Do I need to know whether I want to work in aquaculture, research or marine conservation before I start?

No. You don't need to decide up front, and you don't formally specialise. You graduate with an Aquaculture and Marine Conservation qualification, and you can choose where to take it.

Over the three years, the mix is close to even, with slightly more aquaculture than marine conservation. Year one is broad, covering ecology, biology, aquaculture systems and business. Year two is closer to a 50/50 mix, and year three leans slightly more towards aquaculture. In your dissertation, you choose your own focus, so if you're more interested in marine conservation or aquatic ecology, you can take that direction.

Placements and projects can be tailored to your interests, and if you change your mind partway through, there's no locked-in pathway.

The two areas also complement each other. Marine conservation knowledge helps make aquaculture more sustainable, and aquaculture skills are useful in conservation and restoration work.