Are you an employer interested in Science Apprenticeships?
Discover the potential of science apprenticeships by joining us for an informative day at Woburn House, London on the 15th of July. Learn about funding options, explore our higher and degree apprenticeship courses, understand professional registration and EPA processes, and much more. Meet the dedicated team behind our programs, as well as some of our current apprentices and their employers. Don't miss this opportunity to explore how science apprenticeships can benefit your organisation.
To book your place and find out more please complete this Form.
Join our online Laboratory Scientist Drop in Session on the 28th of June at 12pm to meet Academic experts and Business Development to discuss the program!
Please complete the link to register your interest - Microsoft Form
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.
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. The online delivery component is delivered using the virtual learning environment (VLE) Moodle: Moodle contains detailed content for each module and is broken down. 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 BSc.
In addition to on- and off-the-job training, you will be supported by a dedicated Apprenticeship Advisor.
Molly Robinson, Laboratory Scientist - Applied Bioscience. Read Molly's case study here.
Qualifications
Upon successful completion, the apprentice will have achieved a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in either chemical or bioscience.
This apprenticeship also maps well to Registered Scientist(RSci) or RSci Technician (RSciTech) status, which is a measure of excellence for practising scientists and those working in higher technical roles. Therefore, you can use your apprenticeship certificate to apply for RSci through a shortened application method through the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) or Science Council.
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.
Biology Pathway Modules
| Year 1 |
| Cell Biology |
| Microbiology |
| Introductory Chemistry for Biologists |
| Biochemistry |
| Basic Laboratory/Industry Skills (Summer School) |
| Human Physiology and Disease |
| Year 2 |
| Business Improvement |
| Metabolism and Enzymology |
| Study Design and Data Analysis |
| Advanced Laboratory/Industry Skills (Summer School) |
| Infection and Immunity |
| Year 3 |
| Pharmacology |
| 2 out of 3 Optional Modules |
| Applied Microbiology |
| Oncology |
| Separation Science |
| |
| Company Based Project |
| Year 4 |
| Drug Discovery and Development |
| 3 out of 5 Optional Modules |
| Nanomedicine |
| Biopharmaceuticals and Gene Therapy |
| Clinical Pharmacology |
| Advanced Immunology & Microbiology |
| Advanced Therapeutic Agents |
| Computational Molecular Biology |
| Year 5 |
| Company Based Laboratory Research Project |
Chemistry Pathway Modules
| Year 1 |
| Organic Chemistry |
| Physical Chemistry |
| General and Inorganic Chemistry |
| Basic Analytical Chemistry |
| Basic Laboratory/Industry Skills (Summer School) |
| Year 2 |
| Introduction to Polymer Chemistry |
| 1 out of 2 Optional Modules |
| Biochemistry |
| Microbiology |
| Business Improvement |
| GxP |
| Advanced Laboratory/Industry Skills (Summer School) |
| |
| Year 3 |
| 3 of 4 Optional Modules |
| Separation Science |
| Spectroscopic Methods in Organic Chemistry |
| Introduction to Drug Synthesis |
| Pharmacology |
| |
| Company Based Project |
| Year 4 |
| Research Methods |
| Drug Discovery and Development |
| 3 out of 4 Optional Modules |
| Computational Chemistry |
| Analytical Chemistry |
| Nanomedicine |
| Advanced Therapeutic Agents |
| Year 5 |
| Company Based Laboratory Research 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 May 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.
Related Kent programmes of study
There are two academic programmes that underpin the Laboratory Scientist Standard (Level 6):