Study programme - MSc Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management
The MSc Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management (MAM) is a two year programme, which comprises of 120 credits (ECTS). The programme consists of various courses, an internship and a research thesis which are carried out within one of the three specialisations. The courses are provided by chair groups in specific areas of marine ecosystems studies, e.g. shellfish farming, sustainable fisheries management, marine ecology or marine policy.
You start the MAM programme by taking courses that will give you a common basis on aquaculture and marine resources management. Then you chose one of three specialisations in which you will take deepening courses that will prepare you for your thesis. In the Academic Master Cluster you will share and integrate your knowledge with other students in multidisciplinary teams.
Year 1
In the first year you start with General courses followed bij Specialisation courses. The second half of the year you start with Electives. You end the year with an Academic master cluster.
General courses (18 ECTS)
The course ‘Advanced Statistics’ is compulsory for all MAM students. Next to that you will select two of the three general courses below, based on your prior knowledge.
Take a look at the online study handbook for more information. If you click on the course codes, you can read more about the contents of the courses.
Specialisation courses (12 ECTS)
The MSc Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management offers three specialisations. In each specialisation, students follow two specialisation courses to deepen their knowledge of literature and scientific analysis, and to develop research skills relevant for the scientific discipline of the specialisation. This way, students obtain the level of knowledge needed to carry out a thesis or internship. Which courses are required varies among specialisations. Click on the specialisations for more information.
Electives (18 ECTS)
The electives (optional courses) can be selected from any relevant MSc programme offered at Wageningen University & Research or any other academic institution (subject to approval). You could for example learn more about data science, algal biology, economics, etcetera.
The combination of specialisation and electives enables you to graduate with a profile that is tailor made to your specific interests.
Academic Master Cluster (12 ECTS)
The Academic Master Cluster is a compulsory part of every master’s at Wageningen University. Within the Academic Master Cluster of the master’s Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management, you can choose between three options:
1. Academic Consultancy Training (9 ECTS) and Modular Skills Training (3 ECTS): In Academic Consultancy Training you will work in a group of students from different master’s programmes on an assignment for an external client. In this way, you can apply the knowledge you gained during your studies and experience what it’s like to work as a consultant. In Modular Skills Training you can select modules to work on specific skills that you would like to develop, like scientific writing, management skills or career orientation.
2. European Workshop Environmental Sciences and Management (12 ECTS): In this course you will also work on an assignment of an external client with fellow students. The difference with ACT is that European Workshop includes two weeks of (international) field work dedicated to data collection by interviews, a survey and observations on site.
3. Research Master Cluster (12 ECTS): In this course you will write a PhD proposal with the support of experts, coaches and fellow students. This is very useful if you want to pursue a PhD after graduation.
Year 2
This year is split into two parts. You begin with a Thesis and end the year with an Internship.
Thesis (36 ECTS)
In your thesis you will perform a research project at one of the chair groups of Wageningen University. You will perform research (lab/field/literature), write a report and present your findings at the chair group.
Internship (24 ECTS)
In your internship you will work at an organisation outside of the university. This way, you will get a taste of what kind of job you could do after graduating.