FdSc Applied Microbiology (Part-Time) - 2023 Entry
- One of only a select few microbiology degrees in the country of its type, with a particular focus on classical mycology too.
- Access to fully equipped, multi-purpose laboratories.
- Small class sizes, offering unrivalled student to lecturer contact time.
- Undertake an industry-based placement to develop valuable experience and skills.
| Validated By: |  |
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| Start Date: | September 2023 |
| Duration: | 3 Years, Part-Time |
| Campus: | St Helens Town Centre |
| Tuition Fee: | £4,950 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | 96 UCAS Tariff Points |
| Programme Specification: | Coming Soon |
| Programme Handbook: | Coming Soon |
| Programme Leader: |
Paul Kowabnik This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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Degree Overview
One of only a few degrees in the country of its type and designed in consultation with local and regional employers, this degree provides in-depth knowledge and understanding of the fascinating world of bacteria and viruses, paying attention to microbes of medical importance.
Providing the flexibility to balance part-time study with employment and/or personal commitments, this degree is a clear avenue of entry to a range of career paths with the potential to progress into a range of fields, from biotechnology and medical research to bioterrorism and climate change.
Modules
| Principles of Microbiology - BI4201 - 20 Credits |
| Basic Biochemistry - BI4202 - 20 Credits |
| Data Analysis - BI4203 - 20 Credits |
| Biology of Disease - PBI4204 - 20 Credits |
| Microbiological Laboratory Techniques - BI4205 - 20 Credits |
| Parasitology - BI4206 - 20 Credits |
| Food and Industrial Microbiology - BI5201 - 20 Credits |
| Microbial Physiology - BI5202 - 20 Credits |
| Microbial Genetics - BI5203 - 20 Credits |
| Medical Microbiology - BI5204 - 20 Credits |
| Work-based Learning - BI5205 - 20 Credits |
| Project - BI5206 - 20 Credits |
Entry Requirements
For 2023 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 2023 entry, tuition fees for part-time study are £4,950 per year.
Additional Costs
| Course-Related Travel (Placements/Work Experience/Voluntary/Site Visits | Variable dependent on the distance travelled and the method of transportation. |
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| 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 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 £524 a week, £2,274 a month or £27,295 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 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.
Apply Now
To apply, please complete our part-time application form here: www.sthelens.ac.uk/apply-part-time-he.
Would you like to speak to someone before making your decision?
Call 0800 99 66 99 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and our team will be more than happy to help.
