Overview
If you work in a supporting role in a pathology laboratory (which holds Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) pre-registration training approval) and aspire to have a career as a registered Biomedical Scientist, this BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (Apprenticeship) course is for you.
You will study alongside your current job and will be introduced to normal life and disease processes, plus the methods used in disease diagnosis and the development of appropriate therapeutic intervention strategies with improved patient care.
You will choose one of the four specialist pathways:
- Blood Sciences
- Cellular Sciences
- Genomic Sciences
- Infection Sciences
You will be qualified to apply for registration as a biomedical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) if you successfully complete the course. You'll have a crucial in-demand skill set, paving the way for jobs ranging from determining whether a patient and donor are compatible for transplantation to identifying diseases such as COVID-19.
You will:
- Learn about the main pathological disciplines and choose to specialise in blood, cellular, genomic or infection sciences.
- Develop practical, intellectual, and transferable skills qualifying you to interpret data in a laboratory context.
- Enhance your communication skills in writing a scientific analytical report and deliver clinical scientific concepts to a broad audience.
- Earn a BSc (Hons) degree while working, with the government and your employer covering your tuition fees.
The full apprenticeship standard and assessment plan can be found on the IfA website.
Apprenticeship Employment Guidelines
Apprenticeship Evidence Pack Guidance
Why Biomedical Science at LSBU?
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- We are ranked joint 1st in the UK for Research Intensity in Biological Sciences (Complete University Guide 2021) and third in London among our modern competitors for Biological Sciences (Complete University Guide 2021)
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- Top 20 in the UK for overall satisfaction in Biosciences (National Student Survey 2020
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- Our mix of clinical settings and industry-grade laboratories offer you state-of-the-art space and the latest equipment for analysis and research.
Develop a broad range of skills to provide the widest career options in the field of biosciences.
| ModePart-time | Duration4 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code5846 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides.
Walk or bicycle
The University is in easy walking distance of underground and leading overground stations. We are only 20 minutes away from the Thames. We encourage walking and cycling and have bicycle racks on campus. Please check the Transport for London cycling website for London cycling maps and route planners.
By bus
LSBU is very well connected, and a large number of buses travel to and connect in the Elephant and Castle area from across London.
By train or tube
The Bakerloo and Northern lines stop at Elephant & Castle underground station, which is right next to campus. The closest rail stations are Elephant & Castle, London Waterloo and London Bridge. To plan your train journey, visit the National Rail website.
By car
London South Bank University does not provide public parking space. There is a limited amount of parking in the area, so we strongly advise using public transport.
Do consider the Congestion Charge if you are driving through London to reach the campus. Find out if you'll be crossing the Congestion Charge zone to reach our Southwark Campus.
TfL journey planner
You can travel to Southwark Campus by using public transport, plan your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
Entry Level Requirements
- Applicants must be currently full-time employed in a suitable role that offers an opportunity to develop the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours as stated by the Apprenticeship Standard in an IBMS-approved training laboratory either in NHS or private sector and have the complete support of their employer to participate in this programme.
- Apprentices can only apply through their sponsoring employer (not by themselves without employer knowledge).
- The minimum entry requirements for the course will be 104 UCAS points from a combination of "A" levels, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry at A2 with a minimum grade B OR other equivalent vocational qualifications (BTEC and level 3 apprenticeship) in the relevant subject area
- Applicants must hold Mathematics and English grade C (level 4) or above at GCSE.
The University welcomes applications from all potential students, and the most essential factor in deciding whether to give a place is our judgement of a candidate's potential to profit from their studies and their capacity to thrive on this programme. Applications will be evaluated based on a combination of formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
There will be some flexibility, and applications from apprentices with considerable relevant work experience but who do not satisfy the standard entry requirements will be considered. Prior to receiving an offer, these applicants may be required to take an admission assessment.
Prior to enrolling in the apprenticeship degree, an apprentice who has recently studied a syllabus as part of a previous qualification will be able to have their qualification examined by the course team to determine whether credit can be provided for any modules studied. This may imply that a student is not required to complete a specific unit of the Applied Biomedical Science degree. Such knowledge and skills should be commensurate with those identified in the Policy and Procedures for the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), of London South Bank University APEL, and in the guidelines on levels and learning outcomes produced by the Southeast of England Consortium for Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SEET / CAT, May 1996, SEEC Credit Level Descriptors for HE, 2010; LSBU Assessment and Examination procedure 2021-2022). The previously studied modules must fulfil the required knowledge, skills and behaviours as stated in the apprenticeship standards.
LSBU welcome applications from disabled apprentices, who will be evaluated on the same academic criteria as all other applicants. Applicants with disabilities may choose to contact the programme lead before applying.
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Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
Funding
The cost of the apprenticeship is paid fully by the employer (sometimes part funded by the government) through apprenticeship levy. The apprenticeship levy is a pot of money some companies pay into, which all businesses have access to spend on the training costs of apprenticeships. Companies fall into two categories: levy-payers (who pay into the pot) and non-levy payers (who do not). You can find out more in our Levy and Funding section, specifically for employers
The apprentice does not contribute toward the cost of study.
Bands
Apprenticeship standards are all assigned a funding band by the Government – these funding bands are the maximum amount the Government will fund via the levy towards a given apprenticeship standard. There are currently 30 funding bands ranging from £1,000 to £27,000.
Incentives
Employers with less than 50 staff sending an apprentice aged 16-18 will have 100% of the training costs paid by the government. All employers who employ an apprentice aged 16-18 on the first day of teaching will receive a £1,000 incentive from the government. You can find out more in our Levy and Funding section, specifically for employers.
Cost
You can find out the funding band for an Apprenticeship Standard on the Government website. To find out how much we are charging, please get in touch with us at apprenticeships@lsbu.ac.uk
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Part-time | Duration 4 years | Start date September | Application code 5846 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
An Apprenticeship Standard is comprised of a programme of study, an End Point Assessment and on-the-job learning. This means that in addition to meeting academic requirements, you’ll need to be employed in a role related to your apprenticeship. The process of applying depends on whether you have an employer to sponsor (and support) you.
If you are employed and your employer has confirmed they will support your apprenticeship:
You are welcome to submit an application via our application system. You’ll need to provide details of your employment/employer as part of the application. You’ll also need to ensure you and your employer meet the requirements – find out who can be an apprentice to see if you meet the entry requirements and employer commitments to find out more about your employer’s role.
If you are not employed:
- You will need to find a job role related to the apprenticeship you wish to apply for, with an employer who is happy to support you. If you would like to find an employer to support your apprenticeship with LSBU, you can search which employers are currently advertising Apprenticeships via the National Apprenticeship Service website searching for ‘London South Bank University’ as keywords.
- If there are no search results, this means there are currently no vacancies. We update our vacancies regularly, so please do check back regularly.
- Many employers advertise their apprenticeship vacancies on their websites or via other portals. You could search for ‘find an apprenticeship’ online.
- When you’re ready to apply, see the government's advice on how to write a winning apprenticeship application and make your application.
Further information for apprentices
If you’re a prospective apprentice, you can find out more about who can be an apprentice on our student pages.
Further information for employers
If you’re an employer, you can find information about the employer commitments and further related information on the related pages for business.
See our admissions policy 1.0 MB and complaints policy 516.0 KB.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
There are steps the apprentices, the employer and the University need to complete before you start your course. Take a look at the steps to be completed in the Enrolment section. Employers may also like to look at our steps to offering an apprenticeship.
All students in the course will study 15 core (common) modules and two specialised career choice modules depending on their chosen specialism (Blood Sciences, Cellular Sciences or Genomic Sciences). Therefore, all learning outcomes will be achieved in the core modules with more emphasis on these in the two chosen specialised modules. The majority of learning outcomes are developed through directed study, which includes directed reading of appropriate books and the creation of assessed work. The extensive work-based training enables further development of all learning objectives. Students are given relevant exercises as small group tasks to help them learn more effectively by collaborating on strategies. Through workplace learning models and work placement, there is also the potential for collaborative learning with healthcare professionals on-site.
Over the course of three trimesters each year, you will be required to attend university for the equivalent of about one day and apprentices will also be expected to do a considerable amount of extra learning online. The university and the employer collaborate closely to:
1. make sure that the knowledge you acquire while pursuing your degree is successfully applied in the workplace
2. ensure that you have provided appropriate evidence of the standards and behaviours necessary to satisfy the professional competences outlined in the apprenticeship standard.
Modular structure of the apprenticeship:
Year | FHEQ level | Module title | Type (Core/Career Choice) | Credits | Semester (S) |
1 | 4 | Biochemistry | Core | 20 | 1 |
This module will cover key chemical principles and related terminology in Biology through understanding of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. It will examine the structure, types, functions, synthesis (anabolism), degradation (catabolism) and regulation of these biomolecules. | |||||
1 | 4 | Molecular and Cellular Biology | Core | 20 | 1,2 |
This module provides a foundation for further studies in all areas of biomedical science. It will explore the structures and functions of DNA, RNA, proteins, and human genes, up to chromosome level. The cellular and tissue organisation of living organisms is introduced, as well as the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and the developmental stages in human body. | |||||
1 | 4 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | Core | 20 | 2,3 |
This module will develop student knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. It will explore the structure, function, neurological and hormonal control of the human body and its component parts. | |||||
1 | 4 | Work-based learning and Professional Practice 1 for Biomedical Scientists | Core | 20 | 1,2,3 |
This module provides an opportunity for development of a professional portfolio where apprentices will translate the knowledge gained through their studies into real-life practice by undertaking work-based tasks. By seeing healthcare provision in laboratories, apprentices will be able to identify professional areas to explore in their own workplace. | |||||
2 | 4 | Microbiology | Core | 20 | 1 |
This module introduces the students to the structure, physiology and biochemistry of microbial organisms including protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. Identification and classification of microorganisms, and importance of normal flora in the body and infection control will be discussed. | |||||
2 | 4 | Genetics | Core | 20 | 1,2 |
This module will introduce the fundamentals of human molecular genetics. Principles and modes of gene inheritance in human, and evolution will be discussed. The basics of genetic variation in human will be extended to understand population genetics and genetic diseases. | |||||
2 | 5 | Haematology and Immunology | Core | 20 | 2 |
This module will compare the elements that constitute blood in normal and diseased states. It will review the structure, function and production of blood and immune system components and regulation of normal haemostasis, and innate and acquired immunity. | |||||
2 | 5 | Clinical and Analytical Biochemistry | Core | 20 | 2,3 |
This module will cover the principles and clinical applications of Clinical and Analytical Biochemistry. The module will explore investigations into the functionality and dysfunctionality of human systems by measuring biochemical markers in different sample types using appropriate analytical techniques. | |||||
2 | 5 | Cellular Pathology and Imaging | Core | 20 | 3 |
This module is intended to develop students’ understanding and skills in microscopic examination of normal and abnormal cells (cytopathology) and tissues (histopathology) for indicators of disease. It will also provide knowledge about principles and methodologies of different microscopic imaging techniques, including light and electron microscopy, as well as fluorescent and confocal microscopy. | |||||
3 | 5 | Medical Microbiology | Core | 20 | 1 |
This module will Introduce students to pathogenic microorganisms including bacterial, viral, fungal, and eukaryotic microorganisms (protists). The module will investigate host/microbe interactions in health and disease and human diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as diseases of the respiratory system, urinogenital system, gastrointestinal tract and at skin, wounds, and blood brain infections. | |||||
3 | 5 | Research skills for Biomedical Scientists | Core | 20 | 1,2 |
This module is intended to develop students’ understanding of research skills, data analysis and management of high volumes of biomedical and bioinformatics data using computational and statistical methods. The students will gain practical experience in developing a research proposal. | |||||
3 | 5 | Work-based learning and Professional Practice 2 for Biomedical Scientists | Core | 20 | 1,2,3 |
This module provides an opportunity for the development of a professional portfolio through understanding of healthcare delivery within the NHS, better understanding the role of healthcare science professionals and developing understanding of research in healthcare science. The module will provide knowledge about main research principles, methodologies for data collection and analysis, practical experience in developing a research proposal and analysing data with proper statistics. | |||||
3 | 6 | Clinical OMICS and Precision Medicine | Core | 20 | 2,3 |
This module will cover Genomics and other OMICS, and their applications in precision medicine, and it covers the topics required in clinical genetics by IBMS for accreditation. | |||||
4 | 6 | Research Project for Biomedical Science | Core | 40 | 1,2 |
This module is intended to develop the competencies and skill sets needed to undertake independent scientific research including research design, methodology, planning and execution of hypothesis-based research and scientific writing. | |||||
4 | 6 | Work-based learning and Professional Practice 3 for Biomedical Scientists | Core | 20 | 1,2,3 |
This module allows apprentices to complete the final creation of their professional portfolio and EPA e-portfolio by applying what they have learned in class to real-world situations through work-based learning. Apprentices will get a greater grasp of how healthcare is delivered in the NHS and the role of healthcare science professionals, particularly healthcare science practitioners. | |||||
4 | 6 | Clinical Haematology and Transfusion Science | Career Choice 1 (Blood Sciences) | 20 | 1 |
This module provides students with an understanding of the function and structure of blood components, and how they are studied in a typical hospital laboratory (Haematology), as well as Transfusion Science tools and procedures, and their significance in clinical practise. | |||||
4 | 6 | Diagnostics in Biochemistry and Immunology | Career Choice 1 (Blood Sciences) | 20 | 2,3 |
The module will provide students with detailed clinical aspects of the major biochemical pathways in biological systems, health, and disease, as well as how these principles are used in diagnostics. | |||||
4 | 6 | Clinical Cytopathology | Career Choice 2 (Cellular Sciences) | 20 | 1 |
This module provides students with detailed clinical cellular pathology and molecular pathology topics. Students will learn the principles and procedures for a wide range of laboratory techniques used in cytology. | |||||
4 | 6 | Diagnostics in Histopathology and Reproductive Science | Career Choice 2 (Cellular Sciences) | 20 | 2,3 |
This module is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of current technical practise in the context of service delivery to pathologists for diagnostic practise. The module will also help students gain a better understanding of reproductive science and how advanced techniques are used to diagnose and treat certain related conditions. | |||||
4 | 6 | Medical Genetics | Career Choice 3 (Genomic Sciences) | 20 | 1 |
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of how and why genetics is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, as well as the function of genetics in clarifying biological processes. | |||||
4 | 6 | Diagnostics in Genetics | Career Choice 3 (Genomic Sciences) | 20 | 2,3 |
This module provides information and assistance to help students gain a thorough concept of and expertise in clinical genetics theory and applications. It discusses how the NHS in the United Kingdom is now approaching clinical genetics and looks at how cutting-edge research in this field could affect human health and disease treatment including pharmacogenetics and personalised medicine. | |||||
4 | 6 | Infectious Diseases: Pathogenesis, Treatment and Management | Career Choice 4 (Infection Sciences) | 20 | 1 |
This module entails a thorough examination of infectious disease concepts ranging from infection to cure. The module also reflects the NHS's current Infections and Molecular Science departments. The module will primarily cover emerging and re-emerging bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens with clinical relevance. | |||||
4 | 6 | Diagnostics in Infection Science | Career Choice 4 (Infection Sciences) | 20 | 2,3 |
The module focuses on microorganisms and their general, diagnostic, and therapeutic characteristics, as well as classical and molecular diagnostic methodologies and new therapeutic approaches. Particular attention is paid to infections for which a vaccine has been developed or experimental activities are underway. | |||||
Facilities
As a student here you'll learn to solve real-life problems by integrating fundamental knowledge with the practical and social dimensions of science. We have invested heavily in new equipment so that our mix of multi-purpose and specialist laboratories offers you the space and latest equipment for analysis and research.
You'll have the opportunity to use all the instrumentation you would expect to find in a modern analytical laboratory as well as equipped food laboratories, with facilities for product development and testing.
Find out more about our facilities.
Careers
The BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (Apprenticeship) is an undergraduate Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) that allows apprentices to pursue one of four career choices in Biomedical Science (Life Sciences): Blood Sciences, Cellular Sciences, Genomic Sciences, and Infection Sciences. This degree apprenticeship includes IBMS and HCPC registration portfolios which prepare apprentices to become HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists working in clinical biochemistry, immunology, haematology, microbiology, infectious diseases, and human genomic projects. Graduates of this course are eligible to progress through a clear progression pathway to higher programmes, i.e., graduate-entry NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) and Higher Specialist Scientist Training. However, graduates are not immediately eligible to become a clinical scientist and would need to complete the graduate-entry NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP), or work as a Biomedical Scientist, gain experience, qualifications and then apply for equivalence from the Academy of Healthcare Science or gain an IBMS certificate of attainment.
Moreover, following a BSc degree in Biomedical Science, graduates may be able to apply for graduate entry medicine or enroll in physician associate studies. Students can also enroll in PhD studies and choose research as their career pathway. All these jobs generally have a specific career structure in place and provide good opportunities for career progression to senior and specific roles.
All Healthcare Science (HCS) Practitioners (HCSPs) are eligible for registration on the Academy for HCS accredited register (which is the HCS register recognised and supported by Health Education England [HEE]). Completion of the apprenticeship in the Life Sciences Division also confers eligibility to apply for statutory regulation with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist.
Teaching and Assessment
The learning and teaching strategy considers the program's learning outcomes, progression through study stages, the nature of the topic covered, and the necessity for students to demonstrate increased autonomy in learning as they progress through the programme. The learning and teaching plan adopts a blended learning approach where formal online lectures (synchronous) will help students gain information, understanding, and discipline-specific abilities. In addition, students will be able to improve their comprehension of specific topics through on-site laboratory sessions held in combination with the theoretical components. These will also aid in the development of discipline-specific abilities as well as personal transferable skills. Tutorials, workshops, and case studies will help students gain knowledge and understanding, as well as discipline specific and personal transferable abilities.
A schedule of personal tutoring monitors student progress especially during the first year. The details of this and the action taken by the student to address any weaknesses will be recorded.
Digitally Enhanced Learning will be incorporated into the teaching and learning (T&L) strategy to develop and support learning. Examples will include the University VLE (Moodle), Panopto lecture capture and on-line formative assessment platforms, discussion groups and remote tutorial support.
Students will be expected to engage in independent learning as outlined in each of the module descriptor documents which will be made available on the Moodle sites. Where appropriate this learning will be guided by staff via tasks set in class and on the VLE.
A wide range of subject-related resources are available within the LSBU Library. These reflect a typical academic repository that includes access to textbooks, licensed E-journal subscriptions, scientific databases, interactive e-learning platforms, and multimedia. Moreover, students have access to site-licensed software and assistive technologies to support their learning (if registered for Disability and/or specific learning difficulties).
The assessment strategy is designed to allow students to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes relevant to each module at the level of study as well as programme learning outcomes. These learning outcomes adhere to the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and School of Applied Sciences (APS). At level 4, students will be tested on their breadth of knowledge mostly through MCQ and short answer questions. Students will obtain experience in report writing, data processing and interpretation through coursework tasks. Through progression to level 5 and 6, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate increasing skills in analysis, synthesis, and criticism through a variety of assessment strategies, such as written and oral examinations, report writing group work, essays, including a dissertation/piece of independent study writing, oral presentations, case studies, and the project report. The project report gives a significant chance to demonstrate autonomy in data handling and critical interpretation in a research context. Professional competencies of students will be evaluated primarily in the workplace through work-based learning modules.
The course will use a blend of formative and summative assessment, as well as self- and peer assessment. Formative assessment will provide structured feedback to support students in the summative task, therefore scaffolding the approach to assessment and ensuring appropriate development of critical thinking, academic writing, practical and technical comprehension, and creativity.
A memorandum of understanding will describe the obligations and accountability for reaching the outcomes, as well as the tutors' help and direction. To proceed between stages and be eligible for a BSc, all modules must be passed with a grade of 40% or above (Hons). Students will be allowed to retake the next available opportunity based on the credit attempted at each Board of Examiners. When students do not have a complete profile of marks, a decision will be taken case by case.
Registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist will require successful completion of the degree together with IBMS registration portfolio and the End-Point Assessment (EPA). Apprentices must utilise all their learning and skills acquired during the apprenticeship in order to pass the Apprenticeship Standard for the HCSP higher degree apprenticeship and HCPC standards.
Successful completion of EPA is mandatory to complete the apprenticeship programme and is required to obtain the BSc (Hons) degree. LSBU has been registered as EPA organisation (EPAO) for level 6-degree healthcare Science Apprenticeship.