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This 4.5-year degree programme underpins the Laboratory Scientist higher apprenticeship standard and provides work-based solutions for workforce development and training.
Overview
Developed with, and for employers, the programme incorporates interactive e-learning, on- and off-site academic support and short residential blocks. It can support individuals wanting to progress their career within SME and global organisations, covering relevant roles in the life science supply chain from research through development and into manufacturing.
The higher apprenticeship is delivered as a blended course. Most material will be in the form of directed self-learning via the universities e-learning platform, Moodle, and face to face teaching held over the summer.
The University of Kent is at the forefront of providing science-based higher and degree apprenticeships. It was the first university to provide a bioscience-aligned degree programme for the Laboratory Scientist higher apprenticeship standard. Our expertise in e-learning delivery, together with flexible entry points, means that the programme can be delivered with the least disruption to the business.
We offer a three-year alternative degree programme, FdSc in Applied Bioscience Higher Apprenticeship, which underpins the Technician Scientist higher apprenticeship standard.
About the Centre for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
The University of Kent has delivered higher apprenticeships since 2011, working with industry-leading employers including GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Novartis and Unilever.
Kent launched the Centre for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships in 2016 to build on this experience. The Centre works in partnership with regional and national employers to develop apprenticeships tailored to their needs. The Centre also has an important role to play within the University, supporting academic schools on all aspects of delivering apprenticeship training.
We help to devise a tailored programme of study that complements activity in your workplace, underpinned by our leading academic programmes.
Teaching Excellence Framework
All University of Kent courses are regulated by the Office for Students.
Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that the University of Kent delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK.
Please see the University of Kent's Statement of Findings for more information.
Course structure
The 4.5 year part-time study comprises of 360 credits upon successful completion of the course.
Year One - 75 credits
You must take the following compulsory modules:
- LABS401 Cell Biology (15 credits at Level 4)
- LABS402 Biochemistry (15 credits at Level 4)
- LABS403 Microbiology (15 credits at Level 4)
- LABS404 Applied Chemistry (15 credits at Level 4)
- LABS406 Basic Laboratory/Industry Skills (15 credits at Level 4)
Year Two - 75 credits
You must take the following compulsory modules:
- LABS405 Human Physiology and Disease (15 credits at Level 4)
- LABS407 Business Improvement (15 credits at Level 4)
- LABS408 Metabolism and Enzymology (15 credits at Level 4)
- LABS501 Advanced Laboratory/Industry Skills (15 credits at Level 5)
- LABS507 GxP: Business Option (15 credits at Level 5)
Year Three - 90 credits
You must take the following compulsory modules:
- LABS502 Company Based Project (45 credits at Level 5)
- LABS503 Infection and Immunity (15 credits at Level 5)
- LABS504 Applied Microbiology (15 credits at Level 5)
- LABS505 Pharmacology (15 credits at Level 5)
Year Four - 75 credits
You must take the following compulsory modules:
- LABS601 Research Methods (15 credits at Level 6)
- LABS602 Drug Discovery and Development (15 credits at Level 6)
Optional Modules: Learners must select three science based modules (to take of 45 credits) from the following:
- LABS603 Nanomedicine (15 credits at Level 6)
- LABS604 Biopharmaceuticals and Gene Therapy (15 credits at Level 6)
- LABS605 Clinical Pharmacology (15 credits at Level 6)
- LABS606 Advanced Immunology and Microbiology (15 credits at Level 6)
- LABS607 Advanced Therapeutic Agents (15 credits at Level 6)
Year Four and a half - 45 credits
You must take the following compulsory module:
Teaching and assessment
Acquisition of outcomes is achieved primarily through extensive use of e-learning materials via the University's e-learning platform Moodle. Theoretical content in the form of storyboards; video; links to related reading; and activities with feedback provided. The emphasis of the programme is to link the knowledge and learning to work-based learning and employment wherever possible.
This includes "hands-on" practical skills but also broader skills including: numeracy; IT and communication. Practical experience in the workplace is essential to develop and enhance these skills. A summer school in both the first and second year of the programme is used to provide more "hands-on" techniques/skills that are not available at work or locally.
A number of methods are used for both formative and summative assessment of these more practical skills including: practical tests or assessment at the University or in the workplace; reports or other documents such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); oral plus written presentations; project plans; and the Company Based Project Report.
Formative assessment includes: progress tests; reports; portfolio entries; short essays; analysis of case studies; and presentations. Progress and attainment of learning outcomes will be determined by a variety of summative assessments including: unseen written examinations (three times a year in the workplace), some as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs); reports including the Company Based Project; essays; portfolio entries; case studies; and presentations.
Contact Hours
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- Instil in students a sense of enthusiasm for learning which may lead to continuing professional development or pathways for lifelong learning.
- Produce graduates equipped with the skills to play an enhanced role in the Biosciences Industry, nationally.
- Educate students in the theoretical (subject specific knowledge) and practical (laboratory based) aspects of the biological sciences which relate to current and future employment needs.
- Provide students with the skills to adapt and respond positively to new developments in the workplace.
- Develop the critical, analytical, problem based learning skills required by the students in the workplace.
- Develop student’s competences in a broad range of areas relevant to their current and future employment.
- Enhance and develop the student’s interpersonal skills.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain a knowledge and understanding of:
- A broad based core covering the major elements; processes & mechanisms of life, from molecular to cellular, and from organism to community. Together with specialised in-depth study (often career related) of some aspects of the subject areas.
- Understanding of information and data, their setting within a theoretical framework, accompanied by critical analysis and assessment to enable understanding of the subject area.
- Familiarity with terminology, nomenclature and classification systems.
- Methods of acquiring, interpreting and critically analysing biological information through the use of texts, original papers, reports and data sets.
- Knowledge of a range of communication techniques and methodologies relevant to the particular discipline and the workplace.
- Engagement with some of the current developments in the biosciences and their applications, and the philosophical and ethical issues involved.
- The capacity to give a clear and accurate account of a subject, marshal arguments in a mature way and engage in debate & dialogue both with specialists and non-specialists, using appropriate scientific language.
- The ability to think independently, set tasks and solve problems.
- Understanding the applicability of the biosciences to the careers of the learners.
Intellectual skills
You gain the following intellectual skills:
- The ability to recognise and apply subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts or principles.
- The ability to synthesize, analyze and summarise information critically, including published research or reports.
- The ability to obtain and integrate several lines of subject-specific evidence to formulate and test hypotheses.
- The application of subject knowledge and understanding to address both familiar and unfamiliar problems.
- The ability to recognise moral & ethical issues together with the appreciation of professional codes of conduct.
- An ability to develop and utilise effective project management skills.
Subject-specific skills
You gain the following subject-specific skills:
- Undertake sufficient practical work to ensure competence in the basic experimental skills appropriate to the discipline under study.
- The ability to design, plan, conduct and report on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data, arising from individual or group projects.
- The ability to obtain, record, collate and analyse data using appropriate techniques in their work discipline.
- Undertake an extensive work based project in a responsible, safe and ethical manner. Paying due attention to relevant health & safety guidelines/procedures.
Basic/Advanced Laboratory Skills (Summer School)
These are technical skills identified by employers as core to the competence of individuals working in the bioscience sector. Recognising the existence of company in-house training schemes learners will be able to evidence these technical skills through accreditation of in-house training and achievement through day-to-day activities in the workplace. In this way learners will be able to select particular technical skills they wish to enhance and/or develop to meet employer need.
Transferable skills
You gain the following transferable skills:
- The ability to use the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and a source of information.
- A working knowledge of how to cite and reference work in an appropriate manner, including the avoidance of plagiarism.
- An ability to effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis, in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Develop numeracy skills and have a working appreciation of the terms: validity; accuracy; calibration; precision; replicability.
- Extensive experience of solving problems by a variety of methods, including the use of computers.
- An ability to recognise and respect the views and opinions of other team members and develop good negotiating skills.
- The ability to evaluate ones performance as an individual & team member as well as being able to assess the performance of others.
- Develop an adaptable, flexible and effective approach to study and work.
Careers
A laboratory scientist applies specialist knowledge and broad scientific understanding to carry out a range of technical and scientific activities in their specialist discipline: Chemical Science, Life Sciences, Research & Development, and Analytical. They analyse, interpret and evaluate relevant scientific information, concepts and ideas and use these to develop subsequent experiments or investigations and to propose solutions to problems. They identify areas of business improvement and propose innovative scientific ideas. They perform practical, established and novel laboratory procedures using standard and specialist laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Ensuring uniformity, consistency, reliability, reproducibility, quality, and integrity of scientific tests underpins their work and the working environment. In all contexts working safely and ethically is paramount. Laboratory scientists work in a wide range of organisations, including chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, consumer products, nuclear and analytical services. They work autonomously on defined projects under the supervision of a senior scientist and as part of a wider scientific team, which may include laboratory technologist and laboratory technicians. They deliver scientific value to their organisation, whilst contributing to the development of others.
Typical job titles include: Analytical Chemist, Research & Development Scientist, Molecular Biologist, Formulation Scientist, Medicinal Chemist, Process Scientist.
Professional recognition
The apprenticeship standard is recognised by the Science Council at Registered Scientist (RSci) level.
Entry requirements
Apprenticeships are also offered to up-skill the existing workforce, therefore if you are an applicant without the traditional qualifications listed below; and have prior learning and skills developed from your workplace, please contact the university who will consider applicants on a case by case basis.
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students with a wide range of qualifications. Typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice.
It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | 80 points including DD at GCE A level for Biology and another science subject. Vocational Science based A level (Double award 12 units) and a pass in an approved English Language qualification
|
| GCSE | Five GCSE passes, including English Language or Use of English and mathematics at grade C or above, and at least two subjects at A level. |
| Access to HE Diploma | A satisfactory pass in an approved Science Based Foundation or Access programme. Please check with the University beforehand that we will accept the Access/Foundation syllabus you took. |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | BTEC National Certificate in Science (merit level) and a pass in an approved English language qualification BTEC National Diploma in Science (merit level) and a pass in an approved English language qualification. |
| International Baccalaureate | 26/30 points (12/14 at Higher). The course studied must contain a significant content of Science at the required level. Please check with the University beforehand that you have studied sufficient Science at the required level. |
International students
To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you have to have the right to work in England.
English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Additional costs
Please refer to the Apprenticeship funding: rules and guidance for employers for information on what costs can and cannot be included within the apprenticeship cost.
Please note that the Basic and Advanced Laboratory Skills (summer schools) accommodation, food and travel expenditure will come at an additional cost.
General additional costs
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Funding
The maximum amount of funding the government will contribute towards this apprenticeship is £27,000, including the end point assessment. As each apprenticeship is tailored to the need of the employer and apprentice, please contact the Centre for Higher & Degree Apprenticeship for full costings.
The university is working with levy and non-levy employers to provide apprenticeships and welcome inquiries from interested organisations.