The Department of Pure and Applied Ecology offers a diverse range of postgraduate opportunities at both doctorate and masters levels. All of the individual degree schemes are listed below. The University's Postgraduate Prospectus is available to download here.

Taught Degrees at Masters Level

MSc Aquaculture and the Environment – One year full-time study

MSc Environmental Biology: Conservation and Resource Management – One year full-time study

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Master of Research Degrees

We are introducing two new one-year full-time MRes degrees: 

MRes in Aquatic Ecology and Conservation

MRes in Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries

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Postgraduate Research Degrees

For MPhil and PhD programmes, the students are integrated within the departments four main research themes.

MPhil - One year full-time research. Please click here for details of how to apply

PhD - Three years full-time research. Please click here for details of how to apply

For information on PhD projects with funding opportunities, please click here.

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Funding

Applicants can apply for a range of bursaries and scholarships offered by the School and the University.

• NEW:  Fully-funded ESF Bursaries - details can be found here
• Details of School funding opportunities can be found here
• Details of University funding opportunities can be found here
• Details of alternative funding sources can be found here

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What our Students Say

Before coming to the UK, Swansea University represented in my mind,  prestige, in terms of tilapia aquaculture research. Accepted in 2005 when the course initially started, I defered my acceptance until 2007 when I was privileged to be awarded one of seven Chevening scholarships by the British Council Jamaica. I really did not know what to expect but I was optimistic that the course would have been exactly what I was looking for……a taught programme with special emphasis on the advances made in aquaculture and the relevant and associated areas of interest such as conservation and environmental management.  Swansea University lived up to most of my expectations; it was situated in a quiet and intimate coastal community, a minute from the beach and three hours from hustle and bustle of London; perfect for student life, studying and meeting new people from all over the world and from all walks of life . The course in itself was a collection of modules seamlessly arranged to give students a wide yet in-depth understanding of aquaculture and important research skills necessary for studies at the Masters level. Based on specific experiences I thoroughly enjoyed lectures and practical exercises in fish pathology, genetics and aquaculture legislation. My research project gave me further insights into finfish nutrition and introduced me to the very interesting world of aquaculture engineering. I came here with hopes of becoming a well rounded aquaculturist and with confidence I can say that I am today. The next step for me is helping to facilitate legislative reform in Jamaica and in other parts of the Caribbean where aquaculture is now a thriving business and where there are hopes for expansion but in an environmentally sustainable way. [Janielle Wallace, MSc Aquaculture & the Environment, 2007/2008]

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Continuing Professional Development

Swansea University recognises the benefit to employers of providing discrete training and skills development packages that minimise inconvenience to professionals in their workplace. Our Department is pleased to offer the following fully resourced aquaculture training courses (each of 5-credit equivalents), which may be delivered individually or in combinations tailored to the needs of trainees.

If you are a professional already working in the aquaculture sector, or wish to gain specific new aquaculture skills, do get in touch to discuss your requirements.  For further information, please contact Dr Robin Shields, r.j.shields@swansea.ac.uk

Aquaculture Water Quality Control

• Introduction to important water quality parameters (temp, salinity, oxygen, CO2, pH, ammonia, nitrite, suspended solids, alkalinity) and how they affect livestock
• Understanding key water quality measurement techniques
• Methods used to control and adjust water quality in aquaculture systems
   

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)

• Introduction to and principals of RAS
• Water quality monitoring and management in RAS
• Design and management of RAS
   

Marine Hatchery Technologies

• Developmental characteristics of fish and shellfish larvae 
• Larviculture principals
• Live feed production:
  • Microalgae culture
  • Zooplankton culture, (rotifers, Artemia, copepods) 
• Larval husbandry techniques.
• Weaning and nursery procedures
   

Biosecurity, Hygiene and Health Management 

• Introduction to biosecurity and hygiene management and benefits to livestock health
• Understanding the use of quarantine facilities, disinfection procedures and best husbandry practices to maintain effective biosecurity
• Methods of livestock health monitoring and control
   

Aquaculture Nutrition and Feeds 

• Bioenergetics principles
• Practical methods to define nutrient requirements
• Feed formulation and manufacture
• Efficient delivery of feeds on-farm
   

Aquaculture Waste Management

• Characteristics of aquaculture effluents
• Methods for minimising the discharge of aquaculture effluents
• Methods for processing and remediating effluents