Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience)
This industry-driven programme allows apprentices to investigate fundamental and applied aspects of microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, disease, diagnostics, environmental monitoring and cell biology.
Employers and apprentices
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
- This innovative apprenticeship will equip graduates with the scientific knowledge and technical skills to start or progress a career in the bioscience industry
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
- Apprentices can apply to become associate members of the Royal Society of Biology and on completion of the Apprenticeship they can become Members of the Royal Society of Biology
Our apprentices say
“Being a degree apprentice has been an amazing and insightful experience. I’ve gained lots of new skills, knowledge, and friends from both the university and my company,” says Corban Bowers of Pebble Biotechnology Laboratories.
About this programme
Our Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience) Degree Apprenticeship allows the apprentice to investigate fundamental and applied aspects of microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, disease, diagnostics, environmental monitoring and cell biology.
Emphasis is placed on the environmental, industrial, clinical and research applications of applied bioscience techniques. A significant aspect of the course emphasises the application of these technologies within biotechnological, medical, environmental microbiology and molecular biology real-world scenarios.
Taught by research-active academics, and supported by experienced skills coaches, the course has been designed to give apprentices a wide range of experience, with real-world relevance.
Typical areas of study may include biomolecules, genetics of microorganisms, medical and environmental microbiology and techniques and applications in molecular biology.
To find out more about how you can partner with us to offer degree apprenticeships within your organisation, fill out our contact form. You can also get in touch by phone on 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday) or by email at [email protected].
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Programme content
Apprentices will develop the broad scientific knowledge, skills and behaviours required for a career in the bioscience industry.
The programme combines an academic foundation with the development of vocational and key skills in the workplace.
Below are the proposed unit titles.
Year one
- Biomolecules, Cells and Genetics
- Fundamental Microbiology
- Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamental Organic Chemistry
- Introduction to Workplace Regulation
- Laboratory Scientist Skills 1
Year two
- Applied Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Introduction to Drug Discovery
- Statistics and Academic Skills for Bioscientists
- Laboratory Scientist Skills 2
Year three
- Biotechnology
- Advances in Genetics and Genomics
- Forensic Genetics
- Business Improvement
- Workplace Project
- Optional units: Formulation, Fate & Bio-Metabolism or Forensic DNA Profiling
Year four
- Infectious Disease and Health
- Frontiers in Biotechnology
- Advanced Statistics for Bioscientists
- Optional units: Environmental Microbiology or Drug Target Interactions
Apprentices will also work on projects, agreed with their employer, that apply what they have learned in their organisation.
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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 skills coach and a workplace supervisor undertake regular progress reviews and support apprentices in their work and studies.
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Qualification awarded
All successful graduated will be awarded BSc (Hons) in Bioscience from Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as a Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship.
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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 biology 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 (e.g. 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.
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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.
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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.
To find out more about how you can partner with us to offer degree apprenticeships within your organisation, fill out our contact form. You can also get in touch by phone on 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday) or by email at [email protected].
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
Apprenticeship vacancies with our employer partners will be advertised below.
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