Study Aquaculture and Fisheries at Otago

Why study Aquaculture and Fisheries?

Fisheries and aquaculture are very important to New Zealanders because of the importance of the freshwater and marine environments for our culture, food and trade. Management of wild fisheries and aquaculture is connected – both require science to innovate and ensure sustainable practice.

Understanding environmental impacts, reducing waste, enhancing production and ensuring the highest value for the products we produce are all challenges that will be met through the application of science across a range of disciplines.

Career opportunities

With a BAppSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries you’ll be well placed to work in a variety of positions within New Zealand and internationally. The companies who produce, catch and process the fish we eat or export provide opportunities for researchers to be involved from production and harvest through to processing and marketing.

The aquaculture industry is expanding and the challenge of feeding the planet in a changing world will be met through innovation and the work of the next generation of scientists.

You could work for government departments or join the science teams of local councils, iwi organisations or business – managing fish stocks and aquaculture operations and protecting the ecosystems and environment that support them.

If you wish to stay in the university system and learn more about new models of aquaculture and fisheries science, environment management, product development and food science, you could complete an MSc or PhD – opening up wider job opportunities in scientist or management positions in a range of organisations.

Background required

Secondary school students are recommended to take Biology, Chemistry, and Maths in Year 12 and preferably in Year 13.

What will I learn?

Fisheries and aquaculture scientists and managers need to have a good understanding of biology, ecology, oceanography, chemistry, statistics, and management.

You will learn the fundamental aspects of these subjects during the first two years of the degree.

As you progress through the degree, more specialist subjects such as fisheries, aquaculture, environmental and ecosystem management, and food science will be introduced.

What is the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc)?

The strength of the Applied Science programme is its outward focus – developing graduates with wide-ranging skills and practical experience in the workplace. The Applied Science programme is a three-year undergraduate degree with open entry at 100-level.

An Honours year is offered to those students who achieve an appropriate academic standard. This will be offered at the end of the undergraduate degree.

Every Applied Science degree has a compulsory minor or second major, in a subject area that’s directly relevant and will deliver complementary skills. The programme encourages real-world business awareness, enabling you to apply what you have learned to any organisation you work for.

What will I study?

First year

You will study fundamental sciences including biology, chemistry, earth and ocean science, and statistics, as well as pursuing a relevant second discipline such as management, genetics, food science, or te reo Māori.

Second year

In this year you will start to apply your science knowledge to the marine environment with courses in aquaculture, marine science, and ecology as well as food science.

Third year

You will study fishery sciences, as well as further exploring the marine environment and chemistry. You will apply your skills on real-world issues in field-based courses. Your compulsory minor or second major will tailor your course to your own particular interests.

How will I study?

You will learn the theoretical aspects of the above topics in lectures.

In addition, for all of the science courses, practical and hands-on experience will be gained in the University’s well-equipped laboratories (including the Portobello Marine Laboratory), field stations, and boats.

Qualifications

Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages:

• Bachelor of Applied Science* (BAppSc)
• Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
• Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
• Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours (BAppSc(Hons))
• Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)

* It is a requirement that every Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) normally includes an approved minor subject or an approved second major subject. Usually such a minor or second major subject must be selected from the approved combinations of major subjects with minor or second major subjects. Some exceptions may apply. For details see:

Full list of available approved minor and second major subject areas

You may also be interested in

• Marine Science

Key information for new students

• Domestic students
• International students

Contact us

Web otago.ac.nz/sciences/study/applied-science

This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2023 Calendar and supplementary material.