Sustainable Production in Aquaculture (SPA)

Master’s Programme in Sustainable Production in Aquaculture (SPA) is a research-based Master’s programme offered jointly by Hólar University, Agricultural University of Iceland, University of Akureyri, University of Iceland, and the University Centre of the Westfjords in collaboration with the research institutes Matís, the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, and the Icelandic Museum of Natural History.

The structure of the programme can be viewed in Ugla, the university’s course catalogue and registration system.

SPA emphasises an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach to sustainable production in aquaculture. The programme combines knowledge of biology and production technology with social perspectives, scientific methodology, and practical skills. Graduates will be prepared for careers in industry, research and development, and be qualified to pursue PhD studies. The programme is offered as a full-time or part-time mixed study programme. The form of the programme is blended, where courses are offered either as on-site or distance courses, with in-house practicums.

The objectives of the SPA programme are to:

· combine competences from the partner institutions to educate the next generation of professionals within the area of diverse sustainable production in Aquaculture

· increase course offering and the availability of specialized courses across the university institutions.

· develop new networking and partnership opportunities between academic institutions, industry, the authorities as well as with relevant institutions

Applications to the programme are submitted through the Umsóknagátt.

The programme is open to applicants who have completed a BSc degree with a minimum grade of 6.5 (or equivalent). Applicants without a background in natural sciences and/or aquaculture are required to complete designated introductory courses. Students may tailor their studies through a wide range of research opportunities and by selecting elective courses from an extensive portfolio offered by the partner institutions.