Scientist (Degree Apprenticeship)
Gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need to succeed in your career as a laboratory scientist.
This industry-driven programme aims to train you as a Scientist for a range of businesses. You will learn to design complex and sustainable scientific investigations, lead the development of work plans, and complete scientific procedures using both standard and specialist equipment and instrumentation.
Making you ready for the next generation of scientists in the workplace, we have created a 4-year accelerated programme of study to support your workplace experience. On the job learning will be delivered by hybrid teaching sessions which embed the Ofsted requirements of Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values. There will also be intensive practical weeks each year that translates the theoretical skills into practice.
The Scientist integrated degree apprenticeship standard launched in April 2025 replaces the Laboratory Scientist apprenticeship standard, which has been retired by the Institute for apprenticeship and technical education. The University of Greenwich will offer the Chemical Scientist and Biological Scientist pathways from September 2025. You’ll learn through a dynamic mix of university-based study and practical, on-the-job experience with your employer. Our teaching blends lectures, seminars, and laboratory sessions with project work and hands-on training, so you develop both technical expertise and practical skills. All lectures take place online, allowing you to study flexibly around your work commitments. Practical sessions are delivered on campus during two dedicated days each term.
As a Chemical Scientist, you will be responsible for designing and conducting intricate chemical investigations. You will utilise analytical instruments and equipment to perform precise measurements, which may involve synthesizing compounds, analysing substances to determine their composition and properties, or testing various materials and substances.
As a biological scientist, you will focus on designing complex biological investigations. You will transform research questions into experimental hypotheses and gather data to identify relationships between dependent and independent variables. Analysis can be conducted at a molecular and cellular level and can consider a range of different organisms.
With over a decade of experience in learning provision for the apprenticeship sector we are proud of our graduate apprentices and enjoy working with employers, new and existing on delivering a cutting edge scientific curriculum that inspires the next generation while promoting STEM as a career choice. Several of our apprentices have won the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Apprentice of the Year Award, which recognises their hard work and dedication. We also have an outstanding End Point Assessment pass rate for the retired BSc Laboratory Scientist apprenticeship. Of the apprentices who sat their final assessment 100% passed their EPA, achieving a good honours degree in 2024.
Degree apprenticeship
Applications are made through the apprenticeships programme.
School
Duration
4 years blended learning
Start month
September
Fees information
For fee information related to this course, please see fees section below.
What you should know about this course
What you will study
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Experimental Science (DA) (30 credits)
- Concepts in Science (DA) (30 credits)
- Skills for Professional Scientists (DA) (30 credits)
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Applied Science (DA) (30 credits)
- The Business Environment (DA) (30 credits)
- Data, Visualisation, and Statistics (DA) (30 credits)
Year 3
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Laboratory Techniques (DA) (30 credits)
- Automation, Modelling, and AI (DA) (30 credits)
Students are also required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.
- Cellular Biology (DA) (30 credits)
- Modern Molecular Synthesis (DA) (30 credits)
Year 4
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Professional Skills, Ethics, and Governance (DA) (15 credits)
- EPA Project (DA) (30 credits)
Students are also required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.
- Molecular Biology (DA) (30 credits)
- Functional Materials (DA) (30 credits)
Students are also required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
- Topics in Chemistry (DA) (15 credits)
- Topics in Biology (DA) (15 credits)
Entry requirements
Typically, we expect 104 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, Access to HE, level 3 apprenticeship and will consider other qualifications.
In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics, GCSE English Language/Literature and GCSE Science all at grade 4/C or Skills England equivalent.
N.B Applicants who do not meet the above academic criteria but have sufficient relevant experience in the workplace will be considered on an individual basis.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
No
Can I use Prior Learning?
For entry: applicants with professional qualifications and/or four years of full-time work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
For exemption: If you hold qualifications or courses from another higher education institution, these may exempt you from courses of this degree.
How you will learn
Learning experience
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
Lectures usually are attended by larger groups and seminars/tutorials by smaller groups. This can vary more widely for modules that are shared between degrees.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you are also expected to dedicate time to self-study. This may involve further reading and research, preparing coursework and presentations, and preparing for tests and exams. Our facilities are designed to support you in these activities.
You can use any University of Greenwich Library and online resources to support further reading and research.
In addition, during the week you can also:
- Attend guest lectures from industry experts
- Take part in employability and enterprise workshops
- Join student societies.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Each module you study towards this degree is worth 15 or 30 credits. These represent around 150 or 300 study hours respectively. If you receive 72 contact hours for a 30-credit module, you should expect to commit 228 hours to independent study to complete it successfully.
Assessment
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
We aim to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
The course fees are shared between government and employers. Visit our degree apprenticeships pages to find out how the cost of your course is met.
Other costs
Apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.
Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
Any business with a payroll below £3 million is eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship programme.
Additional incentives are also available to employers who take on young apprentices.
Mode of study
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Apply now
This course is not available through Clearing, but we may have similar or alternative options that you can apply for.
If you want to apply for a later intake, visit the how to apply page.