Activate Learning has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Gain the knowledge and skills for higher education and employment in this specialist field. The course is structured to be delivered over one academic year, consisting of 32 weeks split into two semesters of 16 weeks each. To successfully complete the programme, students must complete each unit to be awarded the specified number of credits for that unit. One credit corresponds to approximately ten hours of ‘learning time’ (including all classes, private study and research). You will study the following units: Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques (core) Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques (Core) Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences (Core) Cell Biology (Specialist unit) Fundamentals of Chemistry (Specialist unit) Anatomy and Human Physiology (Specialist unit) Fundamentals of Biochemistry Personal and Professional Development for Scientists You will gain several transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and the workplace.
This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers. Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications.
Modules
Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques (core) Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques (Core) Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences (Core) Cell Biology (Specialist unit) Fundamentals of Chemistry (Specialist unit) Anatomy and Human Physiology (Specialist unit) Fundamentals of Biochemistry Personal and Professional Development for Scientists
Assessment method
Students will benefit from face-to-face delivery and tutorials, which provide interactive teaching and learning. Attendance on campus provides the opportunity to engage with campus communities and resources. Learners will have two days of on-campus delivery, totalling 11 hours of face-to-face delivery and tutorials. This will take place on Thursdays and Fridays at Reading College. Partially studying remotely via distance learning will allow students to adapt their learning approach and enhance their digital skills, as well as provide the opportunity to ‘work from home’ for part of their programme. Learners will have one five-hour day of live remote delivery via our ALO platform on Wednesdays. These sessions will combine live online delivery with guided learning tasks from the tutors, and all sessions will be recorded.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- ASB1
- Institution code:
- O25
- Campus name:
- Reading College
- Campus code:
- D
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Please contact us to discuss application if you have a Visa.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
You will need to have achieved a full level 3 qualification in science. This could be from 3 A levels (at least two science subjects), an Extended Diploma in Science, Science T level or an Access to HE programme including at least two science subjects. Your qualification, worth at least 96 UCAS points, can be gained through either: - Three C grades at A level in at least 2 science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths - MMM grades in a BTEC/UAL/equivalent National Extended Diploma in a science- related qualification (e.g. Extended Diploma in Applied Science or - Forensic Science, T Level Science, etc.) - Minimum of 15 credits at Merit on a full Access to HE Diploma with at least 2 subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths - Qualifications obtained outside the UK will be considered individually (all qualifications will be subject to ECCTIS checks). Applicants will also be required to have achieved at least a grade 4/C in GCSE English language and maths. A typical applicant might be expected to demonstrate at the commencement of his/her studies the following: - a general interest in scientific theory and application of scientific knowledge - a strong interest in developing their career - a willingness to work collaboratively with others - good oral and written communication skills - a willingness to build knowledge and explore multiple scientific disciplines - appropriate levels of numeracy and literacy
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate that their level of English is acceptable by achieving a score in a recognised test such as the British Council IELTS; normally a minimum of 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in the reading and writing components. All applicants will be interviewed prior to a decision being made.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Please note: Tuition fees are published for the first year of entry only and may increase in subsequent years for new students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Office for Students. There are a variety of funding options available to help finance your studies. If you are a UK (Home) student, you don’t have to pay your tuition fees up front. The government provides loans to cover your full tuition fee. You may also be eligible for a maintenance loan to help cover living costs.
Alternatively, your fees may be paid by your employer, or we could arrange a payment schedule if you are paying your own fees.
Additional costs Students are advised that they will need access to a laptop or PC. We recommend that you budget £100 a year additional costs such as for stationary to undertake your studies. You can borrow textbooks and access journals from the recommended reading lists from our Learning Resource Centres either physically on campus or in the majority of cases online. If you choose to purchase textbooks, they may cost up to £60 each.
Provider information
Reading College
Kings Road
Reading
RG1 4HJ