Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Aquaculture, Environment and Society Plus (EMJMD ACES\ACES+)

Curriculum

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in AquaCulture, Environment and Society + (EMJMD ACES +) is a 120-ECTS course that runs for two years. During the first 3 semesters of the programme, students will study in a different EU country. To ensure course and group integration, the entire cohort of students will re-locate to different universities and institutes during these semesters.  Although students will spend Semester 4 in different locations (of their choice), they will celebrate the end of their studies as an entire group at a final student conference and goodbye event.

“This new ERASMUS Programme clearly takes into account the priorities identified in EATiP’s “The Future of European Aquaculture” strategic agenda and is built on feedback from the industry.”

C. Hough, General Secretary EATiP

Course objectives

Students will gain a broad understanding of the key principles of aquaculture and an in-depth knowledge of the many major scientific, technological and social challenges facing the sustainable development of the global aquaculture industry, including fin-fish, crustaceans, bivalves and seaweed. Key challenges influencing the sustainability of the industry include; environmental issues, nutrition, feed formulation, disease, welfare, reproduction and genetics, product safety, ecotoxicology, aquaculture systems (e.g. recirculation and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture), biosecurity, spatial planning and regulation.

Students will also be provided with key ‘life’ skills training, such as presentation, networking, social media, entrepreneurship (in association with the Scottish Institute for Enterprise), which will be tried and tested throughout the programme. This unique programme will, therefore, equip students with the essential skills required to establish, manage and/ or assess aquaculture activities either from a research, public authority or commercial perspective and to communicate confidently with industry representatives or the public sector.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The EMJMD ACES + runs for two years (= four semesters) and involves study periods in four different European countries (UK, Greece, France and the Netherlands) in order to benefit from different welfare models, teaching strengths and the experience of living in different cultures and societies.

Professional and Entrepreneurial Skills

In additional to the knowledge-based learning, the EMJMD ACES + offers a new, core module validated by the University of Crete. This module aims to improve the students employability by recognising and rewarding students who participate in activities beyond their academic studies. The Professional and Entrepreneurial Skills module is specifically tailored to provide professional or ‘life’ skills training designed to support key competences and qualities required by the aquaculture industry.

The Professional and Entrepreneurial Skills modules involves weekly training sessions in developing personal and career related skills and also an internship placement within the industry:

• Developing career ideas through reflective practice
• Presentation skills
• Entrepreneurial skills (in association with the Scottish Institute for Enterprise)
• Communcating science, social media etc
• Debating skills
• Networking skills
• Event planning
• CV preparation
• Job Interviews
• e-portfolio development
• Research methods
• Internship Placement (based in Greece during Semester 2)

ASSESSMENTS

Assessments have been designed to test and develop students’ practical and academic skills. For most modules, assessment will be based on two different types of assignment, one written and one presentation or reflection-based. 

Degree recognition

Successful graduates will receive a Joint Master Degree from the University of the Highlands and Islands and the University of Crete and a Single Degree from the University of Nantes in line with national legislation.

In addition to these degree certificates, graduates will also receive a diploma supplement that outlines the nature of the course, curriculum and marking scheme.  This will help employers and universities to understand your skills and achievements obtained during the EMJMD ACES+.

To ensure transparency and the conversion of marks between institutions, the EMJMD ACES+ uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).