Bachelor of Applied Aquaculture - North Melbourne Institute of TAFE

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Course Code : HEESAAQUAC

CRICOS Code: 051679G

NMIT is the first Victorian TAFE institute to establish a full-time course in applied aquaculture at bachelor degree level.

This course is for school leavers who wish to enter the aquaculture industry and other related organisations, mature age applicants who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in aquaculture and international students who wish to pursue a career in aquaculture and other related disciplines.

Specialist Facilities

NMIT has established the Aquaculture Training and Applied Research Centre, a research and commercial facility designed to industry standards.

The Centre provides specialist equipment to enable students to learn and experiment under supervision and includes fresh and salt water facilities, indoor re-circulating systems, water quality laboratory, live feeds production research laboratory and fully integrated monitoring alarm systems. Future developments will include an aquatic animal health laboratory and fish hatchery.

Specialist equipment for freezing, processing and packaging of product from aquaculture is provided at the NMIT Primary Industries Production Training Centre.

Together, these specialist facilities support teaching, supervised practice and NMIT's applied research.

Teaching Staff

The Bachelor of Applied Aquaculture is taught by highly-qualified academic and internationally respected staff supported by highly experienced industry practitioners.

The Learning Enviornment

• A supportive learning environment with small classes and supervised hands on experience.
• Practical involvement with industry through NMIT's aquaculture facilities and through field trips and industry experience.
• A combination of theory and its application in industry scale facilities supported by academic staff and industry practitioners.

Course Duration

Full time: 3 years

Entrance Requirements

• Successful completion of Year 12 VCE/HSC or recognised equivalent with Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, or
• Successful completion of a TAFE Diploma course in aquaculture, or
• Mature age entry where applicants can demonstrate capacity to undertake work at degree level.

An additional requirement for international students is

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Level 6.  

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants may seek recognition for prior learning where work of an advanced and related nature has been undertaken.

Bridging Courses

Bridging courses that cover the essential knowledge required for first-year subjects are available.

Tuition Fees

AUD $12,000 per year

Employment Outcomes

With rapid expansion of the Australian and international aquaculture industry in both marine and fresh water sectors there is a need for skilled professionals to improve sustainability in both production and management.

A graduate in applied aquaculture will be equipped to enter the expanding field of aquaculture in Australia and overseas. Graduates of this program will also be well equipped in persuing careers in other organisations, such as primary industry bodies, environmental agencies, natural resourse management agencies, local councils, water authorities or international organisations.

A degree in applied aquaculture provides a pathway into careers outside of science such as those in management and the leisure and tourism industry.

Graduates will be equipped to continue on to postgraduate study or employment as professionals in the aquaculture industry.