MSc in Aquaculture

1. The name of the master’s degree programme:

    a) in Hungarian Language: haltenyésztő mérnöki mesterképzési szak
    b) in English Language: Aquaculture master programmeme

2. Level of qualification obtainable in the master's programme and designation of professional qualification on the diploma:

    a) in Hungarian Language: haltenyésztő mérnök
    b) In English Language: Master in Aquaculture

3. Training classification:

3.1. Field of study: agriculture

3.2. Level of qualification:

• master level (magister, Master of Science, abbreviation: MSc)
• according to ISCED 2011: 7
• according to the European Qualifications Framework: 7
• according to the Hungarian Qualifications Framework: 7

3.3. Classification of fields of study according to the uniform classification system for vocational training areas ISCED-F 2013: 0831

3.4. Classification of orientation: balanced (40-60 percents)

4. Length of the training: 3 semesters

5. Number of credits required to obtain a master's degree: 90 credits

6. The aim of the training and professional competences and learning outcomes of the master’s degree:

6.1. The aim of the training:

The aim of the training is to train professionals who, with their knowledge of fish farming, genetics, hydrobiology, and environmental science, can manage, supervise, renew, and plan production processes in their field of expertise. They carry out their activities in line with sustainable agriculture and environmental awareness, taking economic considerations into account, and strive to strike a balance between the conservation and efficient use of natural resources. Graduates of the programme are prepared to continue their studies in doctoral programmes.

6.2. Professional competencies to be acquired:

The graduated’s

a) knowledge:

• is familiar with fish farming systems and the methodology of effective and sustainable fish production;
• has knowledge of agriculture, natural sciences, technology, and economics related to the field; knows and understands the economic and social characteristics of fish farming and related activities, as well as the legal environment applicable to the field;
• has the environmental, animal welfare, and ethical knowledge essential for working in the field of fish farming;
• is aware of the criteria for sustainable agriculture;
• has detailed knowledge of the current requirements, leading theoretical solutions, causal relationships, and limitations of application of the knowledge and activity system in the field of fish farming;
• has detailed knowledge of the methods, rules, and related characteristics of planning, implementation, and execution of activities related to their field of expertise;
• is familiar with the strategic role of R+D+I and innovation management in the agricultural economy, and can understand the relationships between policy and corporate-level R+D+I activities;
• is familiar with the specific research methodology and techniques of their field, and the methods of practical elaboration of theoretical issues.

b) competencies:

• can operate fish farming systems and ensure safe, targeted, and sustainable fish production;
• is capable of systematically reviewing and analyzing knowledge and domestic and international literature on fish farming and fish management, and of exploring comprehensive and specific interrelationships;
• can recognize problems related to fish farming, approach them in an interdisciplinary manner, and identify the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to solve them;
• can use their theoretical and practical knowledge to prepare professional analyses related to fish farming, formulate the results of the analysis, and evaluate the analysis;
• can ensure the conditions necessary for the performance of specific activities related to their field of expertise, and to manage, control, and organize work processes;
• after acquiring the appropriate practical experience, can implement, maintain, and supervise fish production methods adapted to local conditions anywhere in the world;
• can comply with and enforce the legal, food safety, and occupational safety rules and regulations governing fish farming, production, and processing; 
• can apply innovative solutions and implement research and development projects to modernize the workplace.

c) attitudes:

• knows and accepts the professional identity that underpins the specific character and personal and community role of fish farming and fish management, thereby supporting their developing professional awareness;
• is open and receptive to learning about and applying modern and innovative techniques related to fish farming;
• is committed to solving emerging problems on a professional basis;
• is committed to sustainable fisheries management and agriculture;
• is proactive, yet thoughtful, forming opinions based on strict professional criteria;
• complies with legislation and adheres to the ethical rules and standards governing their professional activities, and expects the same from their colleagues and subordinates;
• is open to professionally grounded critical comments, can recognize and deal with problems, recognizes and accepts the limitations and risks of decisions related to their field of expertise;
• Strives for continuous improvement, is receptive to new professional knowledge, is creative, and is open to new solutions;
• Actively participates in research and development projects in the field of fisheries management.

d) autonomy and responsibility: 

• has a high degree of independence in developing professional issues related to fish farming, representing and justifying professional views;
• is professionally credible and thoughtful in communication;
• is capable of independently planning, implementing, and supervising sustainable agricultural activities;
• can independently identify and deal with problems arising during fish farming activities;
• has a developed sense of responsibility and makes professional decisions with a significant degree of independence;
• accepts the consequences of their decisions;
• is an equal partner in professional cooperation;
• is constructive in teamwork;
• independently plans their own professional advancement.

7. Professional characteristics of the training, fields of study leading to professional qualifications and their credit ratios, which constitute the structure of the programme:

7.1. Natural science knowledge: 14-18 credits
Fish biology, fish physiology, hydrobiology, reproductive biology, fish genetics, ecology

7.2. Agricultural and technical knowledge: 10-14 credits
Aquaculture, pond farming and intensive fish production, water management, technical knowledge of fish farming and fish processing

7.3. Agricultural economics and humanities: 10-14 credits
Innovation- and project management, marketing, business planning, legal knowledge, data management, and scientific communication

7.4. Professional knowledge of fisheries management: 28-35 credits
Fish feeding, environmental quality assurance systems, surface water protection, hydro toxicology, fish breeding and fry rearing, fish biotechnology, fish genomics, fish processing, aquaristics, knowledge of invasive fish species, fish farming production technology, fish health

7.5. Number of credits assigned for the preparation of a thesis or diploma project:10 credits

8. Requirements for professional practice and practical training: -

9. Special features distinguishing the training: -

10. In the case of studies conducted in a foreign language, the level of foreign language proficiency to be achieved: -