Science

Entry Requirements

For 2024 entry, you should have one of the following:

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Applied Science (with a minimum grade of MM/MMM)
• A GCE level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject (or adequate performance in more than one subject). Required grades: GCE A level Chemistry at grade D or above, or GCE A/AS level Chemistry at grade C or above, alongside other relevant A/AS levels such as Biology/Physics/Maths
• An Access to HE Certificate in a relevant subject
• For mature learners, related work experience will be taken into consideration
• GCSE grades 4-9 (A-C) in English, maths and science

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 HNC 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 a fully-equipped laboratory located at our Town Centre Campus, providing you with the best learning environment.

You will study at University Centre St Helens for one day per week, as an extended day, for two years. The qualification typically runs on a Wednesday, from 9.00am - 8.00pm, with appropriate break.

You will be assessed through written reports, coursework, exams, group projects, presentations and posters. The exact type of assessment employed will vary from module to module and will also be determined, in part, by your choice of optional modules.

Tuition Fees

For 2024 entry, tuition fees for part-time study are £3,350 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. However, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source. Estimated cost is £30 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 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.

Careers and Progression

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

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

• Research Scientist
• Technical Support Chemist
• Lab Technician
• Manufacturing Technician

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 and environmental and waste industry.