22 University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) reviews

The placement in South Uist was a very valuable experience for me as it showed me how a normal dental practice works. We were also encouraged to apply for Vocational Training and given help with our CVs. I was fortunate to gain a VT place after qualifying which made the process of going into the real working world much easier.

To be honest, I have a short attention span so sometimes would zone out during lectures delivered over video conference but I can zone out even with someone in the room talking to me. It's a full on course with full time hours but it needs to be so there's no getting around that.

24

It was such a small college in Stornoway that we didn't go to much and didn't feel like we'd have much in common with other students being older and not from the island.

The facilities in the dental centre are undoubtedly the best in Scotland. Having visited other campuses or postgraduate course days since qualifying I feel grateful that we always had the best equipment and that it was all new. The 3D imaging suite in Stornoway was one of only 3 in Scotland at the time, the only one to be used for Dental Therapy students. We also had no issue getting patients in the door which I am aware is a massive issue at other universities.

I am so glad I did my degree in Stornoway as it gave me so much more experience than anywhere else but let's not pretend, it's not a typical student place. Plenty of pubs but no regular student nights to blow your student loan. Probably a plus as flights off the island are very expensive. The gym and pool in town were very good though and it was great visiting big deserted sandy beaches on nice days.

We were made aware that there was money available from the uni to set up clubs or societies but we were too busy to give it much thought.

Very good. We had 1 tutor to every 2 students, no where else in the UK or probably the world can say that. We didn't need any proper counselling but there was a UHI tutor from outwith our course who was out designated counselor. The course is tough but we were always encouraged that hard work would pay off.

not applicable

Most of the lecturers gave really bad feedback, and then would not give better feedback when asked. They got defensive, lied, and obstructed any chance of getting feedback

1

The student union officer supported me in my long and onourous fight against the really poor teaching and feedback provided on my course

n/a

n/a

Really, really bad. I can't stress enough how appalling the support was. I went through the entire appeals process and ended up getting reported by staff for actually saying that the staff were not replying to their emails to me. (They were not). The university broke its own rules in its investagative process. I cannot stress how bad this univerisity is

None whatsoever! They made the student experience so woeful that they have deterred me from my original goal. There is not an honest voice amongst them. They expect students to inform their “course directors” regarding what is required for their course despite the course director advising completely differently. Despite being open and honest with them, they used my personal situation to excuse their lack of knowledge and competence! Thanks to putting my faith in the disgusting “human beings” that run this establishment I have lost every of any materialistic value!! Do not attend here!!! And yes I have physical proof of not only their negligence but their audacity to put the blame on me.

It’s ran and organised by people who cannot stand by their own word. They are compulsive liars who do the bare minimum required to earn their pay check and are quick to have their excuses in place. Horrendous experience and stuck up expletives whom place absolutely no value on themselves as individuals so not too sure what they’re expecting their students to learn other than their bad habits.

12

Never given any information about it.

Exceedingly poor! The building is in disrepair and it’s still more visually appealing than the staff.

Depends what you make of it?! UHI done absolutely nothing to get involved with the community, that would mean effort on their part.

There weren’t any.

They claim one thing and act in complete contradiction. Numerous times waiting for months, despite chasing up feedback. Countless times member of staff would say “we’ll just cut corners” and as previously said lack the ability to accept responsibility for their actions, their values and standards are completely false and misguided. Honestly attending UHI ruined my life and cannot emphasise strongly enough how much I would not advise people to enroll with them. I actually have correspondence from the deputy head admitting their would be more benefit to enrolling with open university.

SAMS makes so much effort to make sure the work you do is relevent to the real science world. You work with researchers using actual equipment and they are on hand to suggest any oppurtunities to improve skills

Its a very small centre so your lecturers (who are all researchers too, working in the building next door) know you by name, know your interests/history/struggles. Its personal unlike most other unis

We have a dive room, the cafe and library are great. Obviously its smaller than most unis but... it has a beach so what more can you ask for!?

This is not the uni to choose if you want to go clubbing every night, however theres so much else to do. Also there are good pubs with live music most weekends, and if youre happy to just go out with your mates to some disco lights and cheesy music

Lots going on and still improving. Sailing club, climbing, kayaking and more

As mentioned its a tiny uni, so any support is really personal and theres so many different people you can turn to and get genuine advice. Theres official support staff who are great but if youre close enough to lectuters that if theres anyone you feel more comfortable talking to theres plenty.

In the beginning of first year we had a skills workshop once a week to get the whole year up to the same standards. Students regularly have the opportunity to work with or speak to scientists in the main lab which can provide you with advice or information that can be very useful in your future. Everyone is always willing to chat about what they are up to in the labs and this can make strong connections for students once the degree has been completed.

The classes are very small which can sometimes be the best and worst thing about the teaching! Small classes mean it is a very interactive course and lecturers and students form close working relationships. The downfall of smaller classes is that if your attention is somewhere else one day, it is very obvious.

20

I am personally not involved as I do a lot of working and travelling outside of university time, but SAMS offers loads of different student clubs. Many are water related (Sailing, diving, Octopush - hocky in a swimming pool), but there are also nights for basketball or football every week as well. At the end of term there is a gathering at uni organised by the students that is always enjoyed

Fantastic. The boats and equipment are used with the main lab (I think) and are less than a five minute walk away, with a fantastic surrounding coast for learning about Marine Science. With practical work being quite big, there are several state of the art labs and a beach on the front porch!

There are lots of pubs with a couple of places good for a dance. Drink prices are reasonable and I always have a good time out. The town is full of little cafes which are great if your parents come for a visit!

There is a club for everyone! Ran by students. If you want to start a club that's not already there its quite straightforward (apparently, I havent) and staff will give you a push in the right direction if you need help

Personal support is fantastic, staff are always happy to help and really care about making sure their students are okay. With around 100 students on campus everyone gets to know eachother really well and care for one another. Some times it can be hard to get feedback after a report/essay has been handed in, but support before the hand in is always adequate.

I have just completed the NC in Jewellery at UHI Lews Castle College Campus, and it was absolutely brilliant I only intended to do this year long course but have enjoyed it so much that I have enrolled for the HNC next year. The teaching is absolutely superb. The workshop is very well equipped, and the college (set among the trees in Stornoway's castle grounds) is a wonderful environment to do this creative course. I have learned skills and achieved more than I could have imagined to be possible this year. I highly recommend Lews Castle College's Jewellery courses to anyone who is considering a career as a Jeweller / Silversmith.

21

The university has a good canteen, library and resource centre. Plenty of parking, and set in beautiful castle grounds with views over Stornoway harbour.

Stornoway is a lovely little town with plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and a great arts centre with cinema. There are scores of beautiful beaches and amazing places to visit all around the island.

This is a very supportive university in all respects, in my experience.

UHI send an email weekly with a list of the jobs available. Being part of a research institute (Scottish Association for Marine Science) also help to make contacts and build a network. The staff and lecturers are also really present helping to make the best choices and best moves during the degree to increase your chance to find the type of job made for you. Everyone find what they need.

The start of the degree can be described as too broad by some students. Some of the modules are not necessary meeting the curiosity of some person, but pushing it through is worth it as later you realise that every aspects are needed to understand the global picture. Lot of student changed their mind by starting the degree with the idea to study shark ecology and finally realised that mapping the sea bed is what they like most. When you know nothing, the plans made are never the final ones. The lectures at SAMS UHI are really well organised with a good part supported by teaching but an important part by self-studying, engaging the students in their own research and being autonomous. Here you are never alone, there is always someone to support you.

50

The student union is really present. The fact that the number of student is not big, not a lot of us are involved but the few students participating to HISA meeting are doing a great job to keep us informed, ask us when we need to promote something or need help, push to built projects... Student life is fun!

The University building is a beautiful place, modern and warm, with lot of separate room for the different use. I had many visitors here and all told me they are quite jealous. Balcony, cafeteria, library, labs, computer, beach... The only missing thing would be an opening time of 24h/7d, but in that case I would never go home so it is maybe not that bad.

The city life in Oban is great (note that if you like big cities, pollution, aggressive people, advertisement pressure... it is not for you). Oban is a small town with a really strong community life. Many pubs with a view on the islands, the best seafood and the nature 5 minutes away. My point of view: it is a paradise!

UHI SAMS is lead by student, many societies have been build and evolved year to year. You like sailing? Climbing? Diving? Gardening? and more? Then you will not be disappointed! You feel like you need your own society because I enjoy sawing? Just create it, everyone here will help you and get you funding!

UHI SAMS is a family, support and feedback is something natural for which you don't have to wait weeks compare to other universities. You can talk freely, if something is wrong someone will tell you, if you need help someone will help you, if you don't understand something someone will come and sit and explain it to you. Studying is not stress free of course but the different support you receive make definitely the difference.

16

SAMS was a fantastic place to study. I previously studied elsewhere but the support, work experience and breadth of knowledge I received at SAMS was incomparably better. I’m now working on the marine sector and felt very well equipped to do so upon graduating.

Most - the lecturers and support staff are very driven and invested in ensuring the students do well, going above and beyond what is expected of them. Least - The location was ideal for the course and ideal for me. However, I can understand why not attending a city university is a compromise for some students. Not for me though!

20

I was not involved with the student union. It was certainly promoted whilst I was at SAMS but I simply did not pursue it.

Excellent. The Shiena Marshall building is second to none.

This question is not really relevant. The types of student attracted to SAMS are often outdoorsy types (due to the nature of the course)so the location couldn’t be better.

I didn’t engage much with clubs and societies despite there being ample opportunity to do so.

Fantastic. I experienced some personal difficulties whilst at SAMS and was thoroughly supported through my studies. The academic support is also great with lecturers having an open door policy for help. They were all so approachable

Through the uni campus being integrated with an established marine science institute, we were given many opportunities to work alongside world class researchers, preparing us for and giving us experience of work in this field.

My favourite aspect of the course was the hands-on fieldwork

20

Didn't get too involved

Very well equipped, even with its own research vessel.

Oban is a small town but has some hidden gems