Aquaculture

Aquaculture at Flinders University offers a comprehensive and innovative program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to excel in the rapidly growing field of aquatic farming. This degree program combines rigorous theoretical foundations in marine biology, aquatic ecology, and sustainable farming practices with hands-on training in modern aquaculture techniques. Students will explore topics such as fish and crustacean culture, aquatic health management, water quality control, and the environmental impacts of aquaculture operations. The curriculum emphasizes sustainability and responsible resource management, preparing graduates to contribute effectively to the global seafood industry and aquatic conservation efforts.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to engage in practical experiences through laboratory work, field trips, and industry placements, facilitating direct application of their learning in real-world contexts. The program also covers important areas such as fish nutrition, genetics, disease prevention, and technology development in aquaculture. Flinders University's state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated research centers, and close links with industry partners provide students with valuable networking opportunities and insights into current industry practices.

Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to pursue careers in aquaculture production, research, environmental management, and policy development. They will possess the skills necessary to innovate and improve sustainable aquaculture systems, address environmental and ethical challenges, and contribute to food security and economic development. The program aims to develop versatile professionals capable of working in a range of roles within the aquaculture sector, both locally and internationally, making a positive impact on aquatic environments and the communities that depend on them.

The program provides you with an understanding of global aquaculture through a combination of theoretical coursework and technical practicals and will develop independent thinking and problem-solving skills within aquaculture. Topics cover areas such as aquaculture systems, aquaculture technology, water quality, product quality, plant diversity, algal diversity, and economics for business. Masters comprises coursework and an industrial work placement.

You will have the opportunity to undertake work placements and practicals in laboratories, aquaria and tanks, and meet with aquaculture professionals. An extended practical experience through industrial work placement in the masters prepares you for future professional roles in aquaculture.

To qualify for the Master of Science (Aquaculture), a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or better in each topic, according to the following program of study.

Core - Year 1 & 2 topics

63 units comprising:

BIOL8700 Biology Research Project GE (4.5 units) 
BIOL8702 Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity GE (4.5 units) 
BIOL8732 Aquaculture System and Technology GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8741 Experimental Design and Statistics for Biology GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8751 Aquaculture Nutrition and Water Quality GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8752 Fisheries Biology, Science and Management GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8831 Aquaculture Reproduction GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8832 Aquaculture Health and Product Quality GE (4.5 units)
BIOL9001 Aquaculture Practicum (18 units) 
BTEC8001 BioBusiness GE (9 units) 

Option - Year 1 & 2 topics

Plus 9 units selected from

BIOL8004 DNA to Genome GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8711 Ecology GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8722 Conservation and Ecological Genetics GE(4.5 units)
BIOL8731 Plant and Algal Diversity GE (4.5 units) 
BIOL8742 Disease and Immunology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC8002  Molecular Biotechnology  (4.5 units)
BTEC9011  Plant Science to Food Biotechnology GE  (4.5 units)
BTEC9012  Environmental Biotechnology GE  (4.5 units)
BUSN9022 Marketing Principles (4.5 units)
BUSN9113 Accounting Fundamentals (4.5 units)
BUSN9116 Economics for Business (4.5 units)
BUSN9236 Leadership: Theory, Practice and Experience (4.5 units)
BUSN9262 Advanced Recruitment and Selection (4.5 units)
BUSN9263 Performance Management and Rewards (4.5 units)
BUSN9264 Consumer Behaviour (4.5 units)
ENGR9704 Project Management and Innovation  (4.5 units)
ENVH7722 Food Safety (4.5 units)
ENVH7742 Microbiology and Communicable Diseases (4.5 units)
ENVH9704 Risk Assessment and Management (4.5 units)
ENVS9731 Public Health Aspects of Water Quality (4.5 units)

Applicants must normally hold the Graduate Diploma in Science (Aquaculture) or a degree in any relevant discipline of science or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. The Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

The Master of Science (Aquaculture) is not available to graduates of the BSc (Aquaculture) or BSc (Aquaculture) (Honours) or equivalent.

International students must satisfy our English language proficiency requirements for admission. If your first language is not English you will need to have:

• Achieved the required level for the course you are applying for. The scores to meet the various levels are shown below; or
• Successful completion of an approved secondary or tertiary qualification, taught in the English language in a country where English is the official language or the main language spoken (for up to an overall IELTS of 6.5) with evidence no more than five years old on the proposed date of commencement of the course; or
• Successfully completed a pre-course English program from an approved ELICOS Provider.

Other evidence of English language proficiency may be accepted.

Evidence of English language proficiency must be no more than two years old on the proposed date of commencement of the course.

IELTS 

6.0 Overall
with
6.0 Speaking
6.0 Writing 

TOEFL

72 Overall
with
18 Speaking
18 Writing

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financing studies for the Aquaculture program at Flinders University typically involve a combination of government funding, student contributions, scholarships, and possibly industry-sponsored support. As a public university in Australia, Flinders University offers a range of financial assistance options to both domestic and international students. Domestic students may access government-funded schemes such as Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), which significantly reduce the tuition fees, or apply for various scholarships and bursaries available through the university or external organizations. International students are usually required to pay full tuition fees, which vary depending on the specific program and level of study. The university provides detailed fee schedules, and students are encouraged to plan their finances accordingly.

Students may also consider external financial aid options such as private scholarships, educational loans, or sponsorships from industry partners involved in aquaculture and marine sciences. Flinders University has partnerships with industry stakeholders which may offer internships, research funding, or financial support that can help defray study costs. Furthermore, students might access part-time employment opportunities on or near campus to supplement their income during their studies. The university’s Career and Employability team provides guidance on securing relevant work experience that can contribute to financing their education.

Additionally, students enrolled in research-intensive components of the program, such as Master’s or PhD studies, often have access to research scholarships, grants, or stipends that support their academic pursuits. These financial support mechanisms are designed to encourage engagement in research projects aligned with industry needs or governmental initiatives aimed at sustainable aquaculture practices. Overall, the funding landscape for Aquaculture studies at Flinders University is diverse, supporting students through various avenues to ensure they can access quality education and advance their careers in this vital sector.

Aquaculture at Flinders University offers a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly growing field of aquaculture and fisheries management. The program covers various aspects, including aquatic animal biology, marine ecology, hatchery management, sustainable aquaculture practices, aquatic animal health, and environmental impact assessments. Emphasizing real-world applications, the curriculum includes hands-on laboratory work, fieldwork experiences, and industry engagement, providing students with a strong foundation for careers in aquaculture, fisheries, research, and environmental management.

Students enrolled in the program have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, such as aquaculture tanks, laboratories, and research vessels, facilitating experiential learning. The program also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating aspects of biology, environmental science, and business to prepare graduates for diverse roles in the industry. The degree aims to develop skills in project management, policy development, and sustainable resource utilization, reflecting current industry trends and challenges.

Graduates of the aquaculture program at Flinders University are well-positioned to pursue careers in aquaculture farm management, marine conservation, research and development, government agencies, and private industry. The program also provides pathways for further academic study, including research higher degrees. Flinders University’s strong connections with industry partners and research institutions ensure that the curriculum remains relevant, up-to-date, and aligned with industry needs. Overall, the aquaculture program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing graduates to contribute to sustainable aquaculture practices and address global food security concerns related to aquatic resources.