Funded Masters deadline looms

The AquaCulture, Environment and Society (ACES) Erasmus + Joint Masters Degree, will be accepting its second cohort of students in August, with participants starting at SAMS in Oban before moving to Nantes, then Crete in the course of two years – offering an excellent insight into the aquaculture industry across Europe. Those winning scholarships will have their tuition, travel and living costs fully funded.

Patricia Alves Pereira, a Brazilian student who is part of the first cohort, reflects: “Looking back on my first six months with ACES, it has been a real adventure. In Scotland I have enjoyed learning about aquaculture and the environment, sustainability and how we can help make the industry ‘greener’. In Crete I hope to study more about finfish aquaculture but I have already learnt so much.”

“I wanted to study abroad, I wanted to see different places and I wanted to work with prestigious academic centres,’ said Patricia. “I also needed a scholarship, so the ACES programme was perfect for me.

“The close links between research and industry is something we don’t really have in Brazil and I feel that the ACES programme prepares you for a career in both sectors. I particularly enjoyed looking at how we reduce the environmental impacts of aquaculture, because my real passion is in conservation.”

And with the February 19 deadline for applications to ACES (2016/17) fast approaching, Patricia has some advice for interested students: “If you are looking for an adventure, then go for it. You won’t regret it.”

To apply for a place on this year’s ACES intake visit http://www.sams.ac.uk/erasmus-master-aquaculture