Undergraduate: BSc (Hons) Laboratory Scientist Laboratory Scientist
Introduction
Develop the specialist knowledge and skills to confidently identify solutions to problems, propose innovative scientific ideas and add scientific value to your organisation's processes with our Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship. Study for an honours degree in laboratory science while you work, with no tuition fees.
Course highlights
- Study while you work, with no tuition fees
- Work-based approach allows you to deliver impact in the workplace as you learn
- Select optional modules to further focus your specialism on either enhanced laboratory practices or bioinformatics.
Our Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship is ideal if you're passionate about using your scientific understanding to help solve problems and propose innovative scientific questions. You’ll develop the specialist laboratory skills to conduct detailed experiments or investigations to answer questions and add real value to your organisation. The apprenticeship will give you the support, experience, skills and knowledge to be a confident, ethical laboratory scientist and lay the foundations for an exciting career path.
A laboratory scientist applies their specialist knowledge and broad scientific understanding to carry out a range of technical and scientific activities in their specialist discipline. You will analyse, interpret and evaluate relevant scientific information, concepts and ideas to develop experiments or investigations to propose solutions to problems. You will also use your developing knowledge, skills and understanding to identify areas of business improvement within your workplace and propose innovative scientific ideas.
This course will provide you with both practical and theoretical skills along with a work-based understanding of the contemporary issues in the field. As well as acquiring a range of key laboratory skills you will also develop your problem solving, analytical, teamwork and communication skills.
After the first year you will have the opportunity to select some of the modules you study. This means you can tailor your studies towards applied bioscience or analytical chemistry, depending on the area of most interest to you, or the area most aligned to your career goals.
Our course has been developed using the Government-approved Laboratory Scientist trailblazer standards. This means that the course incorporates all the knowledge, skills and behaviours as defined by employers representative of the sector.
Key facts
An apprenticeship is a job with training, combining practical experience with academic learning.
At least 20% of your contracted working hours will be classed as 'off-the-job'. This time will be dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship, and therefore are not part of your usual work duties.
The off-the-job learning is gained through university-led learning sessions and activities, and practical learning experiences in your usual work setting.
The off-the-job learning for our Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship is delivered on either a day release basis or online with short residentials. All face-to-face delivery will be on our Cambridge campus.
Assessment
You will be assessed at the end of each module you undertake (on-programme assessments) which will contribute towards the final award of your qualification.
You will also undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete your apprenticeship when all on-programme assessments have been successfully passed.
The EPA for this apprenticeship is independently assessed and takes place when all on-programme assessments have been successfully passed.
Kerry
“My degree apprenticeship will set me up with skills for life. My day-to-day job is supplemented by the theory I'm learning on my course. I’ve really noticed how far I've come.”
KerryARU Degree Apprentice
Careers
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have a BSc (Hons) degree in Laboratory Science and a minimum of 4 years relevant work experience. The skills, knowledge and experience you develop during the course will prepare you for roles such as Research & Development Scientist, Molecular Biologist, Formulation Scientist and Process Scientist.
Laboratory scientists work in a wide range of organisations, including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, consumer products, nuclear and analytical services.
Entry requirements
In addition to the person specifications that have been set out by your employer, these are the entry requirements for the course.
- Employment in a suitable role on a permanent contract exceeding 30 hours per week
- Employer support to undertake this course, with a confirmed, assigned mentor
- Confirmed eligibility to be funded as an apprentice as set out within the ESFA’s Funding Rules
- A completed Skills Scan and Initial Assessment discussion
- Evidence of Level 2 qualifications in 5 subjects including Maths and English and a Science subject at Grade C/4 or above, e.g. GCSEs, Functional Skills or ESFA-approved equivalents*
- Evidence of at least 112 UCAS Tariff points at Level 3 e.g. A Levels, National Diploma (or equivalent)*
Apply now
How to apply
To apply for an apprenticeship, you need to have the support of your employer. If you already have the support of your employer or have any questions before talking to them, please do not hesitate to contact one of our apprenticeship experts who will be happy to help.
For employers
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of degree apprenticeships, then our dedicated Degrees at Work team are here to help. Get in touch today on the details above or take a look at our information for employers.
