Student Award winners 2023-24
Each year we are pleased to offer a number student prizes funded by our industry partners available exclusively to students on this programme
Why Plymouth?
The Master’s programme is internationally recognised as one of the most advanced and comprehensive programmes. What truly sets this programme apart—and is the reason why I chose Plymouth—is the decades of experience and expertise brought by its faculty, who provide guidance and support, enabling students to excel both academically and professionally. The programme encourages critical thinking and offers a flexible curriculum tailored to individual career goals, and the combination of freedom of choice, dedicated mentorship and comprehensive programme provides the ideal conditions for students to achieve their full potential. Additionally, growing up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—a landlocked city—has given me a strong appreciation for living by the sea, which I highly value for my mental and physical wellbeing.
The Master’s programme is internationally recognised as one of the most advanced and comprehensive programmes. What truly sets this programme apart—and is the reason why I chose Plymouth—is the decades of experience and expertise brought by its faculty, who provide guidance and support, enabling students to excel both academically and professionally. The programme encourages critical thinking and offers a flexible curriculum tailored to individual career goals, and the combination of freedom of choice, dedicated mentorship and comprehensive programme provides the ideal conditions for students to achieve their full potential. Additionally, growing up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—a landlocked city—has given me a strong appreciation for living by the sea, which I highly value for my mental and physical wellbeing.
Favourite memories of my time at Plymouth?
The programme offers a class trip to Scotland, where we had the opportunity to visit multiple fish farm sites. This experience provided invaluable insights into the aquaculture industry, as well as a deeper understanding of the practical applications to our studies. Beyond academics, this trip allowed us to bond as a class through shared experiences such as hikes, walks along the picturesque Loch Lomond and pub dinners together. Ultimately, it was a rare opportunity to connect with each other, as we each have our own lives, families and studies. The Scotland trip not only offered a chance to share common interests and explore new concepts, but it also strengthened our bonds and ultimately fostered lifelong friendships.
The programme offers a class trip to Scotland, where we had the opportunity to visit multiple fish farm sites. This experience provided invaluable insights into the aquaculture industry, as well as a deeper understanding of the practical applications to our studies. Beyond academics, this trip allowed us to bond as a class through shared experiences such as hikes, walks along the picturesque Loch Lomond and pub dinners together. Ultimately, it was a rare opportunity to connect with each other, as we each have our own lives, families and studies. The Scotland trip not only offered a chance to share common interests and explore new concepts, but it also strengthened our bonds and ultimately fostered lifelong friendships.
The benefits of studying at Plymouth?
Throughout my Master’s programme, I felt consistently supported by my lecturers and supervisor. Their dedication, patience and wealth of knowledge was evident by their guidance, which enabled me to achieve good academic results and even earn the Leiber Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries award, for which I am honoured to have been the inaugural recipient. The campus also provides multiple innovative spaces for brainstorming, studying and collaborating, as well as areas to enjoy meals, exercise and rest, providing students with the necessary facilities to make their experience comfortable and supported throughout their studies with the University of Plymouth.
Throughout my Master’s programme, I felt consistently supported by my lecturers and supervisor. Their dedication, patience and wealth of knowledge was evident by their guidance, which enabled me to achieve good academic results and even earn the Leiber Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries award, for which I am honoured to have been the inaugural recipient. The campus also provides multiple innovative spaces for brainstorming, studying and collaborating, as well as areas to enjoy meals, exercise and rest, providing students with the necessary facilities to make their experience comfortable and supported throughout their studies with the University of Plymouth.
Looking to the future?
With the Master’s degree, I am confident that my future holds limitless opportunities. The comprehensive programme provided by the Masters, which combines both theory and practical aspects of the aquaculture sector, has equipped me with the necessary skills required to meet the requirements of companies worldwide. This solid foundation prepares me for a diverse career path relating to animal husbandry, policy development, aquaculture consultancy, certification compliance and many others.
With the Master’s degree, I am confident that my future holds limitless opportunities. The comprehensive programme provided by the Masters, which combines both theory and practical aspects of the aquaculture sector, has equipped me with the necessary skills required to meet the requirements of companies worldwide. This solid foundation prepares me for a diverse career path relating to animal husbandry, policy development, aquaculture consultancy, certification compliance and many others.
Naomi Smith
This master's programme at Plymouth was a standout choice for me, offering expert-led theory, hands-on practical experiences, and insightful field trips to operational aquaculture sites.
These opportunities have equipped me with invaluable expertise in the sustainable use of marine and aquatic resources, and I am honoured to have received two awards in recognition of the exceptional knowledge and skills I developed during this degree.
Looking to the future, I am excited to take the next steps in my career, dedicated to promoting a healthy and sustainable ocean.