A Student of the Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture program measuring the water quality

Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture

  • Program Length 
    1 Year
  • Credential 
    Post-Degree Diploma
  • Location Offered 
    Nanaimo

The Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture Program

The Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture is a two semester program for students who have already completed a Bachelor of Science in biology or a related discipline. This program is appropriate for those who want to complement their prior credentials with specialized learning and practical experiences in fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic conservation and/or related fields of research. The Post-Degree Diploma involves a substantial work experience component which may be completed in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, government or university research labs, fisheries habitat management agencies, shellfish and finfish aquaculture hatcheries and farms, salmon enhancement hatcheries, or environmental consulting firms. Throughout the program students will tailor their learning to their particular interests though consultation with the program Chair. Students may choose from a selection of courses that cover topics such as aquaculture, fisheries, hatcheries, management, conservation, shellfish, finfish, kelp, and habitat assessment, as well as elective courses across diverse disciplines that could include biology, chemistry, communications, geography, First Nations studies, business, or others.

Graduates of the Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture have the knowledge, practical skills and work experience to either move directly into fulfilling careers with significant advancement potential or pursue further studies in graduate school.

Year 1

Credits

FISH 3711 - (Senior Work Experience I)

3

FISH 3721 - (Senior Work Experience II) 

3

FISH 3912 - (Advanced Applied Techniques I)

3

FISH 3922 - (Advanced Applied Techniques II)

3

FISH or AQUA courses

15

General Electives3

9

Total Credits

36

1. Work experience placements are to be selected in coordination with the Chair of the Department or Coordinator of the specific courses.

2. Applied skills placements are to be selected in coordination with the Chair of the Department.

3. Electives are to be chosen in consultation with, and must be approved by, the Chair of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Suggested electives can be found here (https://scitech.viu.ca/fisheries-aquaculture/post-degreediploma).

Completion Requirements

Grades for individual courses are given in the manner described under the Grading Policy of this Calendar. The program has minimum standards as follows:

  • In order to graduate, no more than 2 “C-” grades can be accumulated over the post-degree diploma program.
  • Students have a maximum of 2 years to complete the post-degree diploma program. Students who do not attain satisfactory grades for all courses in the program within the consecutive 2-year period will be withdrawn from the program. However, they may reapply after one year.
  • Students must complete all program course requirements to the above standards and have an overall GPA of at least 2.0 (“C”) in order to be eligible for graduation.

Admission guideline requirements to this option are:

  • minimum “B” average overall in university courses;
  • interview;
  • permission of department.

Notes on Admission

  • When accepted, students should contact Department Chair or Co-Chair to choose courses for each semester that will cater to their career goals.
  • Aboriginal students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Aboriginal Students form.

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Location
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 5, 2023
Next Intake(s)

The Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture program has one start date each Fall.

Application Fee
$44.27
Accepting Late Applications
No
Admissions Assistant

Name: Nic Ismirnioglou
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2431
Email: Nicolas.Ismirnioglou@viu.ca

Chair Contact

Name: Dan Baker
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2296
Email: Dan.Baker@viu.ca

Comments

Applications are open late until June 30, 2023, or until the program is filled. There is a possibility qualified applicants may be waitlisted.

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Location
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 3, 2024
Next Intake(s)

Fall 2024

Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Chair Contact

Name: Dan Baker
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2296
Email: Dan.Baker@viu.ca

International Admissions Officer Contact

Name: Yuka Takai
Email: Study@viu.ca

Documentation Deadline

March 31, 2024

Please note that seats in this program are limited and offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please make sure to submit all necessary documents when you submit your application online.

Comments

For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to World VIU at WorldVIU@viu.ca

Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.


Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.