APPLIED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCES - LIFE SCIENCE Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Portadown Campus
Ulster University

Overview

Recognised for excellence by the Royal Society of Chemistry

Subject to Revalidation

A Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) is a work-based programme which enables students to earn while they learn and gain a nationally recognised professional qualification. The College will liaise with relevant employers to find suitable employment. This is subject to interview by the relevant employer. Students will be in paid employment in a local pharmaceutical / life sciences company for two years and Southern Regional College will have a close relationship with the student's employer throughout their employment period.

The Foundation Degree in Applied Industrial Sciences forms the underpinning knowledge for the HLA programme. Participants will benefit greatly through this form of experiential learning by applying academic subject content in a work setting as well as developing a range of practical work related skills, decision making, communications, negotiating skills and teamwork.

All lecturers are highly experienced in their specific field with most educated to Masters level and some to PhD level. All lecturers have recent relevant industrial experience with some having worked in industry for a number of years prior to joining the College as lecturers. Through collaboration with industry students will receive the most up to date and relevant experience possible.

The HLA is delivered one day a week within the College while the apprentice is employed in industry four days per week.

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to this course, is evidence that the learner 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 place allocation.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July 2024.

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 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.

Core Modules include:

Academic Skills
Mathematical and Statistical Science
Core Chemistry Skills for Biology
Good Laboratory Practice
Physiology of the Human Body
Introduction to Evidence Based Professional Practice
Developing Skills for Industry
Biochemistry
Cell Biology and Immunology
Professional Practice in the Laboratory
Genetics and Molecular Biology
Work Based Learning

Students will be assessed through class tests, oral presentations, individual and collaborative coursework assignments and examinations. A virtual learning environment will be used to support all aspects of assessment. Assessment of Work Based Learning elements will occur during the third semester in both Year 1 and Year 2.

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 Year 2 of the BSc Hons programmes in Biomedical Science. You will also be eligible to apply for the Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences – BSc (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.

A foundation degree in Applied Industrial Sciences - Life can open up many career opportunities in industries that involve the application of life sciences in industrial settings. Some potential careers directly may include:

Laboratory Technician: working in research laboratories or production facilities, assisting scientists and researchers in conducting experiments and analysing biological samples
Quality Control Analyst: responsible for monitoring and ensuring the quality of products and processes in the life science industry through performing quality control tests, analysing data and identifying issues or deviations
Biotechnology Technician: working in biotechnology companies or research institutions, assisting with the development and production of biologically derived products
Research Assistant: supporting scientists and researchers in conducting experiments, collecting data, and analysing results
Environmental Health and Safety : pursue a career in environmental health and safety, particularly in industries with a focus on biological or biochemical processes
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician: involved in the production and packaging of pharmaceutical products to ensure standard operating procedures are followed, maintaining cleanliness and sterility, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements