Aquaculture and fresh water fishery management industries require employees educated to degree level. Whether a technologist or management role, applied scientific knowledge, managerial skills, independent thought and analysis are in demand. // The course combines a balance of scientific, managerial and practical skills that are developed from an introductory level to independent research and application in the final year. Subjects studied include: water quality; fish anatomy and physiology; fishery management and ecology; aquaculture; fish health and nutrition; business and environmental management. The third year includes of a study tour visiting fishery and aquaculture operations elsewhere in Europe. // Integrated within the course are extensive periods of practical/industrial work experience. Recent placements have included carp fisheries in the South of France, a salmon farm in Tasmania, a goldfish farm in the United States, Royal aquariums in the Middle East, research into ornamental fish welfare in the Philippines, the Coral Key Foundation in Fiji, bass and bream farms in the Mediterranean and research for the Natal Shark Board in South Africa. Links with prominent UK organisations also provide for experience closer to home. // Graduates regularly progress to higher-level study, particularly MSc and PhD.