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

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Portadown Campus
Ulster University

Overview

Accredited 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 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 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.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
Applicants should have obtained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A-Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications. Successful completion of Chemistry at Level 3 is required.
Adult Access Science students require (min 60% overall and with at least 60% in two science modules - Level 3 Chemistry and one other Level 3 Science module).
For the Life Sciences pathway, Almac also require a Level 3 Biology qualification.
Applicants should have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. This must include GCSE English Language Grade C or Essential Skills Communication Level 2 and GCSE Mathematics Grade C.
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 at https://www.src.ac.uk/about-us...
Entry to 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.

The College’s Admissions policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code, Advice & Guidance: Admissions, Recruitment and Widening Access (29 November 2018).

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....

It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

The main delivery for this programme is face to face, with weekly blended support.

Application Process for Higher Level Apprenticeships

Stage 1. Complete both the application form and the additional information form. Attend a pre-enrolment advice session where you will receive more information about your chosen course. You will be advised if you can progress to stage 2 if you meet, or have the potential to meet, the entrance criteria.

Stage 2. For applicants who receive a CONDITIONAL Offer from SRC, your additional information will be forwarded to a list of potential employers identified by SRC (alternatively if you have an employer in mind you can contact the College who will assess workplace suitability). You will progress to stage 3 if you meet the employer’s criteria for interview selection.

Stage 3. Interview stage: If following the interview stage you secure a Conditional Offer of Employment under the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme you will progress to stage 4.

Stage 4. Applicants must present evidence to SRC on A-Level results day that relevant A-Levels or equivalent qualifications are achieved. Evidence of a Conditional Offer of Employment must also be in place at this time from the participating employer. The College will then proceed to issue a FIRM offer onto the HLA Programme.

Please note that a FIRM offer is not a guarantee that the course will commence (see below point 2).

Employers are responsible for contacting you (the applicant) directly to invite you for interview. SRC are not involved in the shortlisting or interview process. Employers are responsible for contacting you (the applicant) directly to make you an offer of employment.
The HLA programme will run subject to sufficient enrolments. Although you may be in receipt of a FIRM letter of offer onto the course, the College reserves the right to only run the course if sufficient enrolments are in place.
Attendance is strongly recommended by all Higher Level Apprenticeship applicants at the SRC’s Careers session. Invitations will be issued to advise date, time and location.

Core modules (Life Sciences)

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.
Immunology and Cell Biology.
Professional Practice in the Laboratory.
Genetics and Molecular Biology.
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 and fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

Progression from this course may take the form of either a career as a professional within the science industry or subsequent pursuit of a higher level academic qualification.

LIFE SCIENCES PATHWAY

This course will provide an opportunity for you to undertake a vocationally relevant qualification in Biomedical Science. The course also 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 BSc Hons programmes in Biomedical Science at Ulster University. Alternatively, you may have the opportunity to go straight into employment.

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 BSc Pharmaceutical Bioscience 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.