Scottish Association for Marine Science UHI Degree Verification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides Scottish Association for Marine Science UHI degree verification and apostille services for graduates using their qualifications overseas.

Our service can include:

• direct UHI degree verification;
• historic awarding-body checks;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• FCDO paper apostille or e-Apostille;
• a 2-working-day express apostille option; and
• embassy legalisation where required.

The Scottish Association for Marine Science, commonly known as SAMS, is a founding academic partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands. Current undergraduate Marine Science programmes are administered and awarded by UHI but delivered at SAMS in Oban.

Who verifies a SAMS UHI degree?

SAMS UHI qualifications cannot currently be verified online through HEDD.

Instead, an employer, solicitor or other authorised third party must contact the University of the Highlands and Islands directly. The request should normally be submitted on professional headed paper and include the graduate’s consent.

UHI verification may confirm:

• whether the candidate studied at the institution;
• the qualification awarded;
• the grade or classification; and
• attendance dates.

Current contact: SRO@uhi.ac.uk

Check the awarding body

The correct verifier depends on the award date and the institution printed on the certificate.

UHI received taught degree-awarding powers in 2008. However, older SAMS programmes may have been validated or awarded by:

• The Open University;
• the University of Aberdeen;
• the University of Strathclyde;
• UHI Millennium Institute; or
• another awarding organisation.

For example, The Open University Validation Service accredited an undergraduate marine science programme in 1998 before UHI awarded its own taught degrees.

Therefore, we review the certificate before selecting the verification and replacement-document route.

Candidate consent

A third-party request requires the graduate’s permission.

The consent should normally include:

• the graduate’s full name;
• any former name;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• course and qualification;
• attendance dates;
• the authorised organisation;
• the information that may be released;
• the graduate’s signature; and
• the date.

UHI should confirm any additional consent requirements before submission.

Information required

We normally request:

• the front and back of the certificate;
• any available transcript;
• the graduate’s passport;
• full name used during study;
• any former name;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• course and qualification titles;
• award year and classification;
• attendance dates;
• signed consent; and
• the intended country of use.

Exact information helps UHI identify the correct historic or current record.

Transcripts and replacement certificates

UHI provides additional transcripts for eligible undergraduate and taught postgraduate degrees.

A standard paper transcript currently costs £5, while an electronic copy can be produced without charge. Applicants should normally allow at least seven working days.

UHI retains detailed module-achievement information for up to ten years after a student leaves. It may still confirm an older final award even where it cannot issue a complete module transcript.

An eligible replacement UHI certificate currently costs £35, plus overseas postage where applicable. Applicants must request the form from the Student Records Office.

Where another university awarded the original qualification, that university may control the replacement-certificate process.

Enhanced solicitor certification

A basic certified true copy confirms that the copy matches the original document shown to the solicitor.

Enhanced solicitor certification can also use independent academic evidence. Depending on the case, our solicitor may:

1. identify the correct awarding institution;
2. obtain UHI or awarding-body verification;
3. review the original certificate;
4. compare an official transcript or award letter;
5. check the graduate’s identity and former names; and
6. certify the document using wording supported by the evidence.

We only confirm authenticity where reliable verification supports that conclusion.

FCDO apostille

After verification and solicitor certification, an eligible document can normally proceed to the FCDO for an apostille.

The usual route is:

academic verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It does not independently verify the academic record.

Ginkgo Advisory offers a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible documents.

However, this period covers the FCDO stage only. It does not include:

• UHI or awarding-body verification;
• transcript or certificate production;
• solicitor enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• delivery.

Embassy legalisation

Some destinations require embassy or consular legalisation after the FCDO stage.

The receiving authority may request:

• the original certificate;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• direct academic verification;
• an official transcript;
• an award-confirmation letter;
• a certified translation; or
• specific certification wording.

Therefore, we check the destination requirements before preparing the documents.

Our process

1. Review the certificate and identify the awarding body.
2. Obtain the graduate’s signed consent.
3. Request verification from UHI or the correct institution.
4. Compare the result with the certificate and identification.
5. Complete enhanced solicitor certification where supported.
6. Arrange the FCDO apostille.
7. Complete embassy legalisation where required.
8. Return the completed documents.

Frequently asked questions

Can I verify a SAMS UHI degree through HEDD?

No. HEDD directs third parties to contact the University of the Highlands and Islands directly.

Is SAMS part of UHI?

Yes. SAMS is a founding academic partner of UHI and delivers UHI marine science programmes in Oban.

Who awards current SAMS undergraduate degrees?

Current Marine Science undergraduate programmes are administered and awarded by UHI.

Who verifies an older qualification?

The certificate may name UHI, The Open University, Aberdeen, Strathclyde or another awarding organisation. The named awarding body usually determines the correct route.

Can I obtain a transcript?

Yes, for an eligible UHI degree. A standard paper transcript currently costs £5.

Can I obtain a replacement certificate?

Possibly. An eligible replacement UHI certificate currently costs £35, excluding any overseas postal charge.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No. It authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. Academic verification remains a separate stage.

Can Ginkgo Advisory arrange a 2-working-day apostille?

Yes, once academic verification and solicitor certification are complete and the document is ready for FCDO submission.

Contact Ginkgo Advisory

To request a quote, please send:

• the front and back of the certificate;
• any available transcript;
• the award year;
• the intended country of use; and
• the receiving authority’s instructions.