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LEARNING AT NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY LONDON

Engage with the world, from the vantage point of a culturally diverse global city.

Scientist (Biological Scientist)

Build a digitally empowered and future-ready life sciences workforce with Northeastern University London’s cutting-edge Biological Scientist Degree apprenticeship. 

With an innovative curriculum that blends a strong foundation in biological science with data literacy, coding proficiency, project management, and stakeholder engagement, this degree apprenticeship provides a pathway for upskilling employees, recruiting new talent and increasing staff retention. 

Apprentices benefit from real-world case studies, with assessment formats that are relevant to workplace settings. 

Award:

BSc (Hons) Scientist (Biological Scientist) 

Duration:

36-39 months 

Location:

Distance learning with in-person training typically 1 week per year in London 

Apprenticeship Standard:

Scientist 1.1 ST0626 

Technician Scientist 1.1 ST0597 

Relevant QAA Benchmark Statement:

Biosciences (March 2023) 

QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level:

Honours Level 6

Exit Awards:

CertHE Scientist (Biological Scientist), 
DipHE Scientist (Biological Scientist) 

Programme Code:

LBSSBS – A  

LCHESBS – A 

LDHESBS – A 

Start date:

October, January, April

Language of instruction:

English

Language of assessment:

English

Mode of study:

Part-time blended learning; work related learning

End Point Assessment:

Integrated

Programme Specification:

Click here

 

 

Who is this apprenticeship for?

Apprenticeships extend learning beyond the classroom and into the workplace. They integrate academic learning at degree level with on-the-job practical training to provide a holistic programme of education and training to meet the skills needs of employers now and in the future. 

This programme is suited to individuals who are working in a bioscience role that involves designing, executing and analysing the results of scientific investigations (likely based in either laboratory, research or field environments). Typically based in industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or environmental science, these employees are ready to deepen their scientific understanding while developing digital, analytical and professional skills. The programme supports their progression into more specialist or senior roles, adding value to both the individual and their organisation. 

Our apprenticeship is suitable for new graduates, up-skilling and re-skilling existing employees, and more experienced learners. 

Our commitment to lifelong learning, pastoral support and to providing routes into digital careers for underrepresented groups provide an excellent opportunity for employers to build teams with a diversity of thought and experience – a critical factor in innovative thinking within teams. 

Programme Overview

The BSc (Hons) Scientist (Biological Scientist) degree apprenticeship programme is an innovative programme that bridges the gap between academic study and professional practice. Combining academic learning with on-the-job training, learners gain the in-depth knowledge and practical skills required to make significant contributions to scientific research.

The programme is designed to produce well-rounded biological scientists. In addition to a thorough grounding in the theory, principles and methods that underlie biological science, the programme equips learners with data science literacy, coding competency, project management skills and the ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders, including subject experts and those from other sectors. It will develop professional practice, contextualised in the workplace using industry standard approaches and technologies that are shaped by modern organisations. 

The learner must be in employment, or be sponsored by an employer, with workplace duties aligned to the appropriate apprenticeship standard: Learners whose job role aligns to the Level 6 Scientist apprenticeship will study for a full Bachelor’s degree (stage 1-3), whilst learners whose job role aligns to the Level 5 Technician Scientist apprenticeship will study for a DipHE (stage 1-2). Both streams will follow the same programme at stages 1 and 2. 

Nearly every employer that takes on an apprentice (96%) reports benefits to their business, and as part of a Northeastern University London apprenticeship every apprentice will learn from colleagues and achieve competence through their day-to-day activities. Every apprentice must spend dedicated time within their typical working week on off-the-job learning, with the amount corresponding to each specific standard.

Each course is assessed by a range of activities aligned to industry norms. The content, and consequently the learning outcomes and methods of assessment, vary between courses. Where possible, assessments will be undertaken in the workplace.  

Approach to Learning

Apprenticeships provide employees with degree-level learning opportunities that support career advancement and deliver tangible benefits to their organisations. The integration of academic study with practical and theoretical experiences in the workplace develops the specialist knowledge, skills, and behaviours essential for progression into advanced professional roles. 

Built with an employer group, this programme ensures that apprentices are productive at work as soon as possible, encouraging them to apply their newly gained knowledge, skills, and behaviours directly to real-world tasks and responsibilities. .

Learners will mainly study asynchronously (online) through our virtual learning platform, so that they can arrange their study around the needs of their workplace, with one week of in-person block sessions on campus. This off-the-job learning accounts for each individual’s prior knowledge, skills, and experience and is delivered flexibly, blending block sessions, online courses, assignments, and project work. Northeastern University London’s expertise is in modular, stackable learning. This flexible approach is part of Northeastern University London’s programme design and delivery DNA. 

The programme also provides in-person opportunities that require attendance on campus: there are two five-day ‘bootcamps’ (one in year 1 and one in year 2) that promote collaboration through shared hands-on learning. There is also an annual one-day student conference that unites all cohorts in order to foster connections within our apprenticeship community. 

In addition to tailored on and off-the-job learning, Northeastern University London apprenticeships also focus on personal development. The curriculum extends beyond academic, technical and vocational learning, providing opportunities for apprentices to broaden their development, discover talents and interests, and further enhance their basic skills, including maths and English. The apprenticeships have a culture of safeguarding learners and preparing individuals for life in modern Britain.