The North Atlantic Fisheries College (NAFC) in Shetland is an industry managed institute dedicated to supporting the fisheries industries (aquaculture, fish catching and processing) through training, research and development. Shetland is an island community lying at the heart of the rich northern European fishing grounds with large, state-of-the-art aquaculture, fishing and seafood processing industries.

LOCATION
The location of the NAFC enables it to offer a unique learning experience. Shetland is located in the North Atlantic, strategically placed in relation to fertile fishing grounds. It consists of a group of 100 islands, some 567 square miles in area with approximately 900 miles of coastline and a population of 23,000. It is as close to Norway as it is to Aberdeen. The islands have a rugged natural beauty, a unique cultural identity and fantastic wildlife.

FACILITIES
The College has a wide range of facilities, including commercial fish and shellfish farms, a marine hatchery, laboratories, IT facilities, a well stocked specialist library and residential accommodation.

The Marine Sciences department has close working links with the developing and surprisingly large local industry. Shetland currently produces at least 33% of all UK farmed salmon. Compared to other regions in the UK, Shetland has by far the highest percentage of its population working in fisheries related employment.

RESEARCH
Examples of current research being carried out at NAFC are:

• Evaluation of Flesh Quality in Farmed Atlantic Salmon, Fed on High Energy Diets
  
• The Population Dynamics of Exploited Crab Stocks in Shetland Waters
  
• The Population Dynamics of Scallops in Shetland Waters
  
• Biology and Fishery for monkfish Lophius Piscatorius in Shetland waters
  
• Confirmation of the Origin of Farmed and Wild Salmon and Other Fish
  
• Testing the Antifouling Properties of Novel Polymers Incorporated into Sea-cage Meshes and Nets

POSTGRADUATE COURSES OFFERED

• MSc/PgDip in Mariculture Science & Technology
  
• MSc/PgDip in Fisheries Science & Technology

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE FOR BOTH COURSES

Each of the above courses are modular in structure with each module available as a separate course (for people who would like to learn only one specific part of the MSc or gain an introduction to the subject). Three awards are available within this programme:
·

• Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) 4 taught modules
  
• Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) 8 taught modules
  
• Master of Science (MSc) 8 taught modules + research project

The programme aims to provide graduates with a detailed relevant knowledge and understanding of the fisheries industries, including the underpinning science, operations and technology.

The courses also include supporting studies in generic topics such as IT skills, research skills, project management, numerical skills, time management and presentation skills.

Module Delivery
Taught modules within the courses are delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, case studies, practicals, field work and site visits. A strong emphasis is placed on independent learning by students. Each taught module is equivalent to a notional 150 hours of learning time of which roughly one third consists of lectures, practicals, etc. and two thirds of self study.

Master of Science (MSc)
Following successful completion of the taught modules students may undertake a four month research project, from which submission of a written thesis and short public oral presentation will lead to the award of a Master of Science degree.

Research Project
The four month research project allows students to develop an area of research arising from taught modules, their own interest, or ongoing research activities of College staff. Examples of current projects being undertaken by MSc students include the following:

• Optimisation of cod larval rearing protocols (based in Newfoundland)
  
• Challenge Models for Moritella viscose (based in Oslo)
  
• Preliminary antifouling trials utilising four phosphonium oligomer materials (based in Shetland)
  
• Testing the efficiency of VETROXYL as a means of extending shelf-life of farmed seafood products (based in Shetland).
  

ADMISSIONS
Applicants will normally be expected to have a good Honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline. Applications will also be considered from persons who do not satisfy this criteria but who can demonstrate a substantial body of professional experience in a relevant field. The primary criteria in considering applications is whether or not the applicant has a reasonable chance of successfully completing the course.

All applicants must be numerate and proficient in the English language, and will be required to demonstrate that they have, or expect to obtain, adequate financial support to cover their course fees and support themselves. A small number of studentships are available.

For further information please contact the MSc co-ordinator:

NORTH ATLANTIC FISHERIES COLLEGE
PORT ARTHUR, SCALLOWAY, SHETLAND
SCOTLAND, ZE1 0UN,UK
Tel: +44 (0)1595 772000 Fax: +44 (0)1595 772001
E-mail: admin@nafc.ac.uk
Web: www.nafc.ac.uk