Laboratory Scientist

A scientist can carry out a range of technical and scientific activities which may include laboratory-based investigations and scientific experimentation in their specialist field. 

The Level 6 Laboratory Scientist apprenticeship is the ideal next step for those who are keen to pursue a career in science and would like to gain a highly recognised qualification from our award-winning Kent Business School.  

Benefits of the Programme 

The Laboratory Scientist apprenticeship is an innovative programme that helps 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 programme is offered via blended learning – a mixture of online and face-to-face learning. Much of the programme is centred around work-based learning and projects, which means as an apprentice, you will be adding value to your organisation as you work through your Master’s degree.  

In addition to on- and off-the-job training, you will  be supported by a dedicated Apprenticeship Advisor. 

Qualifications  

Upon successful completion, the apprentice will have achieved a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in either chemical or bioscience.   

Duration and commitment 

There is a 54-month delivery with 6 months for End-Point Assessment (EPA).  

The Level 6 Laboratory Scientists have face to face teaching at our ‘Summer Schools’ – these are for practical assessments and examinations. The Summer School usually runs Monday – Thursday in late August or early September.  These usually occur twice across the duration of the programme  

Line managers are expected to support apprentices in their day-to-day job roles and attend the progress reviews with the Apprenticeship Advisor every 8-12 weeks to sign off the apprentice's skills and behaviours in preparation for the end-point assessment. 

Entry requirements   

At least five GCSE passes (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 or above. They are also required to have achieved at least two subjects at A Level (or equivalent), including Chemistry / Biology. Alternatively, applicants must have completed a Level 3 Laboratory Technical Apprenticeship in a relevant science discipline. 

Modules 

Year 1 

Apprentices take the following compulsory modules:  

• Applied Chemistry 
• Basic Laboratory/Industry Skills 
• Biochemistry 
• Cell Biology 
• Microbiology 

 Year 2 

Apprentices take the following compulsory modules: 

• Advanced Laboratory/Industry Skills 
• Business Improvement 
• GXP (Business Module) 
• Human Physiology and Disease 
• Metabolism and Enzymology 

Year 3 

Apprentices take the following compulsory modules: 

• Applied Microbiology 
• Company-based Project 
• Infection and Immunity 
• Pharmacology 

 Year 4 

Apprentices take the following compulsory modules: 

• Drug Discovery and Development 
• Research Methods 

Apprentices also take three optional modules from the list below: 

• Advanced Immunology and Microbiology 
• Advanced Therapeutic Agents 
• Biopharmaceuticals and Gene Therapy 
• Clinical Pharmacology 
• Nanomedicine 

 Year 5 

Apprentices take the following compulsory module: 

• Company Based Project 

Fees and Funding 

The cost of the programme is £27,000 per apprentice and this can be paid for from the apprenticeship levy or by government co-investment funding which covers up to 95% of the fees. There is also the cost of accommodation and travel for Summer Schools. This should be funded by the employer and is not payable from apprenticeship levy or government funding. 

Start Dates 

We offer start dates in September, October, January and April for this programme. The cut-off for applications is normally one month prior to the course starting.

Next Steps

Employers and Employees

Our team are there to offer support with developing apprenticeships in your organisation, be it upskilling existing employees or recruiting for new roles.

Contact us by emailing recruitapprenticeships@kent.ac.uk or by calling 01634 888467 (9:30am - 4pm Monday to Friday).

Students and Prospective Apprentices

Apprenticeships are available to those already employed in a relevant position and require the support of an employer to take part. If you are not already employed in a relevant role, please visit our please visit our Becoming an Apprentice page.

There are two academic programmes that underpin the Laboratory Scientist Standard (Level 6):  

Applied Bioscience BSc or

Applied Chemical Sciences BSc