Laboratory Scientist (Chemical Science)
Our established, industry-driven degree apprenticeship provides employers and their apprentices with the scientific knowledge and skills required to succeed in the chemical industry.
Employers and Apprentices Information
Employers
- Created with leading employers, this established qualification combines and embeds valuable business improvement and scientific knowledge
- Work-based projects help apprentices apply their learning directly to their organisation, solving technical and strategic issues
- Our programme has been running since 2011 and our students were named Apprentice of the Year by the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2017, 2018 and 2019
Our employers say
“Degree apprenticeships have seen great success across AstraZeneca, offering us a more diverse opportunity to develop early talent, targeting those individuals who have chosen not to go to university full-time,” says Karen Capper of AstraZeneca.
Apprentices
- Qualification improves career progression in a wide range of industries, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, materials, food and drink, utility, healthcare, aerospace and automotive sectors
- A strong professional and practical focus helps apprentices move into roles such as technologist, laboratory analyst and process operations manager
- Graduates can apply to become a Registered Scientist (RSci), a professional qualification recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Our apprentices say
“Not only am I learning theories and concepts at university, but I am also gaining practical skills, carrying out chemical experiments almost every day at work,” says Morgan Allison of Syngenta.
About this Programme
The Laboratory Scientist (Chemical Science) Degree Apprenticeship was developed with leading employers to equip graduates with the scientific knowledge and technical skills to start or progress a career in the chemical industry.
An innovative blend of higher education with work-based learning, it rapidly develops apprentices into confident and capable laboratory professionals.
Apprentices are primarily taught through tutor-supported online study, with one residential week on campus each year – making it a truly UK-wide qualification.
Taught units are supported by work-based projects that focus on the organisation’s business context.
After completing their degree, apprentices will have an end-point assessment by an independent third party to confirm their occupational competence and achievement of the apprenticeship.
Watch this UCAS podcast to learn more about how what day-to-day life is like as a science apprentice and which skills you will gain by joining this programme.
To find out more about how you can partner with us to offer degree apprenticeships within your organisation, fill out our contact form, email [email protected] , or call 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday).
-
Programme content
Apprentices will develop the broad scientific knowledge, skills and behaviours required for a career in the chemical industry.
The programme combines an academic foundation with the development of vocational and key skills in the workplace.
Year one
- Fundamental Physical Chemistry
- Fundamental Inorganic Chemistry
- Fundamental Organic Chemistry
- Introduction to Chemical Analysis
- Introduction to Workplace Regulation
- Laboratory Scientist Skills 1
Year two
- Intermediate Physical Chemistry
- Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry
- Intermediate Organic Chemistry
- Applied Chemistry for Industry
- Communication and Research Skills
- Laboratory Scientist Skills 2
Year three
- Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
- Advanced Organic Chemistry
- Spectroscopy and Instrumental Analysis
- Specialism Units - apprentices will choose one from:
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Green Chemistry
- Business Improvement
- Workplace Project
Year four
- Advanced Physical Chemistry
- Advanced Instrumental Analysis
- Further topics in Chemistry - apprentices will choose two from:
- Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Advanced Green Chemistry
- Drug Target Interactions
- Chemistry in Society
- Project and Personal Development
Apprentices will also work on projects, agreed with their employer, that apply what they have learned in their organisation.
-
Programme length and approach
The programme is primarily taught through tutor-supported online study, part-time over four years.
Apprentices will attend a two-day induction at the University to help them get to know each other and balance undergraduate study with working full-time. They will also attend a week-long residential at our campus in central Manchester once a year, in addition to a two-day mini-residential in the first year.
They will complete projects in their workplace, tackling challenges relevant to their employer and applying their learning directly to their organisation and its business context.
A University coach and a workplace supervisor undertake regular progress reviews and support apprentices in their work and studies.
-
Qualification awarded
All successful graduates are awarded a BSc (Hons) Chemical Science degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as a Level 6 degree apprenticeship.
They can also apply for Registered Scientist (RSci) status with the Royal Society of Chemistry.
-
Entry requirements
Applicants can be existing employees looking to develop their careers or new recruits aiming to get working life off to a flying start.
They must:
- be 18 or older
- have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for funding
- meet programme entry requirements
Applicants should have a minimum of 104 UCAS points at A-level (grades BCC), with one being chemistry or an equivalent scientific discipline.
We will evaluate any applicants who do not meet these requirements but have relevant workplace experience or other equivalent qualifications (eg T-levels or BTEC diploma/extended diploma in a scientific discipline).
They also need GCSE Mathematics and English Language (grade A*-C / 9-4) or equivalent – or must complete Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications alongside the apprenticeship. There are no additional charges for these qualifications.
-
Funding
Degree apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.
Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
Any business with a payroll below £3 million is eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship programme.
Additional incentives are also available to employers who recruit new apprentices into their business.
-
Next steps
If you are an employer
We will support you every step of the way to offer apprenticeships at your organisation, whether you intend to upskill current employees or attract new recruits.
You can speak to us via our contact form, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday).
If you are an employee
If you are already employed, encourage your employer to contact us to discuss offering an apprenticeship.
If you are a student
Sign up to our Degree Apprenticeship mailing list to get alerts about vacancies and events.
For more information and advice on applying for an apprenticeship, visit our guide.
Current Vacancies
When I mentioned ‘apprenticeship’, especially without degree in front of it, my teachers, parents, and peers were confused as to why I was looking elsewhere when I had been accepted to top UK universities. My parents had the ‘traditional’ view that university was the only option for success in the world of medicine. However, I decided to take the risk and I haven’t looked back.
When I mentioned ‘apprenticeship’, especially without degree in front of it, my teachers, parents, and peers were confused as to why I was looking elsewhere when I had been accepted to top UK universities. My parents had the ‘traditional’ view that university was the only option for success in the world of medicine. However, I decided to take the risk and I haven’t looked back.
