Study marine science at SAMS - the ocean needs YOU!
> UHI 1st in Scotland and 3rd in UK for earth and marine sciences - Guardian University Guide 2022, 2023
> 100% overall course satisfaction score- National Student Survey (NSS) 2020, 2021, 2022
> Diverse and highly relevant modules delivered by active world class researchers
> Small class sizes, easy access to lecturers, high fieldwork and practical content
> Stunning marine location with access to diverse coastal habitats and outdoor lifestyle opportunities
> Excellent study and research facilities
> Opportunities to transfer to Arctic Studies and Oceanography & Robotics in third year.
Course code: F710
Students on this four-year course in marine science develop a rounded understanding of the marine system. The programme integrates the biology, chemistry, physics and geology of the marine environment from Scottish lochs to the deep sea and from polar seas to the tropics.
Besides knowledge students gain expert numerical, technical, analytical, field sampling, time management and communication skills that make them critical thinkers and highly employable.
The course is administered and awarded by UHI and is delivered face-to-face at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). SAMS is Scotland's premier independent marine research institution and the degree curriculum strongly reflects the research strengths of our scientists.
Our campus is right on the beach of a stunning peninsula on the iconic and diverse west coast of Scotland. Next door is a 13th century castle on one side and the European Marine Science Park with various companies on the other. It's a great place to learn about the sea, live the outdoor lifestyle and build professional connections and friendships within the marine science community.
SAMS has approximately 150 staff and a similar number of students enroled on BSc, Master and PhD programmes.
This amazing student to staff ratio gives our students an unmatched opportunity to learn from and with a team of highly research active and globally connected researchers. It also allows students great access to the latest research equipment and provides them with many opportunities for additional experience and networking. Check out information on our bursaries...
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.
We encourage students to spread their wings while studying with us - spending exchange semesters away and gaining valuable experience in marine science during their holidays for example. Read the blog about an exchange experience in the Netherlands 'Kilts meet Clogs'...
Founded in 1884 by Sir John Murray, the father of oceanography, SAMS is among the oldest marine science organisations in the world.
Each year, students study six 20 credit (10 ECTS) modules, usually three per semester.
Most modules are assessed through a combination of examination and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment is designed to suit the subject area and mostly includes one or several of these: lab reports, field course reports, essays, talks, poster presentations, research proposals, policy briefings etc
Named qualifications are available to students leaving after any year of successful study.
In the first year the new students develop solid foundations in the core sciences and develop the key skills they need in the laboratory, in the field, and for communicating their work. All six first year modules are mandatory.
- >Fundamentals of Marine Biology (Semester 1)
- >Fundamentals of Marine Chemistry (Semester 1)
- >Fundamentals of Marine Geology (Semester 1)
- >Fundamentals of Marine Physics (Semester 2)
- >Introduction to Maths and Data Science (Semester 2)
- >Marine Field Course (Semester 2)
If a student chooses to leave after passing the first year, they will be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Fundamentals of Marine Science.
In the second year students deepen their knowlege of the core sciences and continue developing analytical skills. Students study five mandatory modules and may chose one optional subject.
Mandatory modules
- >Chemical Oceanography (Semester 1)
- >Statistics and Experimental Design (Semester 1)
- >Marine Geology (Semester 1)
- >Physical Oceanography (Semester 2)
- >Marine Biology (Semester 2)
Optional modules (choose one - Semester 2)
- >Advanced Maths and Programming
- >Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- >Marine Resources
If a student chooses to leave after successfully completing the second year, they will be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Foundations of Marine Science.
Mandatory modules
- >Literature review (either semester)
Optional modules (choose five)
- >Marine Pollution (Semester 1)
- >Marine Zoology (Semester 1)
- >Marine Microbial Ecology (Semester 1)
- >Marine Instrumentation and Data (Semester 1)
- >Marine Conservation (Semester 2)
- >Marine Biogeochemical Cycling (Semester 2)
- >Marine Robotics (Semester 2)
- >Marine Biotechnology (Semester 2)
- >Ocean Circulation and Climate (Semester 2)
A student who chooses to leave the programme after three years of successful study will be awarded an (ungraded) BSc Marine Science.
Mandatory modules
- >Dissertation (double module - running over both semesters)
Optional modules (choose four)
- >Aquaculture (Semester 1)
- >Behaviour and Biological Clocks (Semester 1)
- >Coastal Shelf Sea Dynamics (Semester 1)
- >Fisheries Ecology (Semester 1)
- >Defining the Carbon Cycle (Semester 1)
- >Marine Environmental Impact Assessment (Semester 1)
- >Deep Sea Ecosystems (Semester 2)
- >Marine Modelling (Semester 2)
- >Polar Seas (Semester 2)
After successful completion of all four years students are awarded the qualification of BSc (Hons) Marine Science. This qualification is graded as first class (70%+), second class (upper) (60-69%), second class (lower) (50-59%) and third class (40-49%).
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.
- >Aquaculture
- >Fisheries
- >Marine conservation
- >Environmental consultancy
- >Environmental management eg in government agencies
- >Eco-tourism
- >Education
- >Research
- >Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry
- >Marine energy (oil & gas, nuclear, renewables, biofuels)
- >Science / environment journalism
- >Surveying
- >Diving
- >Marine technology
Throughout their four-years at SAMS each students has a personal academic tutor. This is a member of the teaching staff who help the student with their academic development, define their career direction and plan how to prepare for the professional future they aspire to.
Not sure which career to follow? Career exploration tools
The ultimate guide to passing any interview
Read up about some of the careers previous graduates from this programme are pursuing now...
Students must have
- >English and Maths to at least GCSE /Intermediate2/S Grade/ National 5
AND
- >Scottish Higher: BBB or above (at least 2 from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Maths) OR
- >A Level: BCC or above (at least 2 from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Maths) OR
- >International Baccalaureate: 28 pts OR
- >Relevant Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP): BBB
You don't have these qualifications?
Students with other qualifications, especially international, should contact us to discuss the specifics.
Applicants without traditional entry qualifications are welcome if they can provide evidence of required knowledge and competence.
How to apply - for UK and EU applicants
You must apply via UCAS using the following codes
- >Marine Science BSc course code: F710
- >Institution code (UHI): H49
UCAS applications have strict deadlines, usually you must apply by mid-January if you want to start studying with us in September.
How to apply - international applicants
International applicants must apply using the UHI international application form. Please visit the international student part of this website for language and visa requirments etc. Please get in touch with us if you are a prospective international candidate - we are friendly and here to help!
Course fees
The course fees for this programme vary for a) Scottish and EU (outside UK) students, b) UK students from outside Scotland, and c) international students who do not reside in the UK or EU. Please visit the University of the Highlands and Islands website for current fees - click here.
Living expenses
How much a student needs to live on depends on their personal needs and chosen lifestyle. Below is an idea of monthly living expenses of a typical student:
| Rent in shared accommodation or small flat | £200-£400 |
| Bills for electricity, gas, water | £30-£100 |
| TV and internet | £15-£30 |
| Food and household items | £130-£200 |
| Travel to SAMS from Oban by bus | £45 |
| Study supplies | £20-£50 |
| Mobile phone | £15-£40 |
| Insurance | £5 |
| Other (hairdresser, gifts, dentist etc) | £40 |
| Leisure | £100-£140 |
| TOTAL | £600-£1,050 per month |
Other costs to consider
Council Tax: Students can apply for exemption from Council Tax, which is otherwise added to the cost and varies with type of property
Deposit: You are very likely to have to pay a deposit for accommodation that will be repaid if you cause no damage but you need to budget this in
Medical expenses: We have excluded these here as they vary from person to person (eg glasses, prescriptions, treatments)
Loan repayments: These too are excluded but if you need to make any you must of course include them in your personalised budget
Car: If you choose to run a car, your monthly expenditure will go up significantly (road tax, insurance, petrol, maintenance, MOT)
Clothing: Depending on personal choices and needs
Home travel: This too is excluded in the above table as these costs vary individually
Visas: International students may have to pay a fee for their visa to enter the UK
Student hostel accommodation: This currently costs IRO £500 p.c.m. including all bills and internet costs (not payable over the summer)
Funding support
Various funding opportunities are available, depending on where you come from and your personal circumstances. Click here for more...
Some students have been lucky to obtain sponsorship eg from the Society for Underwater Technology.
Support for home students
Most British students are eligible to apply for a loan to cover tuition fees and may addionally qualify for a loan or bursary to contribute to paying living costs.
Scottish students and those who have resided in Scotland for at least three years should apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland as soon as they receive a conditional (or unconditional) university place.
Students from other parts of the UK (or who have resided legally in other parts of the UK for the past three years at least) should apply via UK.gov (for England), Student Finance Wales or Student Finance NI respectively.
For further information on student loans, interest rates and repayment: www.studentloanrepayment.co.uk/
Support for EU students
EU students are currently eligible to apply for a loan to cover tuition fees only from the Student Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS). For further information please see students living in the European Union.
For autumn 2020 entry, the Scottish Government extends existing arrangements for the duration of a student's study programme. This means that EU students starting in the autumn of 2020 as first year marine science undergraduate students at SAMS UHI will NOT have to pay tuition fees for the four years of the BSc honours programme.
There is no substantial information available yet regarding the changes Brexit might make for EU citizens who are - or are wanting to - study in Scotland.
Support for international students
There is no centralised support agency to help international students but several countries offer bursaries to their nationals to study abroad, and there are support arrangement for specific programmes targeted at international students. Our Aquaculture, Environment and Society MSc course for example provides full studentships to international students. More information for international students...
Details of the next Open Day coming soon....
About our Open Days
Our in-person Open Days usually take place in October and November and Applicant's Day usually in March. They give prospective students the chance to tour the teaching facilities and meet staff and students at UHI's spectacular marine science campus at SAMS, Oban.
Open Days are ideal for those considering applying to our BSc (Hons) Marine Science programme and Applicant's Day is invite only for offer-holding applicants.
Our Open Days are a great opportunity to see what the #UniversityOnTheBeach is all about. Visitors can check out our teaching labs, lecture rooms, canteen, our seaview balcony and more. Learn from your tour guide what joining our programme could mean for your future and the future of our oceans. The tours are lead by members of staff and a couple of students will be on hand to answer questions and chat to you about studying marine science here at SAMS, a partner of UHI.
Open Days are usually pre-booking only. Any questions about tour Open Days can be sent to bsc@sams.ac.uk.
Access: SAMS is fully accessible and wheelchair friendly with ground floor entrances, lifts from ground floor and disabled toilets. If you have specific access requirements that you would like to discuss with us beforehand please send an email to bsc@sams.ac.uk or call 01631 559000.
Make a day or a weekend of it!
SAMS' Ocean Explorer Centre (on-site) is open Mon-Fri, 10am to 4pm where you can find out more about SAMS' mission to work for healthy oceans and the vital marine science research work we do. Visit our neighbouring Dunstaffnage Castle and find a hidden ruin chapel in the woods. Take a walk around the Dunstaffnage headland and discover stunning pebble beach coves and see what marine life you can find on our rocky shores. Or, weather depending!, head to the beach! SAMS is well known as the #UniversityOnTheBeach due to its beachside location.
SAMS is one of the top places in the world to study marine science. We celebrated a 100% student satisfaction score in the 2020, 21 and 22 National Student Survey. UHI was also 1st in Scotland for earth and marine sciences subjects in the #GuardianUniversityGuide 2022 and 2023.
Useful Links:
SAMS UHI STUDENT BLOG - read about student experiences of studying at SAMS and of student life in Oban, career opportunities in marine science, alumni stories and more.
www.sams.ac.uk/study Explore our website for study opportunities from BSc to PhD
Want to speak to us directly?
Contact: Polly Crooks, SAMS UHI Student Services and Course Advice
Email: admissions@sams.ac.uk | Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm
Other useful links:
SAMS Ocean Leader Scholarship - BSc (Hons) Marine Science
Introduction
Our oceans are the most important component of Earth’s life support system. It provides us with oxygen, stabilises the climate and provides a myriad of wonders from the edge of the sandy beach to the deepest depths of the ocean. Yet our oceans are facing numerous challenges from climate change, pollution, ocean acidification and overexploitation. SAMS is committed to securing a healthy future for our seas and oceans, where generations to come can both experience and benefit from the wonders of the ocean. Through our education programmes we are training the next generation of marine scientists. Through the Ocean Leader Scholarship programme SAMS is supporting three entrance undergraduate students who share our vision for our future oceans. Tell us what your future career aspirations are and how you think you can make a difference to the wonder that is our blue planet!
Awards
There will be 3 awards of £1,500 made to those commencing study in August/Sept 2023.
Deadline
10th August 2023
Academic Year: 2023/24
Amount : £1,500 for each student
Eligibility
Open to all UK and International students
Must be holding an offer to study on the Marine Science degree programme (and then must accept the offer and progress to full enrolment on the programme)
Be able to provide detail on academic achievement, financial situation and future career prospects
For more enquiries or application form please contact: bsc@sams.ac.uk
Please note: Successful applicants will be expected to take part in promotional activities surrounding the scholarship – for example it is anticipated there will be a news story when awarding the first instalment of the scholarship