Our Level 6 Scientist Degree Apprenticeship in Biology or Chemistry presents a significant opportunity for academic and professional development.
This pathway is ideally suited to individuals seeking to integrate rigorous scientific study with practical, real-world application, laying the foundation for a career that contributes meaningfully to the scientific and healthcare sectors.
This programme offers a well-rounded education that blends theoretical knowledge with essential laboratory and field-based skills, particularly within the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors.
You'll develop a sophisticated understanding of human biology, pathophysiology, and pharmaceutical development, while acquiring the skills necessary to design, conduct, and interpret laboratory and field-based investigations. The role encompasses the ethical and sustainable application of scientific knowledge, with an emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.
As part of a multidisciplinary team, apprentices are expected to contribute scientific value to their organisation, support knowledge exchange, and participate in the continuous improvement of scientific practice. This programme offers a unique platform for emerging scientists to engage directly with contemporary research and innovation, ultimately advancing public health and scientific progress.
Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship, you will be responsible for managing different streams of work and leading on/designing and carrying out trials of process and procedures and translation of science to action, alongside also designing, developing, implementing and evaluating various changes required by the business.
Job opportunities this apprenticeship may open include:
Combining academic study with real-world experience, this apprenticeship provides you with the opportunity to work in cutting-edge laboratories and potentially engage in research and development environments. It lays a strong foundation for a variety of roles within the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, offering access to professional registration (such as RSci) and fostering valuable industry connections that enhance long-term career prospects.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you'll gain an impressive range of scientific and transferable skills, including advanced laboratory techniques, data analysis, project management, and effective communication of scientific findings.
You'll develop a deep understanding of biological and chemical principles, alongside skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and ethical scientific practice. The programme also emphasises quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and team collaboration, preparing you to contribute to the development of new medicines and innovations in healthcare. With its focus on continuous professional development and real-world impact, this apprenticeship offers a rewarding and future-focused route into a scientific career.
STEM Toolkit – 20 credits
The purpose of this module is to enable apprentices to acquire and develop a range of skills, especially focussed on the STEM 7 skills: creative thinking, communication, problem solving, investigative, data interpretation, team working and organisational skills.
Biomolecules and cells– 20 credits
This module will allow apprentices to explore the structure of the fundamental building blocks of life and explore the structure of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells, gaining an understanding of basic cellular processes.
Integrated Practical Skills– 20 credits
This module will cover key practical techniques commonly used in chemical and biological laboratories. The apprentices will have the opportunity to use a range of equipment in the laboratory and develop confidence and competence in performing several standard, industrially relevant procedures.
Data Analysis– 20 credits
This module will develop the knowledge of statistical techniques and procedures, and enable apprentices to select the most appropriate data analysis techniques and apply them in scientific contexts.
Physical and Inorganic Chemistry – 20 credits
This module covers a broad range of fundamental concepts in chemistry and introduces topics that will be important for apprentices giving the opportunity to further develop important practical skills.
Organic Chemistry – 20 credits
This module covers topics in organic chemistry, especially those of relevance to life science. The module will explore the chemistry of common organic compounds as well as giving apprentices the opportunity to experience some synthetic and analytical practical activities.
Pharmacology and Therapeutics – 20 credits
This module provides knowledge regarding the interaction of drugs with the metabolic pathways in the human body including aspects of delivery and bioavailability.
Analytical Chemistry – 20 credits
This module provides a background in the standard techniques used to gain information about the identity, purity and composition of chemical substances as well as the mathematical procedures used to assess the validity and reliability of data collected by these methods.
Medicinal Chemistry – 20 credits
This module is designed to allow apprentices to study some aspects of chemistry that are particularly relevant to medical and pharmaceutical industries. It will cover the chemistry involved in drug design and provide a brief introduction to the strategic planning involved in drug synthesis.
End Point Assessment – 20 credits
This module will provide apprentices with support required to prepare doe the End Point Assessment hurdles. Apprentices will be supported to develop their portfolio and prepare their End Point Assessment presentation.
Work Related Learning – this module is studied in the workplace – 20 credits
This module will provide apprentices with the opportunity to identify and analyse a solution to a work-related problem and to reflect on their overall learning experience.
Scientific Investigation - this module is studied in the workplace– 20 credits
This module develops an understanding of how cellular, biochemical and chemical processes can be investigated. It also allows apprentices to experience the practical development of their proposed project and increases their confidence in working in a laboratory.
Natural Product Preparation – 20 credits
This module will introduce apprentices to techniques used to extract chemicals from living materials (e.g. plants or fungi) as well as covering the total synthesis and semi synthesis of such chemicals. There will also be an introduction to pharmacognosy - i.e. the module will cover some medicinal chemistry of compounds that are derived from natural sources.
Pharmaceutical Analysis – 20 credits
The module is designed to introduce the range of analytical and purification techniques available and to provide hands-on practical experience of using several instruments to apprentices who may have ambitions to work in analytic laboratories and services.
Drug Synthesis – 20 credits
This module will introduce some strategies that can be adopted when planning syntheses of target molecules.
Research Skills – 20 credits
This module will provide apprentices with the fundamental skills needed for the design, development and successful execution of a research project. Emphasis is placed on cognitive processes surrounding research and the practical skills involved in safe and ethical scientific research.
Undergraduate Research Project – 40 credits
The Undergraduate Research Project will provide apprentices with an opportunity to develop their critical analysis and independent research and management skills. Opportunity will be given to discuss and develop an empirical study with the support of specialist staff.
You will be assessed throughout the duration of your apprenticeship. Assessment methods include laboratory reports, presentations, reflective journals, research projects, practical tasks, formal examinations.
To conclude your apprenticeship, you will complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA). This involves:
You will meet with your Apprenticeship Assessor every 4 weeks, remotely, for approximately one hour. During this session, your assessor will help you gather workplace evidence and link your curriculum learning with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) that make up the apprenticeship standard.
As part of the programme, you will be required to complete a minimum of six hours of off-the-job training (OTJT) each week. Your Assessor will provide guidance on suitable activities, which may include applying learning from curriculum sessions, shadowing colleagues, attending webinars, or participating in relevant workplace events.
Curriculum sessions are held weekly at the University Centre, running from September to July (excluding school holidays). These sessions are designed to support your progression through the BSc (Hons) qualification. All learning resources and materials will be accessible via the university’s online learning platform, Blackboard.
Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship, you could go on to complete the Level 7 Research Scientist apprenticeship or continue employment in your current field.
Job opportunities this apprenticeship may open include:
