Scientist (Biological Scientist)

Apprentices will develop the broad scientific knowledge, skills and behaviours required for a career in the bioscience industry.  

The programme combines an academic foundation with the development of vocational and key skills in the workplace.

Year 1:

• Microbiology, Cells and Genetics
• Statistics and Comparative Physiology
• Business Management and Workplace Regulations 

Year 2:

• Critical Thinking in the Biosciences and Human Disease
• Microbial, Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Communication and Data Management 

Year 3:

• Applied Molecular Biology
• Bioengineering and Biotechnology
• Infection, Disease and Bioinformatics

Year 4:

• Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology Solutions
• Scientific Research project
• Scientist End Point Assessment

Apprentices will also work on projects, agreed with their employer, that apply what they have learned in their organisation.

The programme is primarily taught through tutor-supported online study, part-time over four years.

Apprentices will attend a two-day induction at the University to help them get to know each other and balance undergraduate study with working full-time. They will also attend a week-long skills bootcamp at our campus in central Manchester once a year, in addition to a two-day mini-skills bootcamp in the first year.

They will complete projects in their workplace, tackling challenges relevant to their employer and applying their learning directly to their organisation and its business context.

A university skills coach and a workplace supervisor undertake regular progress reviews and support apprentices in their work and studies.

All successful graduated will be awarded BSc (Hons) in Bioscience from Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as a Level 6 Scientist Degree Apprenticeship.

Applicants can be existing employees looking to develop their careers or new recruits aiming to get working life off to a flying start.

They must:

• be 18 or older
• have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for funding
• meet programme entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of 104 UCAS points at A-level (grades BCC) or an equivalent (for example, BTEC DMM).

Apprentices aged 16-18 who do not hold Level 2 / GCSE Maths and English Qualifications will be required to complete Functional Skills alongside the apprenticeship.

Apprentices aged 19+ who do not hold or are unable to evidence achievement of Level 2 / GCSE Maths and English Qualifications will be required to undertake an initial assessment to assess their current working level. The outcome of this will be shared with the employer to inform the decision as to whether the apprentice will study Functional Skills alongside the apprenticeship.

There are no additional costs for these qualifications.

Degree apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.

Any business with a payroll below £3 million is eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship programme.

Additional incentives are also available to employers who recruit new apprentices into their business.

Find out more about funding.

If you are an employer

We will support you every step of the way to offer apprenticeships at your organisation, whether you intend to upskill current employees or attract new recruits.

To learn more about the Scientist (Biological Scientist) Degree Apprenticeship, book a discovery call with Amie Langford, our Apprenticeships Development Manager. 

To find out more about how you can partner with us to offer degree apprenticeships within your organisation, fill out our contact form. You can also get in touch by phone on 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday) or by email at [email protected].

If you are an employee

If you are already employed, encourage your employer to contact us to discuss offering an apprenticeship.

You can also find out more about the Scientist (Biological Scientist) Degree Apprenticeship for yourself by booking a discovery call with Amie Langford, our Apprenticeships Development Manager.

If you are a student

Sign up to our Degree Apprenticeship mailing list to get alerts about vacancies and events.

For more information and advice on applying for an apprenticeship, visit our guide.