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Applied Biomedical Science Integrated Degree Apprenticeship (Healthcare Science Practitioner)

BSc

Attendance mode
Part-time
Start date(s)
September
Duration
5 years
Location
Distance learning

UK students can apply

Overview

This BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science Integrated Degree Apprenticeship (Healthcare Science Practitioner) is exclusively designed for staff working in NHS Pathology departments, and takes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human disease.

To support the NHS with the Apprenticeship Levy introduced in 2017, this 5 year BSc (Level 6) Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) apprenticeship has been developed in consultation with NHS pathology departments.

Suitable for those looking for a career as a Biomedical Scientist, the course content is aligned to the regulatory framework introduced by the Department of Health to modernise career and training pathways for Healthcare Scientists.

The apprenticeship involves the study of normal life processes and then disease processes in humans, plus the methods used in disease identification, investigation and the development of therapeutic intervention strategies. 

The programme also develops and applies new technologies that help improve patient care.

You can choose from four specialist pathways:

  • Genetics
  • Cellular Sciences
  • Infection Sciences
  • Blood Sciences

On graduation you’ll be able to practice as a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist in NHS Pathology laboratories.

Professional accreditation

This apprenticeship is an adaptation of our established full and part-time BSc’s in Healthcare Science, which are accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science on behalf of Health Education England and the IBMS and approved by the HCPC, allowing registration as a Biomedical Scientist in the NHS after graduation.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be working in NHS pathology departments and have full support of their laboratory to enrol on the programme.

A levels

122 UCAS tariff points.

To include either A-level Biology or Chemistry minimum grade B.

Please note that where a science A-level is taken, the University will require applicants to pass the practical element (for A levels awarded from August 2017 onwards).

T levels

Merit - with subject specific requirement in Science.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD with a minimum of 6 modules passed with a minimum grade of Merit in a relevant Science to include six specific units out of the following modules:

  • Physiology of Human Body Systems
  • Physiology of Human Regulation and Reproduction
  • Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques
  • Microbiological Techniques
  • Chemistry for Biology Technicians
  • Genetics and Genetic Engineering
  • Practical Chemical Analysis
  • Biomedical Science Techniques
  • Chemical Laboratory Techniques
  • Industrial Chemical Reactions
  • Chemical Periodicity and its Applications
  • Industrial Applications of Organic Chemistry
  • Physiological Investigations
  • Diseases and Infections

Applicants on Access Programmes

122 UCAS tariff points. Applicants must have an Access to Higher Education Diploma in a Science subject and have achieved a minimum of 12 credits of Biology or Chemistry at Distinction.

Plus minimum of

GCSE English, Mathematics and two Sciences at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).

Additional entry requirements

Applications are also welcome from students who have significant relevant and sufficient work experience, but who do not meet the standard university entry requirements.

A student who has recently studied a syllabus as part of a previous qualification prior to enrolling on the part-time HCS degree apprenticeship will be able to have their qualification assessed to identify whether credit can be given for any modules studied. This may mean that a student is not required to take a particular unit of the HCS degree.

All applicants meeting the qualifications described above will be interviewed prior to an offer, and could be required to sit an entry assessment.

Examples of where entry assessment will be used are for border line candidates without A-levels or a relevant degree, or those with A-levels awarded more than 10 years ago. In determining the need of an entrance exam work experience will be taken into account.

At interview candidates will also have an opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss the Bradford experience with current students. Offers will made subject to a successful interview and where appropriate passing and entry assessment.

Successful applicants will be expected to undertake Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) and appropriate health checks.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 with 6 in each sub test.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

What you will study

Apprentices will attend University one day per week and occasional (up to 2 per semester) Saturday mornings for lab practicals.

This programme involves a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human disease. It encompasses studies of the causes of disease and the effects of disease on the normal structure and functions of the human body and it provides an understanding of the scientific basis for the laboratory investigation, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. It also develops and applies new technologies that help improve the care of patients.

As a graduate from this degree programme you will have a broad-based scientific background coupled with technical skills necessary for laboratory work and more detailed knowledge and skills in your chosen specialism.

Learning and assessment

Students will attend university one day per week from September.

Contact hours in classes may vary per week but non-contact time should be utilised for independent study. The timetable will be produced at least 6 months in advance and sponsoring lab will be informed.

Students may be required to attend on occasional Saturday mornings (no more than 2 per semester) for lab practicals. The University may develop a distance learning option at some point in the future. A number of self-directed components of work-based learning are carried out in the training laboratory alongside the development of the Institute’s registration training portfolio. The university has more than 15 years experience of supporting work-based study.

The University have dedicated staff with significant relevant professional experience as NHS practitioners, who organise placements and supervise the work-based learning aspects of the programmes. Other staff are researchers.

The research led teaching delivered at levels 5 and 6 is relevant and specific to the NHS and therefore we invite these external experts who are researchers within their field from local NHS hospitals to deliver some of the lectures within the final year specialist diagnostic modules.

Healthcare Science apprentices meet with their Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) on a regular basis. PATs carry out regular workplace visits to ensure completion of independent study for work-based learning throughout the course.

Module teams provide clear introductions to each module and learning objectives are presented in each session. Additional support materials are made available through the VLE. The Faculty has a central administrative team which supports the student journey.
Innovative teaching methods have been introduced in many areas in line with the University’s reputation as a technology university.

The University offer a structured framework for a work-place mentor supported by the university team.

The apprentice will spend 20% off the job training during their study.

Our facilities

Students learn in multi-million pound teaching laboratories, with access to research laboratories in the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics where you will learn from our world-leading cancer researchers.

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee

Apprentices do not pay course fees. An Apprentice is employed by an organisation into an Apprenticeship job role this entitles them to earn as they learn.

By studying a Degree Apprenticeship, Apprentices can obtain a degree at no cost to them as individuals.

By employing Apprentices, organisations can make the most of their Apprenticeship levy fees and train staff in a cost effective way.

There are currently two funding models:

Levy funded:

If the annual pay bill of your organisation exceeds £3m you can pay for your apprenticeships training through your levy account.

If you have exceeded your levy contribution, you can fund apprenticeship training through the co-funded model. To better understand how this will work please make contact with us.

Non-levy funded:

If you are a non-levy paying organisation or you are a levy organisation who has exceeded your levy contribution, the government will financially co-fund your apprenticeship training. The government will contribute 95% of the costs. As the employer, you will contribute 5%.

Career prospects

Graduates can practise as Healthcare Science practitioners or Biomedical Scientists in NHS laboratories.

Alternatively, some Healthcare Science graduates go on to find employment as a laboratory-based or non-laboratory-based scientist in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology or other related industries, academic research and teaching.

For more information, see NHS Careers.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes.

Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services, students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

The degree apprenticeship provides a solid background in Biomedical Science and aims to leave apprentices with:

  • systemic knowledge of Biomedical Science suitable for a career as a Biomedical Scientist within their chosen discipline
  • eligible to apply for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
  • ability to think critically and creatively, collaborative and group working skills
  • awareness of sustainability in the context of Biomedical Science
  • skills to become autonomous learners, equipped with skills required to be adaptable over the course of their career
  • ability to carry out experiments independently and assess the significance of their outcome
  • ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems
  • critical awareness of advances at the forefront of Biomedical Science

Study support

Our comprehensive support services will help you to achieve your full potential – both academically and personally. 

We provide all you need to make the very best of your time with us, and successfully progress through your studies and on into the world of graduate employment. 

Our support services include: 

  • Personal tutors 
  • Disability services 
  • Counselling services 
  • MyBradford student support centres 
  • The Students’ Union 
  • Chaplaincy and faith advisers 
  • An on-campus nursery 
  • Halls wardens 

We have well-stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities across campus. These facilities are open 24 hours a day during term time, meaning you’ll always find a place to get things done on campus. 

Our Academic Skills Advice Service will work with you to develop your academic, interpersonal and transferable skills. 

Research

The programme team are all either researchers or have NHS practitioner experience (one team member combines being an active practitioner with teaching commitments) and therefore research is integral to the teaching on the programme.

Our research expertise covers a range of areas including microbiology, cancer research, skin sciences and cardiovascular disease research. You can find out more about our two main research areas below:

All students undertake a research laboratory project which constitutes one third of the academic credits at level 6. Research is carried out in the workplace, with a supervision team combining a member of clinical staff from the work place with a University member of the teaching and research team.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.