Applied Science (Bioscience) - Foundation Degree
New
Course
Course Type
Higher Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End Date
14 September 2026
2 June 2028
Location
Ballymena
Interview Required
Yes
Ulster University Foundation Degree in Applied Science (Bioscience) is a two-year, vocationally focused program designed for careers in laboratory-based industries or further study. It aims to provide a vocationally relevant science education for those wishing to follow careers in a wide range of science disciplines, producing competent individuals to meet local, regional and national needs by providing a good mix of scientific theory along with the practical skills necessary for further study or employment within a range of science disciplines.
Through a varied and well-planned curriculum delivered by knowledgeable and supportive staff, knowledge and understanding is developed through lectures, practical classes, group discussion and independent research. Cognitive skills are developed through researching information, statistical analysis, effective communication, critical analysis, evaluation and self-evaluation. The programme is designed to be practical, therefore, applied skills are developed through laboratory classes and simulations. Transferable skills are crucial to your progression and employability.
This course aims to develop these skills through presentations, scientific writing, analysis and interpretation of results, group work, problem solving, research and critical evaluation; all of which will enhance personal development and career prospects.
The Year 1 modules include:
The Year 2 modules include:
Note: Both Worked Based Learning placements will consist of a total of 160 hours of placement (320 hours in total).
This course is validated and awarded by Ulster University.
Year 2 of the course requires successful applicants to complete over 320 hours of industrial/ clinical work placement. These placements can be in any laboratory setting (e.g. water/ food testing, microbiology lab etc.) or can be completed in a clinical setting (e.g. hospital laboratory). Student performance will be assessed as part of both Worked Based Learning 1 and 2 modules.
Students from this course can progress to a range of related degree programmes at Ulster University such as Year 3 of BSc (Hons) Biology, Year 2 of: MSci Pharmaceutical Biosciences; BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (DPP) (Pathology); BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (DPP (Industry); BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (FT & PT); BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and BSc (Hons) Food & Nutrition; or can enter Year 1 of a wide range of degree courses. Progression to other Universities at various points of entry may also be possible.
Potential Career Opportunities: After completing this programme, you may also explore employment opportunities in this field which could include Laboratory Technician, Quality Control Analyst, Biotechnology Technician, Research Assistant, Environmental Health & Safety, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Pharmacy Technician, Dietetic Assistant, Cardiology Technician, Audiology Technician, and Assistant Grade Professionals.
UK Requirements
ROI Requirements
48 UCAS points consisting of passes in five approved subjects to include a minimum of 3 at Higher Leaving Cert Pass (Grade D/H6), one of which should be in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or equivalent) and OLC (Grade 04 or above) to include Maths and English.
Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.
Please note, all applicants to the programme will be required to attend an interview.
Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s admission and progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | £2773 |
| Year 2 | £2773 |
| Total |
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please make sure they upload an Employer Consent Form to your online Prospect account.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Full details are available on our fees and funding page.
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.
All tutors are qualified and experienced counsellors. This underpins the authenticity of teaching and learning activities as students engage with practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the counselling role. The following teaching team deliver this course at Northern Regional College:
Staff Team
New
Course
Ulster University Foundation Degree in Applied Science (Bioscience) is a two-year, vocationally focused program designed for careers in laboratory-based industries or further study. It aims to provide a vocationally relevant science education for those wishing to follow careers in a wide range of science disciplines, producing competent individuals to meet local, regional and national needs by providing a good mix of scientific theory along with the practical skills necessary for further study or employment within a range of science disciplines.
Through a varied and well-planned curriculum delivered by knowledgeable and supportive staff, knowledge and understanding is developed through lectures, practical classes, group discussion and independent research. Cognitive skills are developed through researching information, statistical analysis, effective communication, critical analysis, evaluation and self-evaluation. The programme is designed to be practical, therefore, applied skills are developed through laboratory classes and simulations. Transferable skills are crucial to your progression and employability.
This course aims to develop these skills through presentations, scientific writing, analysis and interpretation of results, group work, problem solving, research and critical evaluation; all of which will enhance personal development and career prospects.
Year 2 of the course requires successful applicants to complete over 320 hours of industrial/ clinical work placement. These placements can be in any laboratory setting (e.g. water/ food testing, microbiology lab etc.) or can be completed in a clinical setting (e.g. hospital laboratory). Student performance will be assessed as part of both Worked Based Learning 1 and 2 modules.
The Year 1 modules include:
The Year 2 modules include:
Note: Both Worked Based Learning placements will consist of a total of 160 hours of placement (320 hours in total).
This course is validated and awarded by Ulster University.
Students from this course can progress to a range of related degree programmes at Ulster University such as Year 3 of BSc (Hons) Biology, Year 2 of: MSci Pharmaceutical Biosciences; BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (DPP) (Pathology); BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (DPP (Industry); BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (FT & PT); BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and BSc (Hons) Food & Nutrition; or can enter Year 1 of a wide range of degree courses. Progression to other Universities at various points of entry may also be possible.
Potential Career Opportunities: After completing this programme, you may also explore employment opportunities in this field which could include Laboratory Technician, Quality Control Analyst, Biotechnology Technician, Research Assistant, Environmental Health & Safety, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Pharmacy Technician, Dietetic Assistant, Cardiology Technician, Audiology Technician, and Assistant Grade Professionals.
UK Requirements
ROI Requirements
48 UCAS points consisting of passes in five approved subjects to include a minimum of 3 at Higher Leaving Cert Pass (Grade D/H6), one of which should be in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or equivalent) and OLC (Grade 04 or above) to include Maths and English.
Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.
Please note, all applicants to the programme will be required to attend an interview.
Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s admission and progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.
Course Fees
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | £2773 |
| Year 2 | £2773 |
| Total |
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please make sure they upload an Employer Consent Form to your online Prospect account.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Full details are available on our fees and funding page.
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.