APPLIED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCES - CHEMICAL Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

• Applicants must have attained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A Levels (to include Chemistry), BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation (to include approved Chemistry units), CCEA Double Award in Health and Life Sciences (to include approved Chemistry units) or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications. Applicants entering via Access must present a final classification of 60% or higher, which must include at least two science modules with a grade of 60% or higher.
• Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language. For entry to this programme, applicants should have attained a C grade in GCSE English language and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent)
• For those entering a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), employers may further enhance the entry criteria at their discretion. All applicants for HLAs will be interviewed by prospective employers to decide their suitability prior to being employed by a company. Each applicant must be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, with a Northern Ireland based company. All apprentices must work a minimum contract of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training) and have achieved all necessary entry qualifications determined by the relevant sector. Applicants need to meet other eligibility considerations, for example you may not be eligible if you are a non-EU national, a public sector worker or based on the qualifications you have previously been awarded. Further details can be found at NI Direct.

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

Please note that for Ulster University qualifications, the general entry requirements for Ulster University must also be met in addition to those listed above.

To find out more about the application process for Higher Level Apprenticeships please see Information on Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Information coming soon

Information coming soon

This Higher Level Apprenticeship is FREE and fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

This course will provide students with an opportunity to undertake a vocationally relevant qualification in Pharmaceutical Bioscience. It promotes opportunities for further progression to degree level courses.

On successful completion of this course (Modules at Level 5) graduates of the Foundation Degree are eligible to apply for progression to the Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences – BSc (Hons) at Ulster University. Students will also be eligible to apply for the Pharmaceutical Bioscience – MSci (Hons) at Ulster University.

Please note: You may choose to progress onto other University courses not specified above. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s admission requirements for alternative courses before enrolling on a course at the College.

This Foundation Degree can open up various career opportunities in industries where chemical processes and applications are involved. Some potential careers directly related to this foundation degree may include:

• Chemical Technician: working in laboratories or production facilities, assisting with chemical research, analysis, and experimentation.
• Quality Control Analyst: responsible for monitoring and ensuring the quality of chemical products and processes.
• Process Operator: working in chemical manufacturing plants or refineries, overseeing the operation of equipment and processes involved in chemical production.
• Research Assistant: Supporting scientists and researchers in conducting experiments, collecting data, and analysing results.
• Environmental Health: focussing on ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, assessing and managing chemical-related risks, and promoting safe handling and disposal practices in industrial settings.
• Laboratory Analyst: conducting chemical analysis and testing on various substances, analysing chemical composition, identifying contaminants, or evaluating product quality.