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

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Newry Campus
Ulster University

Overview

Recognised for excellence by the Royal Society of Chemistry

A Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) is a work-based programme which enables you to earn while you learn and gain a nationally recognised professional qualification. The College will liaise with relevant employers to find you employment. This is subject to interview by the relevant employer. You will be in paid employment in a local pharmaceutical / life sciences company for 2 years and Southern Regional College will have a close relationship with your employer in mentoring you throughout your employment period.

The Foundation Degree in Applied Industrial Sciences forms the underpinning knowledge for the HLA programme. You 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 in 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, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications. This must include successful completion of Chemistry at Level 3.
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 Apprenticeships (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 the applicant must secure employment with a Northern Ireland based company with a minimum contract of 21 hours. Entrance to HLAs is subject to meeting DfE Operational requirements.
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) Policy.

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. 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 below.

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

Core Modules

Academic Skills
Mathematical and Statistical Science.
Core Skills for Chemistry
Good Laboratory Practice
Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Introduction to Evidence Based Professional Practice
Developing Skills for Industry
Biochemistry
Analytical Science
Professional Practice in the Laboratory
Advanced Analytical Science
Work Based Learning

You 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, fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

This course will provide you 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.

A Foundation Degree in Applied Industrial Sciences - Chemical 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.