Master's degree (2 years)
Full time
Aquaculture

Do you want to help shape the future of food production? The aquaculture industry is an innovation-driven and rapidly growing sector, offering great opportunities for those who want to combine technology, sustainability, and research.

Apply here

ECTS credits:

120

Application deadline:

Applicants outside EU/EEA: 1 December

Norwegian, Nordic, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: 15 April

Start of Studies:

Autumn

Requirements:

Tuition fees

A bachelor's degree or equivalent

Requirements in detail
To apply for this master's program, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture or equivalent education that includes foundational knowledge in science and biology. If you come from an engineering or other relevant background—your application will be evaluated individually.
What’s required for the application to be considered? A strong motivation letter tailored specifically to this program and a weighted average grade of at least Norwegian C from your Bachelor’s degree.
English language ability in accordance with the NMBU regulations
Applicants who have already completed a master degree will not be prioritized.

Master of Science. Two-year, full-time, 120 ECTS
Language of instruction: English

The study starts with an introductory course in sustainability and animal welfare in aquaculture before continuing with courses in fish physiology and applied aquaculture.

The aim of the study is to provide students with practical and theoretical knowledge in various fields, before they complete their master's thesis within a focus area, which can be chosen from genetics and breeding, fish nutrition, production technology or another area of interest, e.g. water or product quality.

The master's thesis project normally lasts six months or a year and offers great flexibility in terms of project type and location.

See study plan

Internship student interviews Aquaculture

Career opportunities

Our candidates could work as managers in the farming industry, quality control, feed production, advisory positions within both private and public authorities, product development and research into new technology, feed and equipment for the aquaculture industry.

The master's degree also provides the opportunity for an academic career.

Even Møller Haarberg - Operations technician in Ode AS

Jenny Dahlberg - Working with sustainable protein sources

Markus Antonsen - Wants to move farmed salmon to open sea

Elise Olafsen - Build your network within the industry while you stud y

Erika Hanson - The teachers clearly know the aqua industry well

Program structure
In the master's program, you'll dive into compulsory subjects like Sustainable and Welfare in Aauaculture, Fish physiology and Aquatic Adaptations, and Applied Aquaculture, along with a master's thesis of either 30, 45, or 60 ECTSs. Additionally, you can customize your degree with exciting electives such as:

Fish Health
Behavioral Biology
Fish Breeding and Genetics
Fish Nutrition and Sustainable Feed Ingredients
Product Quality
Operations Management
Design and Construction of RAS Facilities

Hence, this program offers a comprehensive and adaptable education, providing the practical and theoretical foundation needed to excel in the evolving field of aquaculture.
Learning outcomes
A candidate who has completed the education is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge:
- Gain the skills to bridge theory and practice, tackling real-world challenges like resource-efficient food production, environmental impact, and animal welfare
- Develop problem-solving expertise in aquaculture production and innovative business development
- Master the tools to address complex sustainability issues within the aquaculture industry
- Build the ability to synthesize and apply knowledge to navigate and solve intricate aquaculture challenges
Skills
- Have in-depth knowledge in one or both fields: production biology and production technology applied in aquaculture
- Be able to apply the obtained knowledge to solve practical, administrative, and strategic aquaculture challenges, participate in development and research tasks, and stay updated on advancements and innovations within the field
Competence:
- Use your knowledge to tackle real-world challenges in aquaculture, from hands-on problem-solving to administrative and strategic tasks
- Get involved in exciting development projects and research that shape the future of the industry.
- Stay ahead by keeping up with the latest innovations and breakthroughs in aquaculture
Exchange possibilities
NMBU has agreements with universities abroad, offering you the opportunity to participate in exchange programs – i.e. parts of the program may be completed abroad. You can also take on projects with international industry companies, gaining valuable practical experience, providing a possibility to build your network and develop your skills in a global context.
More about the program
- Societal relevance
  Aquaculture is the fastest-growing form of food production in the world and plays a key role in global food security. By studying aquaculture, you will have the opportunity to contribute to sustainable food production that balances technology, biology, and fish welfare. This field is suited for you who want to develop innovative solutions and make a meaningful impact on sustainable global food systems. With hands-on experience and a strong focus on the future of the industry, this education opens doors to exciting career opportunities worldwide.
- Learning activities
  Teaching methods are varied and include lectures, field trips, group work, independent studies and exercises and seminars by students.
- Examination
  Final oral or written examinations, assigment or continuous assessment or portfolio.
- Information for students from partner universities
  Lectures are given in English.
- Cooperation with other institutions
  During the program, you will meet external partners in the form of guest lectures, master's theses, visits, excursions, etc. Internship with external partners is possible, and field trips to industry companies will be arranged in certain cources.