Career opportunities
You’re not just studying for a degree, you’re preparing for meaningful roles. At Otago you’ll build the foundation for careers where science, environment and industry meet.
Potential pathways include:
- Working in aquaculture production or farm management
- Fisheries science or stock assessment roles
- Positions in government departments, local councils or iwi organisations
- Environmental consultancy, ecosystem management or resource planning
- Research and development in aquaculture technologies or seafood product innovation
How you will learn
With practical application at the core of your studies, a typical day of learning could see you gaining technical skills in the laboratory, undertaking research at the Portobello Marine Laboratory, or observing local marine habitats on one of the University’s research vessels. You will learn the theoretical aspects of the subject in lectures.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
To get the most out of this subject, it helps if you enjoy biology, chemistry and maths, and you like being outdoors or working with real-world systems.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Aquaculture and Fisheries
Explore postgraduate study in Aquaculture and Fisheries at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportun...
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasTurn your curiosity about the ocean into real-world impact
Here at Otago you’ll be studying with a team renowned for marine and aquatic research. Our staff bring top-level scholarship and real engagement with the field.
Our location is a major strength. With the coastline on our doorstep, a dedicated marine laboratory at Portobello and access to fieldwork opportunities, you’ll have rich environments for learning.
Choosing Otago means you’ll be part of a vibrant university community, with the freedom to explore, experiment and make a difference.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOL 112 Animal Biology | 18 |
| MARI 112 Marine Biology: The Living Ocean | 18 | |
| STAT 110 Statistical Methods or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 | |
|
Three of: BIOL 123 Plants: How They Shape the World CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology CHEM 111 Chemistry: Molecular Architecture CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health EAOS 111 Earth and Ocean Science ECOL 111 Ecology and Conservation of Diversity | 54 | |
| 200-level | MARI 202 Ecology and Biology of Marine Invertebrates | 18 |
| AQFI 251 Principles of Aquaculture | 18 | |
| Two of BTNY 203, CHEM 201, CHEM 205, CHEM 206, ECOL 211, ECOL 212, FOSC 201 , FORS 201, GENE 222, GENE 223, MARI 201, PHIL 235, STAT 210, SURV 220 , ZOOL 221 | 36 | |
| 300-level | AQFI 301 Field Methods for Assessment of Fisheries and Aquatic Habitats | 18 |
| AQFI 352 Fisheries Ecology | 18 | |
| Two of CHEM 301, CHEM 306, FORS 301, GENE 312, GENE 314, GENE 315, MARI 301, MARI 302, ZOOL 316, ZOOL 319 | 36 | |
| Plus | 108 further points. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science. | 108 |
| Note: Students majoring in Aquaculture and Fisheries will not be permitted to major or minor in Marine Science. | ||
| Total | 360 |
Effective 2026 onwards
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOL 112 Animal Biology | 18 |
| MARI 112 Marine Biology: The Living Ocean | 18 | |
| STAT 110 Statistical Methods or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 | |
|
Three of: BIOL 123 Plants: How They Shape the World CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology CHEM 111 Chemistry: Molecular Architecture CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health EAOS 111 Earth and Ocean Science ECOL 111 Ecology and Conservation of Diversity | 54 | |
| 200-level | MARI 202 Ecology and Biology of Marine Invertebrates | 18 |
| MARI 204 Marine Ecology and Ecosystems | 18 | |
| AQFI 251 Principles of Aquaculture | 18 | |
| One of BTNY 203, CHEM 201, CHEM 205, CHEM 206, ECOL 211, ECOL 212, FOSC 201 , FORS 201, GENE 222, GENE 223, MARI 201, PHIL 235, STAT 210, SURV 220 , ZOOL 221 | 18 | |
| 300-level | AQFI 301 Field Methods for Assessment of Fisheries and Aquatic Habitats | 18 |
| AQFI 352 Fisheries Ecology | 18 | |
| Two of CHEM 301, CHEM 306, FORS 301, GENE 312, GENE 314, GENE 315, MARI 302 , ZOOL 316, ZOOL 319 | 36 | |
| Plus | 108 further points. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science. | 108 |
| Note: Students majoring in Aquaculture and Fisheries will not be permitted to major or minor in Marine Science. | ||
| Total | 360 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | MARI 112 Global Marine Systems STAT 110 Statistical Methods, or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 18 |
| 200-level | MARI 202 Marine Invertebrate Ecology and Biology AQFI 251 Principles of Aquaculture | 18 18 |
| 300-level | AQFI 301 Field Methods for Assessment of Fisheries and Aquatic Habitats AQFI 352 Fisheries Ecology | 18 18 |
| Note: Students majoring in Marine Science will not be permitted to take an Aquaculture and Fisheries minor. | ||
| Total | 108 |
Effective 2026 onwards
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | MARI 112 Global Marine Systems STAT 110 Statistical Methods, or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 18 |
| 200-level | AQFI 251 Principles of Aquaculture MARI 202 Marine Invertebrate Ecology, or MARI 204 Marine Ecology and Ecosystems | 18 18 |
| 300-level | AQFI 301 Field Methods for Assessment of Fisheries and Aquatic Habitats AQFI 352 Fisheries Ecology | 18 18 |
| Note: Students taking the BSc in Marine Science will not be permitted to take an Aquaculture and Fisheries minor. | ||
| Total | 108 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
AQFI papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQFI251 | 2026, 2027 | Principles of Aquaculture | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| AQFI301 | 2026, 2027 | Field Methods in Applied Marine Science | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (19 January 2026 - 27 March 2026), 2nd Non standard period (9 February 2026 - 3 April 2026), 4th Non standard period (9 November 2026 - 23 December 2026), 1st Non standard period (18 January 2027 - 19 March 2027), 2nd Non |
| AQFI352 | 2026, 2027 | Fisheries Ecology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| AQFI421 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Aquaculture and Fisheries | 20 points | Full Year |
| AQFI450 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| AQFI490 | 2026, 2027 | Dissertation | 60 points | 2nd Non standard period (16 February 2026 - 7 November 2026), Full Year |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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