What will I learn?
The programme combines scientific, managerial and practical skills that are developed in a range of subjects such as water quality, fish anatomy and physiology, fishery management and ecology, aquaculture, fish health and nutrition, business and environmental management.
During the course there are also extensive periods of work experience. Recent placements have included carp fisheries in Spain and France, salmon farms in Tasmania and New Zealand, goldfish farms in the United States, Royal aquariums in the Middle East, research into ornamental fish welfare in the Philippines, Coral Cay Conservation in Fiji and research for the Natal Shark Board in South Africa.
Closer to home, University Centre Sparsholt has excellent links with potential placement destinations including public aquariums, coarse and game fisheries, government fishery laboratories and numerous fish farms.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment at level four and five is primarily by exams and coursework which includes practical portfolios, laboratory reports, case studies and essay style assignments. At level six there is a greater emphasis on group projects and independent research.
Where can I go from here?
You can move onto a MSc or PhD programme.
Sparsholt graduates now work as aquatic and fishery management consultants, in specialist angling publications, tackle and bait manufacturers, public aquaria, fisheries enforcement and product development, as lab and research technicians, in education and teaching and as fish farmers and fishery managers.
Modules covered
Level Four
- Principles in Aquatic Science
- Fishery Science
- Industrial Experience
- Introductory Fishery Management
- Salmonid Aquaculture
- Academic Skills
Level Five
- Tropical Aquaculture
- Fish Health and Nutrition
- Marine Fish Farming (optional)
- Aquarium Design and Husbandry (optional)
- Fishery Appraisal
- Financial Studies
- Statistics and Research Methods
- Industrial Development
Level Six
- Applied Fishery Science
- Developments in Fish Production and Processing
- Enterprise and Management
- Environmental Management
- Dissertation
- Further Statistics
- Professional Industrial Development
Additional Costs
For additional course costs click here
Entry Requirements
- A Level Three A Level passes, including two at grade C or above, one of which should be in a science
- BTEC Ext. Diploma DMM in a relevant subject
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) DMM in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma N/A
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720) N/A
- T Levels Merit in a relevant subject
- Access to HE A Merit profile in a relevant Access course with 96 tariff points including a minimum of 15 credits at merit in science-based units
- International Baccalaureate 24 points with HL Science at 4
- Plus GCSE maths and English at grade 4/C or above or Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English
