Overview
Is this the course for you?
Chemistry is all around you, from the fibres that wick away moisture in your clothing to the purified water in your bottle, chemistry can be found in nearly every part of our modern life. It is fundamental to understanding the natural world and brings together the other science disciplines. Chemistry is an exciting and rewarding career path to go down, with many different routes and areas of specialisation. Highly skilled, well-trained, and qualified Chemists and Technicians are constantly sought-after by employers around the globe.
This one-year Level 4 qualification in Chemistry is an advanced, technical qualification co-developed with London South Bank University (LSBU), Pearson and employers, delivered in a supportive Technical College environment with contemporary facilities.
Gaining this industry-led qualification not only provides you with a direct route to Higher Education, including direct entry to selected second year Chemistry and other Bachelor of Science degrees at London South Bank University (LSBU), but also equips you with the specialised scientific knowledge and skills needed to fast-track your career progression in chemistry and related disciplines.
What makes LSBTC so unique?
Based at our revolutionary brand-new London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) in Nine Elms in London’s buzzing Zone 1, a stimulating vocational and technical curriculum will be delivered in state of the art facilities and learning spaces.
Bringing together students, apprentices, employers, industry experts and teachers, this new technical college offers work-based education for students, designed in partnership with businesses across London. You will be taught in a realistic work environment with access to industry-driven laboratories and digital learning spaces. It is hands-on learning, where other students become your co-workers on team-based projects.
In state of art laboratories, you will get to perform experiments with real-world applications, using industry-standard equipment, and be taught how to scientifically analyse your results. 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 chemistry and other scientific disciplines.
Visits to local projects and workplaces are integrated within the course, and students will be able to access some of London South Bank University’s facilities and benefit from studying in small groups in a supportive college environment.
Please note: this course is subject to final awarding body approval and validation. Please apply as normal. For more information contact Lambeth College.
| ModeFull-time | Duration1 year | Start dateSeptember | Application code5829 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time | Duration2 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code5830 | 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
What do you need to apply?
- 5 GCSE qualifications at grade A*-C or 9-4 (to include Maths and English)
and
- 2 A-Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant science subject
or
Relevant Level 3 vocational qualification in a science-based discipline:
- Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science (MP) or Level 3 BTEC Diploma (120) in Applied Science (MP)
- an Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution
- or an international equivalent of the above (NARIC confirmation).
and
- related work experience
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.
Choose your country
Select country here:
Course status
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Full-time | Duration 1 year | Start date September | Application code 5829 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time | Duration 2 years | Start date September | Application code 5830 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
- Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
- Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
- Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
You will study three core units:
And three specialised mandatory units:
You will also study two further specialist units as follows
Careers
What experience and skills will you gain?
It will offer you a broad introduction to the chemistry and professional laboratory science via mandatory units, while allowing you to develop specialist skills and experience through specialist forensic science modules. You will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in evidence-based practice, personal research, self-study, directed study and workplace learning and experience.
Where can this course take you?
This course could lead to direct employment in a variety of science-related industries and roles (influenced by your selected pathway), including Laboratory Technician, Research Technician, Technical Support Chemist / Biologist, Quality Support Technician, Manufacturing Technician, Science Technician, Technologist, Instrumentation Technician and Product Development Technician.
After successfully passing the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences, you may wish to consider progressing a Higher National Diploma in Applied Chemistry or alternative courses at university. You may also consider one of London South Bank University’s degree courses (additional qualifications may be required).
Teaching and Assessment
How will you be assessed?
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.