Career opportunities
With a BSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries you'll be well placed to work in a variety of positions within New Zealand and internationally. The companies who produce, catch and process the fish we eat or export provide opportunities for researchers to be involved from production and harvest through to processing and marketing.
The aquaculture industry is expanding and the challenge of feeding the planet in a changing world will be met through innovation and the work of the next generation of scientists.
You could work for government departments or join the science teams of local councils, iwi organisations or business – managing fish stocks and aquaculture operations and protecting the ecosystems and environment that support them.
If you wish to stay in the university system and learn more about new models of aquaculture and fisheries science, environment management, product development and food science, you could complete an MSc or PhD – opening up wider job opportunities in scientist or management positions in a range of organisations.
What will I learn?
Fisheries and aquaculture scientists and managers need to have a good understanding of biology, ecology, oceanography, chemistry, statistics, and management.
You will learn the fundamental aspects of these subjects during the first two years of the degree.
As you progress through the degree, more specialist subjects such as fisheries, aquaculture, environmental and ecosystem management, and food science will be introduced.
What will I study?
First year
You will study fundamental sciences including biology, chemistry, earth and ocean science, and statistics, as well as pursuing a relevant second discipline such as management, genetics, food science, or te reo Māori.
Second year
In this year you will start to apply your science knowledge to the marine environment with courses in aquaculture, marine science, and ecology as well as food science.
Third year
You will study fishery sciences, as well as further exploring the marine environment and chemistry. You will apply your skills on real-world issues in field-based courses. Your compulsory minor or second major will tailor your course to your own particular interests.
How will I study?
You will learn the theoretical aspects of the above topics in lectures.
In addition, for all of the science courses, practical and hands-on experience will be gained in the University's well-equipped laboratories (including the Portobello Marine Laboratory), field stations, and boats.
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Recommended background
Secondary school students are recommended to take Biology, Chemistry, and Maths in Year 12 and preferably in Year 13.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Aquaculture and Fisheries
Explore postgraduate study in Aquaculture and Fisheries at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportun...
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasProgramme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOL 112 Animal Biology | 18 |
| MARI 112 Marine Biology: The Living Ocean | 18 | |
| STAT 110 Statistical Methods or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 | |
|
Three of: BIOL 123 Plants: How They Shape the World CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology CHEM 111 Chemistry: Molecular Architecture CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health EAOS 111 Earth and Ocean Science ECOL 111 Ecology and Conservation of Diversity | 54 | |
| 200-level | MARI 202 Ecology and Biology of Marine Invertebrates | 18 |
| AQFI 251 Principles of Aquaculture | 18 | |
| Two of BTNY 203, CHEM 201, CHEM 205, CHEM 206, ECOL 211, ECOL 212, FOSC 201 , FORS 201, GENE 222, GENE 223, MARI 201, PHIL 235, STAT 210, SURV 220 , ZOOL 221 | 36 | |
| 300-level | AQFI 301 Field Methods for Assessment of Fisheries and Aquatic Habitats | 18 |
| AQFI 352 Fisheries Ecology | 18 | |
| Two of CHEM 301, CHEM 306, FORS 301, GENE 312, GENE 314, GENE 315, MARI 301 , MARI 302, ZOOL 316, ZOOL 319 | 36 | |
| Plus | 108 further points. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science. | 108 |
| Note: Students majoring in Aquaculture and Fisheries will not be permitted to major or minor in Marine Science. | ||
| Total | 360 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | MARI 112 Global Marine Systems STAT 110 Statistical Methods, or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 18 |
| 200-level | MARI 202 Marine Invertebrate Ecology and Biology AQFI 251 Principles of Aquaculture | 18 18 |
| 300-level | AQFI 301 Field Methods for Assessment of Fisheries and Aquatic Habitats AQFI 352 Fisheries Ecology | 18 18 |
| Note: Students majoring in Marine Science will not be permitted to take an Aquaculture and Fisheries minor. | ||
| Total | 108 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
AQFI papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQFI251 | 2025 | Principles of Aquaculture | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| AQFI301 | 2025 | Field Methods in Applied Marine Science | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (13 January 2025 - 28 February 2025), 2nd Non standard period (10 February 2025 - 28 March 2025), 4th Non standard period (10 November 2025 - 9 December 2025) |
| AQFI352 | 2025 | Fisheries Ecology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| AQFI421 | 2025 | Advanced Aquaculture and Fisheries | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| AQFI450 | 2025 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| AQFI490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | 2nd Non standard period (17 February 2025 - 7 November 2025) |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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