Degree Apprenticeship 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.

A person in a white lab coat standing in a laboratory

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.

Key facts

DELIVERY AND ASSESSMENT

4 years (part-time)

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.

Core modules

  • Applied physical and quantitative sciences
  • General Microbiology
  • Physical and quantitative chemistry
  • Principles of laboratory science
  • Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry (Pt1 & 2)
  • Diagnostic techniques in pathology
  • Instrument validation and quality assurance
  • Understanding the Laboratory Workplace
  • Metabolism and its Control
  • Preparation for Research
  • Molecular Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology and Translational Medicine
  • Business Planning and Entrepreneurship
  • Apprenticeship Synoptic Project

Optional modules

  • Principles of pathology
  • Laboratory techniques for DNA manipulation
  • Process improvement and project management
  • The regulatory environment
  • Current Advances in Laboratory Science
  • Current Advances in Bioinformatics
Laboratory Scientist module details
Kerry sitting in a lecture theatre seat, smiling at the camera

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.”

Kerry

ARU 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.

Current vacancies

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Apprenticeship vacancies

To be eligible to apply for one of our degree apprenticeships, you'll first need to be in a full-time position with one of our partner employers. Follow the links below to view our current vacancies and sign up to receive email alerts when new vacancies become available.

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Find out more about apprenticeships at an Open Day

07 Jun 25