The educational training component consists of 15 compulsory ECTS-credits including ethics in science and nature, as well as animal use in research and animal welfare in conjunction with a course in the research area specialisation. The 15 elective ECTS-credits can be attained from a wide range of 400 and 300 level courses offered within the faculty and are usually linked to the candidates' area of specialisation. These courses are designed to support the research dissertation by providing additional depth and specialised knowledge. Courses not available at the faculty but offered by other institutions may also be used to gain ECTS -credits provided that these courses are approved by the Faculty Research Board.  

 

The research dissertation is a body of work based upon original research recognised on the merits of its scientific excellence, relevance and value. This research work will take place associated in cooperation with at least one of the faculty research groups. The resulting dissertation,normally in the form of a series of publishable papers or a monograph, is then formally examined by external examiners.

 

Aquaculture is a multi- and inter-disciplinary science involving a number of scientific fields. Continued expansion of aquaculture production (presently accounting for over 50% of seafood production globally) is recognised as the only way to meet the world's increasing demand for seafood. As a leading producer and exporter of seafood, Norway has led the way in aquaculture development. University of Nordland (UIN) is a key national centre of competence and main player in aquaculture education in Norway. With close links to the local, national and international aquaculture industry and a reputation for producing high quality and relevant science, UiN and the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture is the logical choice for students wishing to take an an advanced degree in this area.

 

The PhD programme in Aquaculture welcomes applicants with high quality master's degrees (or the equivalent) in biology or related fields. Potential candidates with other master's qualifications may be accepted depending upon the nature of the project and applicant concerned. Complete applications are forwarded to the faculty research board at which the admission decision is made.

 

Consideration of the application will only be undertaken if the application is complete. Issues relating to stipend support and research costs must also be addressed. A PhD-position must be supported with a financial guarantee of at least 3 years' financing. The competition for funding from Norwegian sources is highly competitive and total funds available are limited. The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture does not itself have the financial resources to provide financial assistance to those wishing to apply for financial support.

 

Admissions are carried out on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

 

The PhD in Aquaculture first and foremost qualifies students for positions in research and education at higher education institutions and for research and development work at research institutes, but also for positions in the field of aquaculture (or related) industries in Norway and abroad.