SAIC scholarship scheme returns

Following a successful first year, SAIC Scholars Connect Plus offers places to students interested in a career in aquaculture, with fees and living expenses being covered by the Scottish Funding Council.

In its first year, 20 students obtained funding through SAIC Scholars Connect Plus: four studying the new MSc in Geotechnical Engineering in Aquaculture at the University of Dundee; the remaining 16 studying Sustainable Aquaculture, Aquatic Pathobiology or Aquatic Veterinary Studies at the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture.

2016/2017 will see the range of eligible, one-year taught programmes expand to include Marine Planning for Sustainable Development and Marine Resource Development and Protection at Heriot-Watt University, and Applied Marine and Fisheries Ecology at the University of Aberdeen.

Launching this year’s programme, Heather Jones, CEO of SAIC, said: “Adding to the growing skills base in aquaculture is hugely important both to SAIC’s work and to the ongoing growth of the sector. So we’re thrilled to see this year’s SAIC Scholars Connect Plus welcome into the fold two new universities and three new MSc programmes.”

A key element of each MSc programme is the chance for SAIC Scholars to apply their research to an industry-placed project, giving students an insight into how their science is relevant to industry – and giving industry the opportunity to have challenges addressed that they might not have had the time or resource to tackle in-house.

There are also opportunities to attend ‘meet the expert’ style events and aquaculture-specific careers days throughout the academic year. Added-value events that are designed to complement the universities’ own activities to equip students with the direction and connections they need to advance post-education.

To check your eligibility, or to apply, contact the postgraduate admissions department of your preferred university.