Study programme - MSc Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management

The MSc Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management (MAM) is a two year programme (120 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.

Schematic outline MAM programme
Schematic outline MAM programme

You start the MAM programme by taking courses that will give you a common basis on aquaculture and marine resources management. Then you choose a specialisation in which you will take advanced 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 will follow general courses, specialisation courses, electives and Academic Master Cluster.

General courses (18 ECTS)

The course ‘Advanced Statistics’ is compulsory for all MAM students. Next to that you will select at least 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 two specialisation courses you will deepen your knowledge of literature and scientific analysis, and you will develop research skills relevant for the scientific discipline of the specialisation. This way, you obtain the knowledge and skills needed for your thesis and internship. Click on the specialisations for more information.

Electives (18 ECTS)

In the electives you can follow your own interests. You can select courses from any relevant MSc programme offered at Wageningen University & Research or other academic institutions (subject to approval). You could for example learn more about data science, algal biology, economics, etcetera.

The combination of specialisation courses and electives enables you to graduate with a profile that is tailor made to your specific interests.

Academic Master Cluster (12 ECTS)

Within the Academic Master Cluster 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

In the second year of your master's you will do a thesis and an intership.

Thesis (36 ECTS)

In your thesis you will perform a research project at one of the chair groups of Wageningen University. You will prepare and 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.

Study advise

The MAM Programme Team is there to support you during your studies. The team consists of a programme director, study advisors, a secretary and a communications officer. The study advisors can help you to plan your personal study programme. They can also help you if you face (personal) issues that affect your study.