Sustainable Aquaculture (NTNU) - joint international programme

MSc programme in Sustainable Aquaculture in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Take part in the future development of sustainable aquaculture – become a graduate with a double degree from two internationally acclaimed universities. In the master programme Sustainable Aquaculture you will learn from experts in land-based recirculating aquaculture technology (RAS) and in marine aquaculture, and obtain a unique competence profile that is highly sought for by the aquaculture industry.

Aquaculture is a fast growing industry, with a global annual production that exceeds capture based production. Aquaculture has great potential to alleviate the pressure on declining fish stocks, and provide protein for a growing global population. However, at present, water and energy consumption, nutrient discharge, and raw material selection for feed manufacture , are central elements in the sustainability of aquaculture.

The new technologies and practices such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), plant-based nutrition and bio-economy, optimization of feed and use of therapeutants, and new innovative aquaculture products, can contribute to the development of sustainable aquaculture. In the master programme for Sustainable Aquaculture, you can be part of that development.

During the Sustainable Aquaculture programme, you will spend one year at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), and one year at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The first year will be spent at the university in which you enroll.

Focus

Sustainable aquaculture combines in-depth knowledge of different land-based and marine aquaculture systems, fish health and nutrition, and the interaction of aquaculture with the environment. After completing the programme, you will be able to:

  • Plan and design a recirculating aquaculture facility that takes into account both water quality requirements in production and environmental impact
  • Account for the nutritional physiology of fish in aquaculture as well as for the husbandry requirements in relation to aquaculture production and welfare
  • Account for the environmental impacts of different types of aquaculture operations and work as a team to solve the environmental challenges

We offer courses on RAS technology and design, fish nutrition, physiology and juvenile production, genetic methods, the interaction between aquaculture and environment and sustainable management of aquatic systems. For details, see the programme structure.

Aquaculture industry needs highly qualified professionals who both understand the technology, animal nutrition and health, and the environmental issues that can be related to different types of aquaculture operations.

In the master programme of Sustainable Aquaculture you can combine the knowledge of aquaculture and environment, and the knowledge of marine and land-based aquaculture, and in addition gain international expertise that is highly valued in the job market.

The master programme gives you a unique set of competences that are highly asked for in the aquaculture industry, but also in the consultancy and environmental authorities. Get inspiration from the stories of the recent graduates from the Aquaculture specialization in Aquatic Science and Technology.

Application deadlines

  • 1st of February - for start in the fall semester
  • 1st of September - for start in the spring semester*

*Students who started at DTU on 1 September may send the application form by 10 September

The DTU-NTNU Double Degree programme is only open to students, who have been formally admitted to DTU's regular MSc in Aquatic Science and Technology programme. Therefore, it is not possible to apply for admission directly to the program. The application form is only accessible with DTU credentials. 

How to apply

1) Fill in the application form and submit it.
2) The Office of International Education will forward the application to the Programme Coordinator.
3) The Programme coordinator will consult their counterparts at the partner university and select the most eligible students.
Please note, that the partner university MAY ask for additional documents, before taking a decision.  
4) The Programme coordinator will inform DTU International Affairs Office about their decision.
5) The Office of International Education will inform the students and issue Nomination Letters 

Eligibility

  • Motivated and dedicated students
  • Above average GPA
  • Strong English Language skills.

Pre-approval of courses

Courses taken abroad at NTNU must be approved by the DTU professor responsible for the individual Double Degree programme.

Periods abroad

For DTU students a standard period of two consecutive semesters is taken at the host institution. Students will always be completing their 3rd and 4th semester at the host institution, which means that the thesis will be conducted at the host institution.

The standard period of study is four semesters which corresponds to 120 ECTS credits, consisting of three semesters of course work, and a master’s thesis that is usually written during the fourth semester.

You can choose to start your studies at DTU in Denmark or at NTNU in Norway.

1 semester DTU 2 semester DTU 3 semester NTNU 4 semester NTNU
25328 - Mathematical Models in Ecology (includes aquaculture-relevant examples) 10 ECTS 25316 Recirculating Aquaculture Systems 5 ECTS BI3067Aquaculture in ecosystems 7.5 ECTS BI2098 - Experts in Teamwork - Saving the World is not Rocket Science 7.5 ECTS (intensive)
25301 - Introduction to aquatic ecosystems, anthropogenic threats and sustainable solutions 5 ECTS 25331 Exercises in RAS 5 ECTS BI3060 Experimental marine ecological methods 7.5 ECTS Thesis 30 ECTS
25317 - Diseases and veterinary aspects related to Aquaculture 5 ECTS or
25334 - Genomic methods in breeding and management of aquatic living resources
25326 Fish Physiology in Aquaculture 5 ECTS TMR4137 Sustainable utilization of marine resources 7.5 ECTS

 

25318 - Aquatic Ecosystem Management 5 ECTS 25321 Fish Nutrition and Bioenergetics 5 ECTS
25333 Aquatic Systems Engineering 5 ECTS
January: 25315 - Genetic methods in Aquaculture June: 25322 Advanced RAS 5 ECTS

NB: the 2 semester can be extended with a 3-week period in January for taking the courses: 25315 Genetic methods in aquaculture 5 ECTS or 3-week period in June: 25322 Advanced Course in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems: Design and Application 5 ECTS

1 semester NTNU 2 semester NTNU 3 semester DTU 4 semester DTU
BI3060 Experimental marine ecological methods 7.5 ECTS BI2098 - Experts in Teamwork - Saving the World is not Rocket Science 7.5 ECTS Internships / industry courses (Danish Salmon / BIOMAR) 10 + 5 ECTS Thesis 30 ECTS
BI3067 Aquaculture in ecosystems 7.5 ECTS BI3066 Marine Juvenile Production 7.5 ECTS 25323 Topics in Aquatic Sciences with an aquaculture project 10 ECTS
TMR4137 Sustainable utilization of marine resources 7.5 ECTS

BT3210 Recirculating aquaculture RAS 7.5 ECTS

BI3061Biological Oceanography 7.5 ECTS BI3069Fish health and welfare 7.5 ECTS

or
TMR4140 Design of marine production plants

January: 25315 - Genetic methods in Aquaculture 5 ECTS


Contact

Peter Vilhelm Skov

Peter Vilhelm Skov Associate Professor National Institute of Aquatic Resources Phone: +45 35883263