Program Overview

Introduction to the Scientist (Chemical Scientist) Degree Apprenticeship

The Scientist (Chemical Scientist) Degree Apprenticeship is an established, industry-driven program that provides employers and their apprentices with the scientific knowledge and skills required to succeed in the chemical industry. This apprenticeship combines an academic foundation with the development of vocational and key skills in the workplace, equipping graduates with the broad scientific knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for a career in the chemical industry.

Employers and Apprentices Information

Employers

• Created with leading employers, this established qualification combines and embeds valuable business improvement and scientific knowledge.
• Work-based projects help apprentices apply their learning directly to their organization, solving technical and strategic issues.
• The program has been running since 2011, and students were named Apprentice of the Year by the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Apprentices

• Qualification improves career progression in a wide range of industries, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, materials, food and drink, utility, healthcare, aerospace, and automotive sectors.
• A strong professional and practical focus helps apprentices move into roles such as technologist, laboratory analyst, and process operations manager.
• Graduates can apply to become a Registered Scientist (RSci), a professional qualification recognized by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

About this Programme

The Scientist (Chemical Scientist) Degree Apprenticeship was developed with leading employers to equip graduates with the scientific knowledge and technical skills to start or progress a career in the chemical industry. An innovative blend of higher education with work-based learning, it rapidly develops apprentices into confident and capable science professionals.

Programme Content

Apprentices will develop the broad scientific knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for a career in the chemical industry. The program combines an academic foundation with the development of vocational and key skills in the workplace.

Year 1:

• Atoms to Molecules
• Rates and Reactivity
• Business Management and Workplace Regulations

Year 2:

• Chemical Analysis and Data Skills for Professional Chemist
• Organic and Analytical Chemistry
• Communication and Data Management

Year 3:

• Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
• Green Chemistry, Materials and Drug Development
• Sustainable and Applied Chemistry

Year 4:

• Modern Approaches to Chemical Challenges
• Scientific Research project
• Scientist End Point Assessment

Apprentices will also work on projects, agreed with their employer, that apply what they have learned in their organization.

Programme Length and Approach

The program is primarily taught through tutor-supported online study, part-time over four years. Apprentices will attend a two-day induction at the University to help them get to know each other and balance undergraduate study with working full-time. They will also attend a week-long skills bootcamp at the University's campus in central Manchester once a year, in addition to a two-day mini-skills bootcamp in the first year.

Qualification Awarded

All successful graduates are awarded a BSc (Hons) Chemical Science degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as a Level 6 degree apprenticeship. They can also apply for Registered Scientist (RSci) status with the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Entry Requirements

Applicants can be existing employees looking to develop their careers or new recruits aiming to get working life off to a flying start. They must:

• be 18 or older
• have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for funding
• meet program entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of 104 UCAS points at A-level (grades BCC) or an equivalent (for example, BTEC DMM).

Funding

Degree 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 programs. 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 program.

Next Steps

For employers, the University will support every step of the way to offer apprenticeships at their organization, whether they intend to upskill current employees or attract new recruits. For employees, encourage your employer to contact the University to discuss offering an apprenticeship. For students, sign up to the Degree Apprenticeship mailing list to get alerts about vacancies and events.