See also: first diploma in fish husbandry.

Options in: Aquatics and Ornamental Fish Management; and Fish Farming and Fishery Management


This is a programme of study completed over two years. The course consists of practical classes, classroom sessions, practical work on the College estate and elsewhere and a minimum of twelve weeks planned relevant work experience.

Course Content
The course covers a wide range of subjects over the two years. Two specialist options are offered in the second year.
Year 1
  • Fish science
  • Water quality
  • Estate skills
  • Fish health and welfare I
  • Industry experience I
  • Fish health and welfare II
  • Business management
  • Fish management and mechanisation
Year 2

Core

  • Industry experience II
  • Aquaculture systems
  • Business planning
Aquatics and Ornamental Fish Management
  • Ornamental fish production
  • Aquarium systems I
  • Aquarium systems II
  • Pond design, installation and management
  • Warm water and marine aquaculture
  • Aquatic plant biology and husbandry
Fish Farming and Fishery Management
  • Fishery creation and management I
  • Fishery creation and management II
  • Aquatic ecosystems
  • Freshwater and wetland management
  • Cyprinid farming I
  • Cyprinid farming II


Successful complettion of the course can lead to employment within a variety of areas within the fish and aquatics industry.

  • Independent and national aquatics businesses (retail and wholesale)
  • Environment Agency
  • Self employment in the aquatic field
  • Fishery management

The National Diploma has also proved to be an excellent stepping stone to university for such courses as marine and freshwater biology, zoology and aquaculture.


Admission is based upon the principles of open access and equal opportunity. Candidates must be a minimum age of 16 years before entry to the course. There is no upper age limit. Students should normally have achieved one of the following:
  • a merit in First Diploma
  • a merit on NVQ/GNVQ
  • passes in four GCSEs at Grades A, B or C
  • any other qualification or achievement deemed to be equivalent to any of the above
  • relevant industrial experience

In addition, candidates should display potential to benefit from the course. Above all the college is looking for a clear commitment to hard work and success. Candidates who have spent a period of time working in the industry are particularly likely to benefit from the course.