Aquaculture SCQF 5 (Work-based)

What is special about this course?

Whether you're taking your first steps into the aquaculture industry or already working in it and looking to build on your experience, the Diploma in Aquaculture at SCQF Level 5 offers a flexible, practical way to gain a recognised qualification.

You'll develop core skills in fish health and welfare, equipment and site maintenance, health and safety, and professional practice - all delivered in the workplace so you can learn on the job. There's no need to take time off for college; our assessors come to you, helping you work towards a qualification while continuing to earn.

This course is ideal for school leavers, career changers, or those already in aquaculture who want to upskill and take the next step. It's widely recognised by employers across the sector, including Mowi, Scottish Sea Farms, and the Scottish Salmon Company.

Entry requirements

You don’t need any formal qualifications to apply for this course. However, having some prior experience in aquaculture or a qualification at SCQF Level 4 may be helpful.

To undertake this Diploma, you must be in a job or placement where you're carrying out relevant tasks and responsibilities. This allows you to gather the practical evidence needed for assessment as you work towards the qualification.

To achieve the Diploma in Aquaculture (SCQF Level 5), you'll complete a total of seven units: four mandatory units and three optional units, which will be chosen in discussion with your assessor based on your job role and work environment.

Mandatory units include:

  • Maintaining aquaculture stock health and welfare
  • Maintaining aquaculture facilities and equipment
  • Maintaining health, safety and security
  • Developing meta-skills and personal practice

Optional units cover areas such as:

  • Feeding, grading and harvesting aquaculture stock
  • Operating workboats and support craft
  • Collecting shellfish spat or purifying shellfish
  • Stocking, transferring or gathering live fish
  • Producing fertilised eggs or juvenile stock
  • Preparing and packing fish or shellfish for sale

These optional units allow you to tailor the qualification to your current role and future career goals within the aquaculture industry.

How will I study my course?

  • Part Time
  • Flexible

This Diploma is designed to fit around your work, with all learning and assessment taking place on the job.

Our experienced assessors will visit you at your workplace to support your learning, review your progress, and gather evidence of your skills.

You'll learn through practical, hands-on tasks relevant to your role, combined with guidance and reflection to help develop your knowledge and confidence.

This flexible approach means you don't need to take time off work or attend day-release sessions, making it easier to balance study and employment.

How long will my course last?

12 Months

Where can I study my course?

    • Auchtertyre
    • Benbecula
    • Broadford
    • Fort William
    • Gairloch
    • Kilchoan
    • Kinlochleven
    • Mallaig
    • North Uist
    • Portree
    • Stornoway
    • Ullapool
    • Work Based
    • Employers Premises

Start date

Flexible start dates available.

Fees

Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.

What can I do on completion of my course?

The Diploma in Aquaculture at SCQF Level 5 can open the door to further training and career development within the aquaculture sector.

Many learners progress to the Diploma in Aquaculture at SCQF Level 7, which builds on this qualification and develops more advanced skills and knowledge.

You could also go on to study related subjects such as fish farming, aquatic science, or marine biology, which may lead to degree-level study at a higher education institution.

Is there more information available online?

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I had been with Loch Duart Salmon for about 2 years when I started my SVQ.  

I have found the combination of work and learning challenging, but in a good way.  I must search for information and ask those higher up, but it has been good getting to know other members of the team within loch Duart and getting the support.  

I think it is important to work and learn because that is how you grow as a person within the industry. Spending time and writing is how I have remembered more Information than I would if I had just done it at work with the team.

I have become far more knowledgeable and confident on site and working with those with years of experience, I feel like I can have a say in things more than before which is a nice feeling.  

I would absolutely recommend doing SVQ as it can lead into career progression and it is something you achieve personally. 

Hallie Shinnie works with Loch Duart Salmon

Apply for Aquaculture SCQF 5 (Work-based)

I want to start in 2025/26

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.