Overview
Our MSc Bioinformatics Scientist Apprenticeship is a practical industry-based course that meets the requirement for the Bioinformatics Scientist Standard ST0649.
The first 24 months of this 30-month training programme are dedicated to providing you with both academic and industrial training opportunities and supporting you to achieve the MSc in Bioinformatics and the credits you require to undertake an endpoint assessment (EPA).
After successful completion of the MSc component, you will have a further six months to undertake the EPA. This will certify you as a competent bioinformatics scientist.
Select a start date below to see relevant course information:
Start date:
Teaching & learning
The range of teaching, learning and assessment strategies adopted on this course is intended to fulfil a number of principles, namely to:
- encourage you to develop as an independent learner
- promote an experiential approach to learning through volunteering, internship, networking and mentoring thereby providing links between learning and work
- accommodate and develop different preferred learning styles
- provide access to learning in different environments
- enable reflective practice through the use of learning logs, workbooks and learning agreements
- make our learning materials accessible to you through a variety of media
- use continuous formative assessment with a varied diet of summative assessments
- encourage you to engage in the pursuit of life-long learning
- develop higher level learning skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
Our approaches include:
- lectures
- hands-on practical work
- whole group information-giving sessions
- workshops
- tutorials
- case studies
- blended e-learning
- group critiques.
As would be expected at masters’ level, there is an appropriate balance of theory and practice. In order to be successful you will need to demonstrate high levels of analytical, critical and reflective skills alongside a professional level of practical skills and knowledge. Teaching and learning on the course is underpinned by the research and scholarly activities of our experienced teaching team.
On this apprenticeship you will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning whilst still being supported by your subject tutors. You will be encouraged to immerse yourself in the subject area.
So you can make use of low-cost external seminars, we encourage you to apply for student membership of the British Society for Genetic Medicine (BSGM), the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) and the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).
Study mode
As an apprentice, you'll spend 20% of your working time 'off-the-job', studying at the University.
How you will be assessed
The course assessment strategy key principles are:
- a balance between the types of assessment and the overall workload of assessments
- the equitable nature of assessments across the course
- a balance between formative and summative work
- the integration of theory and practice
- the use of experience and reflection to develop critical awareness
- the relationship of the assessment to the leaning outcomes and the form of learning and teaching that takes place within the module
- the marking will tend to use predetermined grids and assessment forms to clearly identify the features that are assessed for all students in all assessments and to meet the level 7 Higher Education descriptors.
Assessment for the MSc course is designed, where possible, to simulate the variety of tasks that graduates from the course may encounter in relevant employment. Where necessary other academic assessment devices, such as a formal examination, defence of the proposal etc. are also used. Module tutors are the assessors in the majority of cases. However, we may also use peer and self-assessment where appropriate.
Assessment types include:
- analysis and design and the production of appropriate artefacts
- portfolio of work
- workbooks
- oral presentations to tutors and peers
- viva voce
- case study reports
- synoptic reports
- technical reports
- development of design specifications
- research seminars
- critiques of own and peer work
- defence of a proposal
- written proposal
- major project
- examinations.
Endpoint Assessment
Progression points
The apprenticeship content is structured into two prospective Progression Points.
Progression Point 1
To meet requirements for Progression Point 1 (PP1), you must:
- have achieved 180 level 7 credits eligible for the MSc Bioinformatics with Bioinformatics Scientist Degree Apprenticeship award (NB: This award will be made after a successful EPA)
- present certificates for English and Maths level 2 certificates (or equivalent)
- have a completed and signed-off Vocational Competence Evaluation (VCE) log
- be certified as competent in bioinformatics practice by your employer
- have written confirmation by employer that you are ready to undertake the EPA.
When you meet all the requirements for PP1, you will advance to and prepare for Progression Point 2 (PP2).
To be eligible for PP2, you must undertake the EPA.
End Point Assessment
The EPA stage must be successfully completed within a maximum 6-month period. During this period the apprentice will undertake 3 distinct assessments:
- Complete a Post Training Synoptic Report (6000 words) together with presentation materials for discussion
- Undertake a synoptic report review, followed by
- Give an Oral Presentation and participate in a discussion (Q and A format)
- Participate in a viva-style professional conversation supported by a vocational competence evaluation log.
The presentation and professional conversation will be organised and managed by an external End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO)
When you meet all the requirements for PP2, you will be put forward for progression to the final award stage, PP2.
Progression Point 2: Final Award – MSc Bioinformatics Scientist
To be eligible for the MSc Bioinformatics Scientist and Degree Apprenticeship award, you must successfully complete all elements of the EPA.
Teaching staff
Dr Obed Brew
I have over 29 years' experience in healthcare and higher education (HE) including more than 16 years in senior HE positions. In addition to leading this course, I am an Associate Professor and the lead for pregnancy, childbirth and women's health research. In these roles I provide substantive leadership, strategic direction and oversight of learning, teaching and assessment.
Study & career progression
The Bioinformatics Scientist degree apprenticeship option offers a great opportunity for you to study for an MSc qualification with Vocational Competency Evaluation (VCE) certification. It takes 30 months full time (including six months for the EPA) and is available to students who wish to complete this course through an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship offers you the opportunity to study while being employed full time in a bioinformatics setting, enabling you to continue advancing your career as you gain a valuable postgraduate qualification.
Contact us
Janet Rowson, Head of Degree Apprenticeships
Please get in touch with Janet Rowson to find out more about working with the University of West London as a training provider.
- Email: janet.rowson@uwl.ac.uk