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Applied Biomedical Science (Distance Learning) (Degree Apprenticeship)

Study level:
Undergraduate

Course summary

If you work in a supporting role in a pathology lab environment and want to register as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), this 3-year, full-time BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree apprenticeship is for you.

You'll build on your existing knowledge of working in a pathology lab, learning more about how diseases behave and how this can be exploited in the lab to diagnose disease and monitor patients.

You'll learn about the main pathological disciplines and the practical approaches used in their investigations. You'll learn how to interpret data effectively, and have the opportunity to apply what you learn straightaway in your role.

You'll study alongside your existing job, and won't need to pay anything towards your course fees.

When you complete the course successfully, you can apply to register as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You'll have a vital, in-demand skill set, opening paths to roles from diagnosing illnesses such as COVID–19 to establishing whether a patient and donor are compatible for transplantation.

What you'll experience
On this Applied Biomedical Science Degree Apprenticeship course, you'll:

  • Learn about the main pathological disciplines, including haematology, blood transfusion, microbiology, clinical biochemistry, histology and immunology

  • Develop your skills in interpreting data in a laboratory context

  • Have the opportunity to apply for membership to the IBMS, opening up a further portfolio of training courses, and the potential for future professional advancement

  • Share your experiences with the wider undergraduate biomedical science community, developing both your independence, and your ability to work in a team

  • Improve your communication skills in scientific and analytical writing, learning how to communicate complex scientific concepts to a broad audience

  • Learn with a university that has been teaching prospective biomedical science practitioners for more than 40 years

  • Continue your full-time job as you study, allowing you to put what you learn in to action in the workplace

  • Have access to the University's student support services and community, including the Library, study support, sports and recreation facilities, and the Students’ Union

  • Get a personal tutor from the University and a workplace mentor, with 12-weekly reviews of your progress with your tutor and mentor

Careers and opportunities
Never has the role of Biomedical Scientists been so prominent and publicly important. Qualification as a Biomedical Scientist gives you the opportunity to make a significant impact on the health of the nation.

Whether it’s testing during a pandemic to enable effective Test, Track and Trace or determining if a patient has active immunity following vaccination, Biomedical Scientists have a significant role to play.

When you graduate, you'll be ready to work in a Band 5 Biomedical Scientist role in areas such as:

Main pathology disciplines, such as haematology, biochemistry, blood transfusion, microbiology, histology or immunology

  • Molecular medicine

  • Genetics

  • Government and professional research

With further training and experience, this qualification allows progression to roles such as:

  • Section leader

  • Laboratory manager

  • Consultant Biomedical Scientist

You'll also be able to continue onto qualification routes such as:

  • Master's

  • PhD

  • Professional Doctorate

  • IBMS professional qualifications

  • The Scientist Training Programme (STP)

Modules

The University of Portsmouth is passionate about creating career-focused modules that do more than support your studies, they empower your academic journey and prepare you for what comes next.

We design modules that have:

• Clear themes and skills development as you progress through each year
• Assessments that feel meaningful, often based on real-world tasks rather than isolated exams
• Career-enhancing opportunities such as placements, live projects, enterprise and volunteering

For a full list of the modules you will study on this course, please visit https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/bsc-hons-applied-biomedical-science-distance-learning-degree-apprenticeship#modules

Assessment method

You'll be assessed through:

written exams
multiple choice assessments
interpretation of case studies
portfolios of work
written evidence sheets
learning contracts
short video documentary productions
proficiency testing
final year research project
IBMS registration portfolio during years 3 and 4
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Biomedical Science, Institute of

How to apply

To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.

Application codes

Institution code:
P80

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

International applicants

This course is available to UK/EU applicants only.

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level

Entrants will typically have completed A-levels or equivalent, including at least one science subject, or the L4 Healthcare Science Associate Apprenticeship. For applicants without relevant Level 3 qualifications, experiential learning will also be considered.

Scottish Higher - Not accepted

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English and mathematics at grade C/4 or above.

Applicants aged 16-18 must have acceptable Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, such as GCSE with grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills. If you do not have acceptable qualifications, you will be required to obtain this. Those aged 19 and over are only subject to these requirements if you or your employer choose for you to study towards English and Maths qualifications, which will be funded. Please note that you may still be required to evidence accepted Level 2 qualifications for the course, as part of academic assessment.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course.
Health checks
Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course.
Interview
All applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment.
Portfolio
All applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment.
Other
All applicants will be required to complete a Skills Gap Analysis before completing an application form.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

University of Portsmouth offers are based on a holistic assessment of students' potential including exam results, work experience and personal circumstances. The University aims to foster social mobility and equality of opportunity, particularly for those facing social challenges.
For creative subjects, portfolios and interviews allow applicants to showcase their talent and passion. We recognise locality, personal circumstances and creativity which could lead to a reduced or unconditional offer.

Learn more on the University of Portsmouth website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The course fee is shared between the Government and some employers, meaning no cost to you as the degree apprentice.

Please see http://www.port.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships/ for further information.

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