MSc Scholarships at the University of Stirling

The Improving Farmed Fish Welfare in Asia project is supporting two MSc students at the Institute of Aquaculture. Over the year of their study they will gain a deeper understanding of farmed fish welfare and will participate in fish welfare research projects in Asia, equipping them to become future leaders on this issue.

Following a competitive application process, Arnan Hirunratanakorn from Thailand is being supported to study the MSc programme in Sustainable Aquaculture, whilst Nghĩa Đỗ Trọng Phan from Vietnam is being supported to undertake the MSc programme in Aquatic Pathobiology. Arnan has a first degree in computer engineering and management experience in one of Thailand’s leading tilapia farms, whilst Nghĩa has a degree in fisheries management and strong interest in aquatic biotechnology.

Photograph of Arnan

Nghia (left) and Arnan (Right) at the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling

  • With the financial support of Open Philanthropy, the project is funding one candidate from Thailand and one from Vietnam to study either MSc Sustainable Aquaculture or MSc Aquatic Pathobiology, or MSc Aquatic Veterinary Studies at the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling during the academic year 2023-24.

    Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in aquatic animal welfare and have their application supported by an organisation in their home country that is engaged in fish welfare research or promotion. They must also have a firm offer of a place on one of the above courses prior to the final selection date.

    The successful candidates will be expected to carry out their dissertation project in partnership with one of the funded welfare research projects during 2024.

    As only candidates that have a firm offer of a place on the course can be selected for financial support, potential candidates are advised to commence an application for one of the courses as soon as possible using the following links:

    MSc Sustainable Aquaculture

    MSc Aquatic Pathobiology

    MSc Aquatic Veterinary Studies

    NB: If you are submitting a new application you must also notify us immediately using the form on this web page.

    The funding support offered covers the academic course fees and a student stipend of £16,000 to cover travel and living expenses. We are looking to fund students who show the greatest potential to contribute to the improvement of farmed aquatic animal welfare in Thailand and Vietnam, so selection of candidates will be made by a panel of tutors with expertise and experience in aquatic animal welfare in Asia and good knowledge of our MSc programmes.

    It is not a requirement of the funding that candidates have the support of their current employer or other organisation. However, if a candidate does have the support of their employer and expects to return to work with them after the MSc programme, there is space on the application form to give full details.

    To apply for one of the two scholarships, please complete and submit this APPLICATION FORM by 30th June 2023.