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Chemistry Apprenticeship

BSc

Attendance mode
Part-time
Start date(s)
September
Duration
Up to 4 years
Location
Blended learning

UK students can apply

Overview

Developed in partnership with industry, this distance learning BSc (Level 6) Chemistry Apprenticeship, will support you in creating a highly-skilled graduate workforce through a work-based programme tailored to meet the needs of your company.

This degree gives students a solid background in the chemical sciences, whilst also focusing on the application of this ‘central science’ in specific industries. Throughout their studies, students will apply their knowledge in their companies and develop practical and theoretical skills.

During the first two years students will develop a sound understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, with core content delivered across traditional areas (organic, inorganic and physical chemistry). Following this they will pick elective modules, developed in collaboration with industry, relevant to their career. These elective modules will provide a direct link between the student’s core learning and the application of chemistry in their industrial area.

Laboratory and study skills will be taught in two week summer schools whilst all other learning is taught at distance, negating the need for a day release system, providing flexibility fort student and employer.

Professional accreditation

Students can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

Entry requirements

The University welcomes applications from all potential Apprentices.

An important factor in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Consideration of applications will be based on a combination of formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. 

Applications are welcome from Apprentices with non-standard qualifications or mature apprentices (those over 21 years of age on entry) with significant relevant experience.

Applicants must be employed by a sponsoring organisation. Programme-specific entry requirements apply, as agreed with the sponsoring organisation.

Typical entry requirement are as follow:

A levels

112 UCAS tariff points. To include A-level Chemistry minimum grade B.

Please note that where a science A-level is taken, the University will require applicants to pass the practical element (for A levels awarded from August 2017 onwards).

T levels

Merit - with subject specific requirement in Science.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM. Science subject required - must include a minimum of three Chemistry-related units.

Applicants on Access Programmes

112 UCAS tariff points from an Access to Higher Education Diploma - Science subject required. Must include a minimum of 12 credits of Chemistry at minimum Distinction.

Plus minimum of

GCSE English, Mathematics and a Science at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).

Foundation Year entry

If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our Foundation Year has a route to Chemistry Apprenticeship.

An overall average of at least 50% and at least 55% in Foundation in Chemistry.

If you are an international student and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto this course, you may be interested in our International College.

Learning and assessment

We have worked closely with our industry partners to develop a four year part-time apprenticeship. The course is rigorous, flexible and responsive to employer needs and features:  

  • a pace that considers working patterns
  • an annual summer school to teach chemistry practical skills
  • a structured framework for a work-place mentor and distance supervisors
  • training for the apprentices’ work-place mentor in our world leading Management School.
  • elective modules designed to meet industry needs
  • support for companies wishing to develop their own module content for electives
  • an annual review of programme with partner companies
  • networking opportunities for partner companies

The apprentice will spend 20% of their week on core topics including organic, inorganic, physical, analytical and practical chemistry.

What you will study

All module information is for 2021 entry, and is subject to change.

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee

Apprentices do not pay course fees. An Apprentice is employed by an organisation into an Apprenticeship job role this entitles them to earn as they learn.

By studying a Degree Apprenticeship, Apprentices can obtain a degree at no cost to them as individuals.

By employing Apprentices, organisations can make the most of their Apprenticeship levy fees and train staff in a cost effective way.

There are currently two funding models:

Levy funded:

If the annual pay bill of your organisation exceeds £3m you can pay for your apprenticeships training through your levy account.

If you have exceeded your levy contribution, you can fund apprenticeship training through the co-funded model. To better understand how this will work please make contact with us.

Non-levy funded:

If you are a non-levy paying organisation or you are a levy organisation who has exceeded your levy contribution, the government will financially co-fund your apprenticeship training. The government will contribute 95% of the costs. As the employer, you will contribute 5%.

Career prospects

Chemists are attractive to employers both for the skills that they offer directly related to their specialism, and for the professional skills that they have developed through study of the discipline. The range of careers available to chemists is vast – take a look at the Royal Society of Chemistry careers guide to get some ideas.

Apprentices graduating from this degree will have four years’ experience working in the chemical industry making them some of the most desirable chemistry graduates in the country.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services, students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

This course is designed to give employers flexibility in their apprentice’s training schedule, whilst ensuring they get training in all aspects of chemical science expected from a standard undergraduate degree. This route of learning is highly desirable to students and can attract the best talent from schools and colleges. Dr Thomas Swift, Lecturer

Meet our academics

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.