Biomedical Science Practice BSc (Hons)

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This Biomedical Science apprenticeship will give you knowledge, understanding, and intellectual skills while gaining valuable on-the-job experience as a biomedical scientist in a healthcare setting.

Overview

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Practice delivers the learning outcomes and content specified by the Level 6 apprenticeship standard and the QAA benchmark for Biomedical Science. The apprenticeship is delivered predominantly online, with learners only attending campus at the end of each semester for up to a week of laboratory workshops and examinations.

Delivery is over a maximum of three years, with each stage taking one year to complete. Applicants who have completed the Level 4 Healthcare Science Associate Diploma at the University can start at stage 2. Assessment of any previous learning is actively encouraged. The cohort is open to applicants employed in an IBMS-approved training pathology laboratory in England.

We offer a single apprenticeship in Biomedical Science Practice, encompassing all major biomedical disciplines (microbiology, immunology, virology, biochemistry, haematology, transfusion, cellular pathology, and genetics).

Expertise is drawn from academic staff who are research-active and experienced NHS biomedical scientists, which ensures the professional currency of the apprenticeship and links the taught knowledge, technical experience, and clinical focus with current practice.

Why us?

This is an apprenticeship for Biomedical Science apprentice learners, who will gain knowledge, understanding, and intellectual skills as well as valuable on-the-job experience as a biomedical scientist in a healthcare setting
The apprenticeship is taught by experienced NHS biomedical scientists and researchers
The University of Sunderland's apprenticeship provision has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted (July 2024)

Flexible delivery with learners being able to access the learning materials/lectures online at a time that benefits the learner and employer, fitting with service delivery needs
The University of Sunderland is 1st in the North East for how well our courses develop the knowledge and skills needed for the future. (National Student Survey, 2024)

Course structure

The apprenticeship degree integrates traditional lectures, interactive laboratory and simulation practical's, computing sessions and seminars and workshops, including verbal presentations and posters, group work, case-based learning, directed learning, research project supervision.

The apprentice will be assessed using a combination of formative and summative assignments throughout the degree and the apprenticeship. The learner is required to complete the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) registration portfolio to enable them to be eligible to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration to practice as a Biomedical Scientist, whilst also preparing learners for undertaking mandatory continuous professional development (CPD) by collating a professional (CPD) portfolio through all stages of learning.

The EPA starts with the examination board and finishes when the Approved Education Provider submits the required documentation to HCPC. The apprentice is not required to carry out any additional assessments. Once passed, the learner can separately apply for HCPC registration.

Course modules

Life Sciences

Year 1:

Fundamental Skills in Biomedicine (20 credits)
Human Physiology (20 credits)
Molecular and Cellular Biology (20 credits)
Microbes and Host Defences (20 credits)
Chemistry for the Biosciences (20 credits)
Clinical & Professional Practice for Healthcare Science (20 credits)

Year 2:

Research and Analytical Skills for Bioscience (20 credits)
Biomedical Science Apprenticeship Workbased Training (20 credits)
Pathophysiology & Therapeutics
Blood Science
Molecular & Cellular Analysis
Infection & Immunity

Year 3:

Biomedical Science Apprenticeship Advanced Workbased Training (30 credits)
Healthcare Science Research Project (30 credits)
End Point Assessment for Apprenticeship

A combination of core and optional modules depending on discipline:

Clinical Biochemistry (20 credits)
Clinical Immunology (20 credits)
Haematology & Transfusion Science (20 credits)
Medical Microbiology (20 credits)
Cellular Pathology (20 credits)
Human Genetics & Genomics (20 credits)

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Facilities

This course is based in The John Dawson Sciences Complex at our City Campus, which boasts excellent facilities and cutting-edge equipment thanks to multi-million-pound investments.

Our Clinical Skills Suite is equipped with a range of clinical equipment for training health professionals. The cutting-edge equipment is backed up with excellent IT facilities and helpful IT support staff.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

Admission is subject to the learner being employed by an organisation and remaining in employment with an organisation throughout the duration of the programme. The employer must confirm participants comply with apprentice eligibility criteria.

We would require successful completion of an Access to Higher Education course that is accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency. We would also require a minimum of grade C in GCSE in Mathematics and English Language or the equivalent as part of your course.

If English is your second language, we require a minimum of IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 6.0 in each element.

There are different options for the employer to fund the costs of higher and degree apprenticeships, which may include government levies already paid for by the employer or specific funding opportunities which may be available. To search for apprenticeships offered by employers in your area go to: gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Fees and finance

Larger organisations can use their apprenticeship levy and government top-up to pay tuition and professional fees of higher apprenticeships. For smaller employers, the government pays 95%, with the remainder co-invested by the business.

For a discussion around your specific requirements please call 0191 515 3361 or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Students graduating at the Stadium of Light

Career ready

Completion of the degree apprenticeship will enable learners to be eligible for professional registration and suitability for employment as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS). Learners will complete the IBMS registration portfolio as part of the EPA to enable eligibility to apply to be on the HCPC register.

End-point Assessment (EPA)

Since this programme is approved by a statutory regulator, the EPA for this programme has been integrated with the assessment requirements as outlined by the IBMS and HCPC, which include completion and passing of the academic programme and completion and passing the verification of the IBMS training registration portfolio.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the following bodies:

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

Meet the students

The most enjoyable part of my apprenticeship was working with colleagues from other departments

Rob Armstrong

Related courses

Healthcare Science Practice

Contact

The apprentice will be full time all requirements of the ESFA in the apprenticeship standards for entry and off the job learning (OJL) time will be met.

Contact the Corporate and Professional Education team for further information about applying for this course: 0191 515 3361 / cape@sunderland.ac.uk

Page last updated: 28 November 2024

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.