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Frequently asked questions
Do you have an Open Day?
We hold a free online Q&A session every December. The event is perfect for those interested in applying to ACES-STAR to learn more about the course from programme leader Professor Elizabeth Cottier-Cook, ACES students and programme associates.
How do I find accommodation?
Partner universities have dedicated support services offering information that will make your search for accommodation a lot easier. We offer advice about how to find somewhere to live and how the private rented sector works. In most cases, you will probably share a flat or house with local or other Erasmus Mundus students.
- SAMS UHI, Oban, Scotland, UK
Students starting semester 1 in August generally rent accommodation in the private sector through a landlord or letting agent. Guidance on how to find accommodation in Oban is provided in pre-arrival virtual meetings with the programme co-ordinator. Oban is a small town and it may not always be easy to find accommodation in the area you want to live in but most flats or rooms will be located within a three-mile radius of our campus in Dunbeg. Based on student feedback, we advise finding accommodation no further than 3 miles from SAMS in Dunbeg. There is a regular bus service between Oban and Dunbeg operated by West Cast Motors.
- University of Crete, Greece
The International Relations Office (IRO) of the University of Crete will help you in finding accommodation during your second semester. Housing – including apartments – is reasonably priced but there is no student accommodation on the university campus. For assistance with finding accommodation, please contact Sofia Kyriakidi: kyriakidi@biology.uoc.gr. ACES-STAR students will also be given the opportunity to contact and speak to student representatives for advice on accommodation.
- Nantes University, France
The International Relations Office (IRO) has long experience of supporting incoming international students by providing university and private sector accommodation. ACES-STAR students, however, get allocated premium accommodation on the University Campus and far reduced rates compared with other options off-campus. Students need to be in Nantes on day one of the semester in order to complete their accommodation induction and they will be required to arrange their electricity provider. Please contact international.accueil@univ-nantes.fr
When does the ACES-STAR programme start?
Please see admissions timetable.
English is not my first language so do I need an English language qualification?
Please refer to UHI’s English language requirements page for full details approved qualifications and English language tests.
My degree was taught in English, do I still need an English Language Certificate?
Please visit the UK Government website for English language requirements for student visas.
Will I need to obtain a study visa?
Some students will require a standard visitor visa in order to attend the UK for up to six-months for study purposes. EMJM ACES-STAR students do not qualify for the UK student visa due to spending 12-months out of the country. You can apply for another Standard Visitor visa if you wish to choose to attend the UK for either your internship or dissertation project. To find out more about Standard Visitor visas please go to https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa
For your first semester we strongly recommend you apply for your visa in your country of origin/residence. There are limited opportunities for applying for your study visa at the UK border (in the case of non-visa nationals), but getting a visa via this route is NOT guaranteed and it may not allow you multiple entry status to the UK during the lifetime of the visa. When applying for your visa you should always check if the terms of your visa allow you to leave and re-enter the UK. Information and advice about applying for a Standard Visitor visa will be sent to you approx. 3 months before the start date of your first semester.
Please note the earliest you can apply is three months before you travel. A letter supporting your application for a visa will be sent once you have met all of the conditions of entry to the EMJM ACES-STAR. You will need to use this letter, along with other official documents, for your visa application. Please note a Standard Visitor visa does not allow you to undertake any form of employment, whether paid or unpaid, in the UK and you must show that you intend to leave at the end of the 6 month period of the visa. However, you can undertake volunteer opportunities with registered charities.
If you have any queries, please contact our Education Administrator at ACES@sams.ac.uk.
Please note that visa-related costs are not included in your tuition fees for the EMJMD ACES-STAR.
What is the process for applying for Greek and French visas?
Your first priority is sorting your visa for coming to Scotland (UK). For semester 2, you may need a Greek visa but conversations and advice on this will start in October during semester 1.
If you require a visa for France in semester 3, representatives from Nantes University travel to University of Crete to discuss this with you and start the process.
Do I need to take out insurance?
Medical and travel insurance will be provided for Erasmus Mundus full and partial scholarship students. You will be provided with details of the policy during the late summer prior to your enrolment on the course, along with information about how to use medical services in the various EMJM ACES-STAR partner countries.
Students in receipt of alternative scholarships/ bursaries or who are self-funding will need to purchase insurance before the start of the course. You have the option to join the contract we have with a company that provides insurance cover for Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders and details of the daily premium will be forwarded to you.
What costs are not included in the tuition fees?
All travels costs are not included in tuition fees. (Some field trips are funded by the programme). Students will need to meet the cost of study visas. Personal computers and textbooks are not included because the libraries of EMJM ACES-STAR universities have substantial textbook holdings, computers and electronic resources.
What flights and travel will I need to undertake during the programme?
The EMJM ACES-STAR programme will involve travel from the UK to mainland Europe, including Crete and France. Most flights within the European Union are reasonably priced if booked in advance.
What is the cost of living in various countries?
Living costs vary between the various university cities you will visit during the EMJM ACES-STAR course. Costs in the UK and France (Nantes) are generally higher compared to Crete. Universities have provided the following estimates as general guidance:
Oban, UK: Accommodation with utilities (i.e., electricity and/ or gas) costs approximately GBP £550 – 600 per month, meaning that overall monthly expenses, including food, daily fare for public transportation if living off campus and additional expenses, are probably GBP £1000 – £1200. For general living costs you can find useful information on how to budget on the International student calculator website.
Crete, Greece: The recommended monthly budget to live in Crete is approximately €650; including accommodation, food and additional expenses.
Nantes, France: The recommended monthly budget to live in Nantes is approximately €570 – 900. Please CLICK HERE for a more detailed breakdown of costs.
How high is the workload for EMJM ACES-STAR?
The EMJM ACES-STAR is a full-time course and students will be expected to engage in academic work for approximately 30-35 hours each week, which includes formal teaching, small group work sessions and independent study in the library and at home. The workload may vary each week, particularly when deadlines for assessments are looming. Please bear in mind, however, that the scheduling and level of formal teaching input provided to students vary between each university/institute.
Who else will I study with?
Approx. 25 students join the course each year. To give you an idea of the international nature of the EMJM ACES programme we have recruited students from 32 countries worldwide, including New Zealand, the USA, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Kenya, Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Ukraine, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Singapore, Israel, France, Germany and Greece – to name but a few countries!
Will I meet local students during my time on the EMJM ACES-STAR?
Certainly! Social events and occasional joint teaching events will allow you to meet local students studying on other courses. Crete and Nantes are involved in other Erasmus Mundus programmes, making it possible for you to link with other members of this community. You will be officially enrolled in all of the universities you attend so you can meet students through various clubs, leisure facilities and extracurricular activities. For example, at Nantes University there are several student associations; l’Association Autour du Monde ESN Nantes, association des etudiants internationaux.
While at SAMS UHI (Scotland) in particular, ACES-STAR students have the opportunity to integrate with undergraduate and postgraduate marine science students as well as world-class scientists.
How will I study?
The teaching activities are designed to promote active learning through discussion, analysis, role play, presentations, and problem-solving. Instead of focusing solely on lectures and seminars, you will also be involved in group based activities, case studies, role play and field trips to explore new areas and ideas. Beyond formal teaching and related activities, reading and research will also help you to gain more knowledge about the topics delivered as part of the course.
What types of assessment will be used?
Assessments are designed to be part of your learning and are not just a way of checking your knowledge. Both academic and practical skills will be developed through a wide range of methods such as presentations, reflective journals, case simulations, business plans, posters and case analyses. For further details, please look at the assessments listed for each module and student handbooks.
Is industry-based research included in the course?
Yes, most definitely. In Semester 2, you will undertake a 3-month internship based at an aquaculture company or farm in Greece and during Semester 4 you can undertake your research dissertation in collaboration with one of over 60 of our affiliated partners. This is a key feature of the EMJM ACES-STAR as we believe this has a crucial role in developing entrepreneurial skills and providing networking opportunities. You will also engage in aquarium-based practical’s and field work throughout the semesters, where you will have the opportunity to extend and apply your academic learning.
What degree will I receive at the end of the programme?
If you successfully complete the EMJM ACES-STAR you will receive a Joint Master Degree from the University of the Highlands and Islands and the University of Crete, and a Single Degree from Nantes University in line with national legislation. Degree certificates are internationally recognised and have the same status as those received by students on single degree programmes. This situation arises because higher education in the European Union is regulated at national rather than international level. In addition, you will receive a diploma supplement that explains the joint nature of the programme and why you have received two degrees. We recommend that you explain to employers and universities that you graduated from an international Master degree that awards joint and multiple degrees.
Certificates will be sent out towards the end of the calendar year.
Are there opportunities to meet local businesses/ managers?
One of the aims of the EMJM ACES-STAR is to build an international community of managers in the aquaculture industry and at government level. This means bringing you into contact with local businesses and organisations through networking events, guest lectures, field trips and internships. We will try to match your area of interest or expertise with local businesses, networks, contacts and colleagues in the aquaculture industry.
Can I choose where I spend Semester 4?
In carrying out their research dissertation, students will be allocated a lead supervisor at one of the three core EMJM ACES-STAR universities (SAMS UHI, University of Crete or Nantes University). You will be asked what your preferred interests, location and knowledge of languages are but the final basis for matching you to a particular university or institute will be the availability of supervision, facilities and fieldwork opportunities. All students will have two supervisors, one from the EMJM ACES-STAR teaching team and another from associate partner. Supervisory arrangements and marking procedures will be alike for all students across the partner universities. Semester 4 finishes with a student conference to showcase the research carried out and a ‘goodbye event’ that brings all students back together.
How can I prepare for the course?
Pre-arrival meetings are arranged with successful candidates to help them prepare for semester one and arriving at SAMS UHI in Scotland.
Can I get in touch with other EMJM ACES-STAR students before the course starts?
Our Facebook account provides a good introduction to other students and opportunity to exchange information about, for example, finding accommodation and travel to Oban. In addition, many countries have an Erasmus Mundus alumni association whose representatives can offer advice and suggestions to help you prepare for the start of your studies and the travel that will be involved over the 2 years course. For more information, click here: Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association
Do I need to sign a contract to enroll on the EMJM ACES-STAR course?
Every EMJM ACES-STAR student must sign a Student Agreement before the start of the course. This agreement sets out your rights and entitlements as well as your responsibilities as an EMJM ACES-STAR student. You will be sent a Student Agreement during the summer prior to the first semester and we will ask that you sign this agreement and email a signed copy back to us. A copy of the agreement bearing your signature and that of the programme leader will be available for you when you start the first semester of the course. Please email ACES@sams.ac.uk if you have any queries about the Student Agreement.
Do I have to attend the second-year Student Conference?
Yes – this is compulsory. The Student Conference is where you defend your thesis. The oral presentation is worth 25% of your dissertation mark.
Following the conference there will be a celebration from the host university which is shared between SAMS UHI, University of Crete, Nantes University and Radboud University. During your induction week it will be confirmed where the student conference will be held to give you time to save for travel and any additional visa costs if required.
FAQs specific to Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Holders:
How will my Erasmus Mundus scholarship be paid?
For students receiving an Erasmus Mundus scholarship the participation costs (tuition fees) will be transferred automatically to the EMJM ACES-STAR consortium.
Scholarship payments of €1400 will be paid (in Euros) to the scholarship holders within six weeks of arrival at SAMS for Semester 1 (or otherwise agreed) and within the second week of each month for the remaining 22 months of the EMJM by the Coordinating Institution directly into your bank account.
Students will be required to have or set up an EU bank account. Previous students have successfully been able to use Wise* and Monzo*. Students starting the programme in September will need to bring sufficient funds to live in the UK for up to six weeks until their bank account is established.
*This is not a recommendation from SAMS UHI. Please research other options as well.