Admissions Questions
Do you accept deferred applications?
Yes, we accept deferred applications. These are submitted through UCAS. We are also very happy to consider applications after the main UCAS deadline, even right up to the start of the course providing we have spaces available. So please feel free to contact us at admission@sams.ac.uk
How many places are available and how many applicants are competing for them?
Our class sizes are small; this is one of our main attractions, usually our first year has 30-40 places with up to 100 applications per year for these.
Do you offer scholarships to international students and if so what type of scholarship?
SAMS is an academic partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) which offers some financial help for international students. For more information please click here.
SAMS UHI has a diverse community of staff and students with over 20 nationalities. For more information on being an international student at SAMS UHI please click here.
Finance and funding
What are the local opportunities for part-time work during term time?
As Oban is a tourist town there are often lots of opportunities for seasonal/part-time work. Many of our students work in restaurants, local tourist sites, Oban leisure centre or local shops. Although many students do take on part-time work, we always advise students to maintain a good balance between part-time work and their studies. For more information on the local area, please see here.
What bursaries, scholarships or fee waivers are there and how do you apply?
UHI has many bursaries available to all students for more information please see here.
Accommodation Questions
Download the SAMS Student Accomodation Pack 2021-22
Are all first-year students offered accommodation?
We try to offer as many accommodation opportunities to our new students as we can. Currently the accommodation available consists of self-catering residencies for up to 11 students in the single-storey Margaret Barnes Building (MBB) on-site at SAMS UHI just across the road from the Sheina Marshall Building where Undergraduate lectures are held. at SAMS UHI. Our accommodation pages will help to answer any questions you may have in advance.
SAMS is currently reviewing its accommodation offering and is in discussion with the local Housing Association to explore options for more student housing. Unfortunately, due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions, we cannot yet guarantee that any additional units will be available nor provide any further details at this time. We will of course update applicants if any more options do become available.
Where do students go on to live after second year?
Usually, students from second year onwards will leave our student accommodation and look for private accommodation either alone or with a fellow student. For further information on accommodation in the local area, SAMS maintains an online accommodation folder of private accommodation that is sent to us from local property owners. Alternatively, you can contact local letting agents.
When can I apply for accommodation in the MBB?
The current situation means all accommodation remains under review; we are unable to allocate any accommodation at this time. However normally applicants holding an offer are contacted in mid-May regarding accommodation options for the academic year.
Questions about the course
How will the course be assessed? (Exam based or continual assessment? Or a mixture?)
The course is assessed through a combination of examination and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment is designed to suit the subject area and mostly includes one or more of these options: lab reports, field course reports, essays, talks, poster presentations, research proposals, policy briefings etc. Students enjoy this variation of learning styles.
How many students will be on the course?
Our class sizes are small usually 30-40 in years one and two, reducing to smaller classes as students choose modules in later years. Overall, we have approximately 160 students on our campus. This is a mix of undergraduates and postgraduate students.
How is the course taught?
Students generally study full-time (40 hours per week between lectures, practical work, own study time and assignments) over four years but part-time options are available. More specific course information is available here
Further Study and the future
Are there options for a master’s degree?
Yes, we have options for further study at SAMS and we are always thinking about new developments for Postgraduate study. Please see our postgraduate study pages for more information.
What careers have recent graduates gone on to do?
Through the Marine Science BSc, programme students gain a wide range of knowledge and skills. They also learn about the many jobs and sectors that require or benefit from a marine science education. Graduates can pursue careers in disciplines including aquaculture, fisheries, marine conservation, marine energy, surveying, environmental management, biotechnology / pharmaceuticals, diving, education, research, educational and eco-tourism and science communication to name a few. Check out some of the career stories of graduates from our programmes here.
Other areas
What student support is available?
University can be a stressful time for everyone. You are away from home, in a new environment, balancing a workload and making new friends. Juggling this new life can be difficult for some of us, and SAMS UHI have strategies in place to help you cope with this. This can be everything from counselling and signposting services to personal academic tutors and student buddies. We have more specific information from SAMS and UHI.
What are your study resources like?
You are going to spend at least four years here and by the time coursework, deadlines and exams roll around you will want to find a place to study outside of the four walls of your room or flat.
We have several meeting rooms that students can use or book out. We have a large quiet study area, computer rooms and group working areas. We also have a research library which houses approximately 5,000 books and approximately 30,000 serial volumes of 1,300 serial titles. Student textbooks across the range of our teaching subjects can also be found here. Students also get the same access as SAMS research staff to a huge online journal resource.
Our research library incorporates a historical collection of expedition reports and rare books.
The library is available to SAMS staff, students, tenants, and visitors. SAMS members may use the facility as a reference library during working hours. For more information about our facilities click here.
How Are SAMS UHI responding to the Coronavirus pandemic?
Coronavirus has changed the way the world operates. This includes studying at university. For more information about safety, social distancing and how classes are being restructured while adhering to government guidelines see here.
You may find other answers on our course pages.
