• This diploma will prepare you to work in the aquaculture industry and create a pathway towards management.
• There is an increasing need for qualified and professional people to work in the aquaculture industry.
• You’ll gain knowledge and skills in aquaculture systems, how they work, and how to best manage them.
• You will also become familiar with basic aquatic species biology, aquatic ecology, and business management.

This new programme has been developed in consultation with industry, such as New Zealand King Salmon, Sealord, Aquaculture New Zealand, Aotearoa Seafoods and Marine Farming Association of NZ.

The programme has been designed to meet the increasing demands of the aquaculture and fresh water fishery management industries. Graduates will be educated in practical and theoratical aquaculture, as well as having some business management skills. These industries and support services require technologists and managers with applied scientific knowledge, managerial skills and ability for independent thought and analysis.

Throughout the two year programme, students learn concepts and technical skills by working together to solve open-ended problems based on real life industry situations. Many of the courses are integrated around key major projects and industry placements. This combination of theory and practical training will provide students with an excellent background to move into the aquaculture field. An industry experience component for students not already working in the field will see them spend a minimum of eight weeks (two weeks of each semester) working in industry to hone their learned skills.

Diploma in Aquaculture Fish Farming Fishery Management 2012
The Diploma commences in February 2012.

Subjects will include:

• aquatic animal anatomy and physiology
• aquatic ecology
• fishery management
• aquaculture
• fish and shellfish health and nutrition
• Maori aquaculture interests
• business and environmental management.

Programme summary:

Programme Length: 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Programme Structure: 21 courses - 240 credits
Hours of Study/ Class Times: On campus: approx 24 hours contact per week
Self Directed Learning: 1 credit represents 10 hours of total learning
Campus: Nelson

Entry requirements

Applicants under 20 years:

> 48 credits NCEA Level 2 including a minimum of 14 credits at Level 2 in each of two subjects (mathematics and a science subject).

Or

> A qualification equal to the one above

Applicants 20 years and over:

> No minimum entry requirements

All Applicants:

Must have a certain level of physical strength and fitness to complete programme.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 (overall) or equivalent within the last two years.

Selection

All applicants will be interviewed to assess their likelihood of success on the programme.

Successful graduates of this programme will be able to effectively and confidently apply themselves within the aquaculture workforce as operators and technicians on a pathway toward management. They will be able to evaluate and fin fish and shellfish, how to set up and maintain aquaculture systems, and how to best manage an aquaculture team.

Upon successful completion, graduates will also be able to describe the basic biology of common aquatic ecology, as well as comprehend and analyse the basics of the aquaculture business environment. This knowledge background would also allow graduates to continue their studies towards a degree in Marine Biology if desired.