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This is a practical, work-based course designed in partnership with businesses across London and co-developed with London South Bank University.

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You will be taught in a realistic work environment with access to industry-driven laboratories and digital learning spaces and get to perform experiments with real-world applications, using industry-standard equipment, and be taught how to scientifically analyse your results.

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You can visit local projects and workplaces as part of your course as well as benefit from wider services and support at London South Bank University.

Overview

Explore. Experiment. Progress.

What food is good for you? Why is blood red? How is disease transmitted? How do animals reproduce? What molecules are in your food? How does the environment work? If you are asking questions like this and have a keen interest in biology, this course could be just for you.

This one-year Higher National Certificate, Level 4 qualification in Biology is an advanced, technical qualification delivered in a supportive Technical College environment with contemporary facilities.

It provides practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers in a modern science industry; it prepares you for employment at technician or professional level in research and industrial laboratories, including NHS laboratories.

Gaining this industry-led qualification not only provides you with a direct route to Higher Education, including direct entry to some local university’s second year Bachelor of Science degrees, but also equips you with the specialised scientific knowledge and skills needed to fast-track your career progression in Biology and related disciplines such as health sciences.

Please note: this course is subject to final awarding body approval and validation. Please apply as normal. For more information contact Lambeth College.

Course Content

What will I learn?

The course will build sector-wide knowledge tied to practical skills in evidence-based practice, personal research, self-study, directed study and workplace learning and experience.

You will develop your understanding of key concepts, principles, and practices in biology, alongside developing your independent, critical thinking skills through a mixture of group and individual work. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the analytical skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress your career or study in biologically based industries.

  • Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
  • Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
  • Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences
  • Cell Biology
  • Fundamentals of Chemistry
  • Anatomy and Human Physiology
  • Fundamentals of Biochemistry
  • Microbiological Techniques
* Modules are subject to review and change throughout the year.

Teaching and Assessment

How will I learn?

Assessment is continuous throughout the course, with a combination of written assignments, external examination, practical tasks (both in the laboratory and in the field), presentations, time constraint assignments.

The assessment is criterion-referenced, and all units will be individually graded as ‘pass,’ ‘merit’ or ‘distinction.’

Both oral and written feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

Careers

What’s in it for me?

Employability Service

You will develop your understanding of key concepts, principles, and practices in biology, alongside developing your independent, critical thinking skills through a mixture of group and individual work. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the analytical skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress your career or study in biologically based industries.

After successfully passing the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences, you may wish to consider progressing a Higher National Diploma in Applied Biology or alternative courses at university. You may also consider one of London South Bank University’s degree courses (additional qualifications may be required).

LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:

  • AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
  • Gamification Interviews - Get ready to pass those interviews with unlimited training access to our gamification interviews and psychometric tests!
  • Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.

We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.

Find out more

Entry Level Requirements

The entry requirements below are for 2027 entry. Want to start your course this September? Call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

    You will need the following:

  • 5 GCSE qualifications at grade A*-C or 9-4 (to include Maths and English and science related subjects), and
  • A Levels CC, in science related subjects (64 UCAS points) or,
  • BTEC Extended National Diploma MPP or,
  • Access to HE Diploma 48 credits or,
  • Level 3 Apprenticeship in related subject or,
  • Equivalent level 3 qualification (64 UCAS points)
  • If you do not meet the entry criteria above, we also review any previous skills, knowledge or experience you have gained outside of your education and are happy to talk through any extenuating circumstances you feel relevant.

    If English is your second language and you have not undertaken your final two years of schooling in English, you must demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent.

    Visit UCAS for guidance on the tariff.

Choose your country

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Angola
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belgium
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominican Republic
  • Egypt
  • Estonia
  • Ethiopia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Gambia
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kuwait
  • Latvia
  • Lebanon
  • Libya
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Mongolia
  • Morocco
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Russian Federation
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Turkiye
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States of America
  • Uzbekistan
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Need further information?

Call us on 0800 923 8888 to discuss entry requirements.

More contact info

Apply

Course delivery modes and application methods

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
Full-time 1 year September 5820 Apply now

International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

How to apply

International students

International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.

Accommodation

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. You’ll also be invited to our Applicant Taster Day so keep your eyes peeled!
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.

Fees

United Kingdom

£7500

Tuition fees for home students

International

£N/A

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

full-time

Full-time Year 1 - All Available Courses

Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences (LSB Technical College) (FT) - Year 1 FT External SEPT (Biology) (LSB Technical College)
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £7500 International fee: £
AOS/LSBU code: 5820 Session code: 1FX02
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £7500
International: £N/A

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 630 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees to reflect increased costs of delivery and to maintain an a high-quality student experience. This increase would be no more than Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increases plus 5%.

Contact information

International team enquiry