Science

Entry Requirements

For 2024 entry, you will need 96 UCAS Tariff points.

Some typical examples of how you can achieve 96 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below:

• A levels - CCC
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma - Merit, Merit, Merit (MMM)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma - 45 credits at Level 3, for example, 21 credits at Distinction, 3 credits for Merit and 21 credits for Pass. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Prior Learning and Experience

University Centre St Helens welcomes applications from mature students (aged 21+) and students from a varied range of backgrounds and experience. Offers of a place on the degree will not be based solely upon academic qualifications alone and related skills gained in the workplace will also be considered.

Additional Entry Requirements

All suitably qualified applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Your interview is designed to be an informal meeting and will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore your career interests with the Programme Leader.

Information for International Applicants

If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in order to enter and study in the UK. However, please note that University Centre St Helens does not hold a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence to support student visa applications.

Learning Environment and Assessment

You will have access to specialist microbiology facilities located at our Town Centre Campus, providing you with the best learning environment.

The work-based learning module will be undertaken in a professional setting allowing you to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired from the course to a practical setting. In addition to lab-based study, you will also have the opportunity to go on industrial-based visits, allowing you to observe microbiology in practice.

You will undertake both formative and summative assessments including presentations, case studies, essay plans, and question and answer sessions. You will also be assessed through essays, exams, laboratory assignments and portfolios of work.

Tuition Fees

For 2024 entry, tuition fees for full-time study are £7,995 per year.

Additional Costs

Course-Related Travel (Placements/Work Experience/Voluntary/Site Visits	Variable dependent on the distance travelled and the method of transportation.
Materials	Core texts and reading lists should generally be available in the St Helens Town Centre Campus Library or University of Chester Library. However, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source. Estimated cost is £30 per year for printed materials in relation to coursework submissions such as essays, projects etc. A list of University Centre St Helens' printing costs can be found via www.sthelens.ac.uk/printroom.
Equipment	Students may wish to purchase their own white laboratory coat. Estimated cost is £15 - £20 depending on the supplier. Students will provide their own day-to-day stationary items e.g. scientific calculator, pens, pencils, notebooks.
Trips	Estimated cost is £50 per year for various travel to laboratories and employers. Estimated cost is £200 for optional international study visit (subject to student numbers) including estimated £300 spending money.
Volunteering Opportunities for Personal Development	Variable depending on type of activity.

Financial Support

Subject to eligibility, students can apply for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England to cover the full cost of tuition fees, which means you don't have to pay anything upfront and there's nothing to pay back until you're qualified and earning over £481 a week, £2,083 a month or £25,000 a year. You may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs. Visit our finance support page for more information.

Study Enhancement Gift

All new, first year (level 4), full-time undergraduates studying a qualifying Foundation Degree, Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma at University Centre St Helens, will receive a non-repayable Study Enhancement Gift up to the value of £400. This could be a specific gift, such as a laptop, or subject specific equipment, extra qualifications or trips and visits.

For more information, visit our study enhancement gift page.

Careers and Progression

Upon completion of this Foundation Degree, you will have developed the skills needed for success in a wide range of microbiology roles across a variety of industries.

In recent years, graduates have gained employment with Jay Chemicals, Thermo Fisher Scientific, United Utilities and Precision Northwest.

As a graduate, you have the opportunity to progress into a range of careers, such as:

• Biomedical Scientist
• Microbiologist
• Lab Technician
• Microbiology Technologist

Successful graduates may choose to undertake the above roles or other roles in a wide range of areas, including the food industry, health and pharmaceuticals industry, cosmetic industry, environmental and waste industry, and fermentation and brewing industry.