Applied Biomedical Science Apprenticeship

BSc

Attendance mode: Part-time
Start date(s): September
Duration: 5 years
Location: Distance learning

UK students can apply

Overview

This BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science Integrated Degree Apprenticeship (Healthcare Science Practitioner) is exclusively designed for staff working in NHS Pathology departments, and takes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human disease.

The degree apprenticeship provides a solid background in Biomedical Science and aims to leave apprentices with:

systemic knowledge of Biomedical Science suitable for a career as a Biomedical Scientist within their chosen discipline
eligible to apply for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
ability to think critically and creatively, collaborative and group working skills
awareness of sustainability in the context of Biomedical Science
skills to become autonomous learners, equipped with skills required to be adaptable over the course of their career
ability to carry out experiments independently and assess the significance of their outcome
ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems
critical awareness of advances at the forefront of Biomedical Science

The programme also develops and applies new technologies that help improve patient care.

You can choose from four specialist pathways:

Genetics
Cellular Sciences
Infection Sciences
Blood Sciences

Professional accreditation

This course is also accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and has approval from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This means you could be eligible to register with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist following successful completion of the apprenticeship.

The NHS National School of Healthcare and Science (NSHCS) accredits this apprenticeship for the Life Sciences Practitioner Training Programme. This means you could be a qualified Healthcare Science Practitioner in your specialism after finishing your course and may be eligible to join the Academy for Healthcare Science register as a professional.

Entry requirements

120 UCAS tariff points.

Applicants must be working in NHS pathology departments and have full support of their laboratory to enrol on the programme.

A levels

To include either A level Biology or Chemistry minimum grade B.

Please note that where a science A-level is taken, the University will require applicants to pass the practical element (for A levels awarded from August 2017 onwards).

T levels

Merit - with subject specific requirement in Science.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM with a minimum of 6 modules passed with a minimum grade of Merit in a relevant Science to include six specific units out of the following modules:

Physiology of Human Body Systems
Physiology of Human Regulation and Reproduction
Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques
Microbiological Techniques
Chemistry for Biology Technicians
Genetics and Genetic Engineering
Practical Chemical Analysis
Biomedical Science Techniques
Chemical Laboratory Techniques
Industrial Chemical Reactions
Chemical Periodicity and its Applications
Industrial Applications of Organic Chemistry
Physiological Investigations
Diseases and Infections

Applicants on Access Programmes

104 UCAS tariff points. Applicants must have an Access to Higher Education Diploma in a Science subject and have achieved a minimum of 12 credits of Biology or Chemistry at Distinction.

International Baccalaureate Requirements

120 UCAS tariff points to include Higher Level Biology or Chemistry at grade 6 and one other Higher Level Science subject plus Higher Level 3 or Standard Level 4 in Maths and English Language and Literature A or English B.

Learners on this programme must have the right to remain or be a UK citizen - IBMS requirements.

Plus minimum of

GCSE English, Mathematics and two Sciences at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).

Additional entry requirements

Applications are also welcome from students who have significant relevant and sufficient work experience, but who do not meet the standard university entry requirements.

A student who has recently studied a syllabus as part of a previous qualification prior to enrolling on the part-time HCS degree apprenticeship will be able to have their qualification assessed to identify whether credit can be given for any modules studied. This may mean that a student is not required to take a particular unit of the HCS degree.

All applicants meeting the qualifications described above will be interviewed prior to an offer, and could be required to sit an entry assessment.

Examples of where entry assessment will be used are for borderline candidates without A levels or a relevant degree, or those with A levels awarded more than 10 years ago. In determining the need for an entrance exam, work experience will be taken into account.

At the interview, candidates will also have the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss the Bradford experience with current students. Offers will be made subject to a successful interview and, where appropriate, passing and entry assessment.

Successful applicants will be expected to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) and the appropriate health checks.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 with 6 in each sub test.

Your learning journey

Apprentices will be required to attend University one day per semester for practical sessions and end of module exams. All other learning will take place via the VLE canvas and Microsoft teams.

This programme involves a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human disease. It encompasses studies of the causes of disease and the effects of disease on the normal structure and functions of the human body and it provides an understanding of the scientific basis for the laboratory investigation, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. It also develops and applies new technologies that help improve the care of patients.

As a graduate from this degree programme you will have a broad-based scientific background coupled with technical skills necessary for laboratory work and more detailed knowledge and skills in your chosen specialism.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Students will attend university one day per week from September.

Contact hours in classes may vary per week but non-contact time should be utilised for independent study. The timetable will be produced at least 6 months in advance and sponsoring lab will be informed.

Apprentice learners will study at distance via a series of pre-recorded lecture material. Online synchronised sessions are scheduled every four weeks for each module.

Learners are required to attend University one day a semester to attend practical sessions. End of module exams will also need to be completed on campus.

A number of self-directed components of work-based learning are carried out in the training laboratory alongside the development of the Institute’s registration training portfolio. The University has more than 15 years' experience of supporting work-based study.

The research and practitioner-led teaching delivered at levels 5 and 6 is relevant and specific to the NHS. We invite these external experts who are researcher practitioners within their field from local NHS hospitals to deliver some of the lectures within the final-year specialist diagnostic modules.

Applied Biomedical Science apprentices meet with their Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) on a regular basis. Every 12 weeks in a tripartite review.

Module teams provide clear introductions to each module and learning objectives are presented in each session. Additional support materials are made available through the VLE.

The Faculty has a central administrative team which supports the student journey.

Innovative teaching methods have been introduced in many areas in line with the University’s reputation as a technology university.

The University offer a structured framework for a work-place mentor supported by the university team.

The apprentice will spend 20% off the job training during their study.

Our facilities

Our Microbiology Lab is home to research which focuses on understanding how bacterial pathogens cause disease, and investigating the way in which colonisation of people and surfaces can be reduced.

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee

Apprentices do not pay course fees. An Apprentice is employed by an organisation into an Apprenticeship job role this entitles them to earn as they learn.

By studying a Degree Apprenticeship, Apprentices can obtain a degree at no cost to them as individuals.

By employing Apprentices, organisations can make the most of their Apprenticeship levy fees and train staff in a cost effective way.

There are currently two funding models:

Levy funded:

If the annual pay bill of your organisation exceeds £3m you can pay for your apprenticeships training through your levy account.

If you have exceeded your levy contribution, you can fund apprenticeship training through the co-funded model. To better understand how this will work please make contact with us.

Non-levy funded:

If you are a non-levy paying organisation or you are a levy organisation who has exceeded your levy contribution, the government will financially co-fund your apprenticeship training. The government will contribute 95% of the costs. As the employer, you will contribute 5%.

Career prospects

Graduates can practise as Healthcare Science practitioners or Biomedical Scientists in NHS laboratories.

Alternatively, some Healthcare Science graduates go on to find employment as a laboratory-based or non-laboratory-based scientist in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology or other related industries, academic research and teaching.

For more information, see NHS Careers.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes.

Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services, students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

The degree apprenticeship provides a solid background in Biomedical Science and aims to leave apprentices with:

systemic knowledge of Biomedical Science suitable for a career as a Biomedical Scientist within their chosen discipline
eligible to apply for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
ability to think critically and creatively, collaborative and group working skills
awareness of sustainability in the context of Biomedical Science
skills to become autonomous learners, equipped with skills required to be adaptable over the course of their career
ability to carry out experiments independently and assess the significance of their outcome
ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems
critical awareness of advances at the forefront of Biomedical Science

Study support

Our comprehensive support services will help you to achieve your full potential – both academically and personally.

We provide all you need to make the very best of your time with us, and successfully progress through your studies and on into the world of graduate employment.

Our support services include:

Personal tutors
Disability services
Counselling services
MyBradford student support centres
The Students’ Union
Chaplaincy and faith advisers
An on-campus nursery
Halls wardens

We have well-stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities across campus. These facilities are open 24 hours a day during term time, meaning you’ll always find a place to get things done on campus.

Our Academic Skills Advice Service will work with you to develop your academic, interpersonal and transferable skills.

Research

The programme team are all either researchers or have NHS practitioner experience (one team member combines being an active practitioner with teaching commitments) and therefore research is integral to the teaching on the programme.

Our research expertise covers a range of areas including microbiology, cancer research, skin sciences and cardiovascular disease research. You can find out more about our two main research areas below:

All students undertake a research laboratory project which constitutes one third of the academic credits at level 6. Research is carried out in the workplace, with a supervision team combining a member of clinical staff from the work place with a University member of the teaching and research team.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.