provides the opportunity for an academic career.

Jenny Dahlberg - Working with sustainable protein sources

Markus Antonsen - Wants to move farmed salmon to open sea

Elise Olafsen - Build your network within the industry while you study

Erika Hanson - The teachers clearly know the aqua industry well

Learning outcomes
A candidate who has completed the education is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in knowledge, skills and competence:
Knowledge:
- Be equipped to summarize theory and practice to meet challenges in industry and society, such as resource-efficient food production, the environment and animal welfare
- Problem-solving expertise in aquaculture production and business development
- Dealing with complex sustainability challenges in the aquaculture industry
- Have the ability to synthesize and utilize acquired knowledge in complex aquaculture matters
Skills:
- Have in-depth knowledge in one or both fields: production biology and production technology applied in aquaculture
Competence:
- Be able to apply their knowledge to solve practical, administrative and strategic farming challenges, participate in development and research tasks, and follow knowledge development and innovation within the aquaculture industry
Exchange possibilities
Parts of the programme may be completed abroad.
Through the NOVA University network, all aquaculture courses registered are available for NMBU students.
Program structure
The master's study consists of the compulsory subjects Sustainable aquaculture, Fish physiology and Applied aquaculture in addition to a master's thesis of 30, 45 or 60 ECTS. As well as optional courses within the two fields of study: production biology and production technology, such as fish breeding and genetics, fish nutrition and sustainable feed raw materials, fish health, product quality, construction and design of RAS facilities.
More about the program
- Societal relevance
  Worldwide, the aquaculture industry is developing rapidly. As a result, the industry will have an increasing need for leading knowledge in production and fish health biology, breeding and genetics, feed and nutrition, farming technology, product quality, animal welfare and economics at higher university level.
- Learning activities
  Teaching methods are varied and include lectures, field trips, group work, independent studies and exercises and seminars by students.
- Examination
  Final oral or written examinations, assigment or continuous assessment or portfolio.
- Information for students from partner universities
  Lectures are given in English.