Program Overview

Aquatic environments cover about 71% of the Earth's surface and play vital roles in regulating global ecosystems, providing food and resources that benefit human mental and physical health. However, these environments are increasingly affected by human activities and environmental changes. Marine and Freshwater Biology is the study of these aquatic ecosystems.

Teaching of this course involves the use of real-world examples from aquatic resources provided through our global partners. You will get hands-on experience in our freshwater and marine facilities, learning how to apply theory to practice.

You'll be trained through modules that will equip you with specialist skills in laboratory techniques, aquatic ecology and using resources sustainably within the developing “blue economy”.

Our combination of lectures, practical work, fieldwork and research projects will ensure that you’ll receive a solid foundation in the subject and be ready for your future career.

By focusing on human impacts and how to manage, conserve, and use aquatic resources sustainably, our course aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2, which addresses hunger and food insecurity, and Goal 14, which focuses on life below water.

Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture coordinates this course and it is a world leading centre, with an excellent international reputation in teaching, research, innovation and consultancy. The Institute of Aquaculture has received the UK’s most prestigious academic honour – the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2019. The honour recognises outstanding work that shows quality and innovation, and delivers real benefit to the wider world through education and training. It recognises our pioneering work in the world’s fastest-growing food production sector and our bid to tackle global hunger.