Why study at SAMS?
There are many reasons to study at SAMS! With its stunning scenery and exhilarating outdoor lifestyle, the west coast is a great place to live. We have small class sizes so you get to know your lecturers and fellow students really well, and gain much training to develop all the skills you may need in professional employment. Studying at an institute at the cutting edge of research provides students with unique access to the latest technology and facilities, and unrivalled opportunities for fieldwork and networking.
This course is hosted by the Scottish Association for Marine Science which was founded in 1884 and is the oldest oceanographic organisation in Scotland. It is currently the only provider in Scotland to offer a multidisciplinary marine science degree course.
SAMS is a well-respected independent marine research organisation and is a Collaborative Centre of the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council. Our researchers collaborate with thousands of colleagues from around the globe, and students will have the opportunity to meet some of our international colleagues when they visit SAMS and present seminars to students and staff.
Students on the BSc (Hons) Marine Science course are uniquely privileged both by being part of a bustling research institute and by being taught in small groups. SAMS accepts a maximum of 15 students each year. This gives students unparalleled access to staff, equipment and facilities - including the SAMS research vessels Calanus and Seol Mara and the SAMS library. The teaching on this course has been commended by the UK's Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
SAMS is located at the west coast of Scotland, 3 miles outside the coastal town of Oban, giving students and staff access to a fascinating environment with spectacular and diverse marine habitats. Oban is also a very safe town to live in with a high quality of life. The area around Oban is a popular tourist destination with stunning scenery and opportunites for a range of outdoor activities. You can read more about the area on the page called Around Oban and Accommodation.
Click on projects to see the research currently underway at SAMS.
