Overview
The global demand for fish is soaring. In the UK alone, the aquaculture industry was worth around £1.4 billion in 2024. With demand on the rise, the market is set to expand even further over the next five years (2025-2030) (source: IBIS World).
The need for aquaculture expertise is growing. Effective disease management is vital to the industry's prosperity.
Our Aquatic Pathobiology Masters gives you a unique opportunity to study the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of aquatic animal diseases in cultured organisms.
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.
The course combines practical work and field visits with class-based training. You’ll focus on aquatic disease diagnosis and health management challenges drawn from real industry situations. You’ll also develop an understanding of the biology, husbandry and environment of farmed aquatic species.
Take a closer look at our Institute of Aquaculture facilities.
Gain valuable insights on aquaculture field trips
Throughout the MSc Aquatic Pathobiology course you’ll go on many field trips to locations such as:
- farms
- hatcheries
- processors
- feed companies
- equipment suppliers
- research laboratories
Opportunities to carry out industry-based projects
We work closely with the aquaculture industry in more than 20 countries, including every major company in Scotland. That gives many of our students an opportunity to carry out industry-based research projects. Past projects include:
- Molecular drivers of antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens relevant to Vietnamese freshwater aquaculture
Partner: Research Institute for Aquaculture 2 (RIA 2), Vietnam - Fish Welfare in Vietnamese Market Live Holding Systems: A Health and Cost-Benefit Analysis
Partners: Ton Duc Thang University, National Research Institute for Aquaculture 1, An Giang University, Vietnam University of Agriculture. - Determining the effects of the semiochemical isophorone on salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis secretory activity
Partners: Moredun Research Institute, University of Glasgow, Roslin Institute
Learn from aquaculture experts
On this Masters in Aquatic Pathobiology you’ll be taught 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
Top reasons to study with us
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Faculty facilities
Research overview
In REF 2021, we were ranked 1st in the UK for impact and 9th overall for research in Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Sciences, with 100% of the University's Institute of Aquaculture research having outstanding impact, the highest possible rating. 100% of our research environment is world leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
The full Masters course is divided into six taught modules, and a single research project module. The overall course is divided into three parts:
Foundation modules (September to November)
There are two compulsory modules, taken consecutively, which give a broad introduction to aquaculture science and practice. The first focuses on aquaculture species, systems and environments and
Advanced modules (November to April)
There are four advanced modules which cover essential diagnostic skills for viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases, treatments and toxicology, epidemiology and overall health control strategies.
Research Project module (May to September)
The Research Project module involves independent research in many areas of aquatic animal health. These projects are mostly laboratory based and often result in peer-reviewed publications. Successful completion of the module, following the foundation and advanced modules, will qualify you for an MSc Aquatic Pathobiology.
Modules
Teaching
Research-led teaching is at the core of your learning as our staff conduct world-leading research in Aquatic Pathobiology. Our teaching makes use of both our campus-based teaching facilities and online learning environment. In addition to lectures, online materials, workshops, seminars, case studies, field and laboratory exercises, and a number of minor projects are assigned throughout the course. These are an integral part of the teaching and will involve the students working alone or in groups. These projects may require a written outcome or a presentation to peers and other staff and students.
Fieldwork
There will be a number of field exercises throughout the course, which include visits to Scottish aquaculture production sites, as well as the external marine and freshwater facilities of the Institute of Aquaculture.
Assessment
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.
Classroom hours
The Aquatic Pathobiology course involves intensive teaching and study. A standard day involves lectures, practicals, tutorials or group work between 9.00 and 6.00pm, with assignments taking additional time in evenings or weekends. There are sometimes field trips which may start earlier or return later or involve several nights away from Stirling.
Course director
Key staff
Teaching on the Sustainable Aquaculture postgraduate course draws on the wide range of expertise available within the Institute of Aquaculture. Module and topic leaders include:
- Dr Armin Sturm (Foundations of Aquatic Production)
- Dr Amaya Albalat (Aquaculture in Practice)
- Professor Mags Crumlish (Aquaculture Diagnostic Skills 2)
- Professor James Bron (Parasites and Treatments)
- Professor Jimmy Turnbull (Aquaculture Health Control)]
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
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.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) MSc Scholarships
The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre scholarships are available to financially assist UK and overseas students. The award offers a full fee waiver to a strong candidate who demonstrates their aims and ambitions within the field of Aquaculture, making a case why they want to study at the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
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 instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Graduates of the MSc Aquatic Pathobiology can pursue diverse roles in aquatic health and conservation, including:
- Aquaculture Health Consultant – Advise businesses and governments on aquatic disease management and health strategies.
- Research Scientist – Investigate aquatic animal health, disease prevention, and sustainable aquaculture.
- Government Fisheries Specialist – Support fish population management and aquatic ecosystem conservation.
- Seafood Farm Manager – Oversee fish and shellfish breeding, ensuring sustainable and efficient operations.
- Aquarium Manager – Maintain aquatic animal welfare and educate the public on marine conservation.
Aquaculture specialists earn an estimated £35,622 annually. The average salary is £30,750 (source: Glassdoor 2025)
Roles that Stirling Aquatic Pathobiology Masters graduates have gone onto include:
- Aquaculture Consultant/ Project Manager
- Fish Health Inspector
- CSR and Sustainability Senior Manager for Seafood
- Development Scientist
- Biology Technician
Our graduates work in organisations such as:
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)
- Hilton Foods
- Lateral Dx
- Syngenta
/filters:format(webp)/filters:no_upscale()/prod01/cdn/media/stirling/testimonials/natural-sciences/Lucia-Drabikova-600X600.jpg)
/filters:format(webp)/filters:no_upscale()/prod01/cdn/media/stirling/testimonials/student-testimonials/images/N-Eziama-600X600.jpg)