APPLIED SCIENCE - BIOSCIENCE Pathway Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Portadown Campus
Ulster University

Overview

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

The Foundation Degree in Applied Science 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, decision making, communications, negotiating skills and teamwork. All lecturers are highly experienced in their specific field with most educated to master’s level and some to PhD level. All lecturers have recent relevant industrial experience with some having worked in industry for several years prior to joining the College as lecturers. Through collaboration with industry, students will receive the most up to date and relevant experience possible.

This programme replaces the Ulster University Level 5 Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Applied Industrial Sciences. It aims to provide a vocationally relevant science education for those wishing to follow careers in a wide range of science disciplines; producing competent individuals to meet local, regional and national needs by providing a good mix of scientific theory along with the practical skills necessary for further study or employment within a range of science disciplines. Through a varied and well-planned curriculum delivered by knowledgeable and supportive staff, knowledge and understanding is developed through lectures, practical classes, group discussion and independent research. Cognitive skills are developed through researching information, statistical analysis, effective communication, critical analysis, evaluation and self-evaluation. The course is designed to be practical, and therefore applied skills are developed through practical laboratory classes and laboratory simulations.

Transferable skills are crucial to your progression and employability. This course aims to develop these skills through presentations, scientific writing, analysis and interpretation of results, group work, problem solving, research and critical evaluation; all of which will enhance personal development and career prospects.

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.

Entry Requirements (UK)

A-Level: 1 science: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths, Single Award in Health & Life Sciences, Double Award in Health & Life Sciences. Btec: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (Science Related Subject) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (Science Related Subject) (2016 Suite).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (Science Related Subject) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (Science Related Subject) (2016 Suite). Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (Science Related Subject) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (Science Related Subject) (2016 Suite). 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. 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 (or equivalent) and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent).
ADAL: 55% in Access Diploma which contains an approved science module.

Entry Requirements (ROI)

48 UCAS points consisting of passes in five approved subjects to include a minimum of 3 at Higher Leaving Cert Pass (Grade D/H6), one of which should be in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or equivalent) and OLC (Grade 04 or above) to include Maths and English.

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.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) may be considered for entry. For more details visit Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

All applicants to this programme will be required to attend an interview.

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

Academic Skills & Statistics
Chemistry and Biology for Bioscience
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Developing Skills for Industry – Laboratory Skills
Professional Practice and GxP
Physiology and Anatomy
Biochemistry
Work Based Learning (WBL)
Cell Biology, Genetics & Molecular Biology
Microbiology & Immunology
Analytical Methodologies

Lectures will be delivered face to face and you will be supported through hybrid 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 learning and all aspects of assessment. Assessment of Work Based Learning elements will also occur during the course.