A career in Life Sciences

The industry has been identified as a key sector by the Scottish Government, with the potential to become a significant contributor to Scotland’s sustainable economic growth.

As a result, there is now a very real need to develop skilled young people with the technical knowledge and practical experience required to join this highly specialised workforce.

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A stepping stone to university

If you are thinking about studying for a Science degree, studying at Fife College is the perfect stepping stone between school and university.

Not only will you develop independent research skills that will stand you in good stead for university, but our HNC and HND courses offer a range of articulation and progression routes to degree courses at top universities all across Scotland.

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In many cases, completing your HND at Fife College means that you can enter university at year 2 or year 3 of your chosen degree course.

Completing your Science HND at Fife College also opens the door for dozens of possible progression routes to top universities, including:

• University of Stirling
• University of Aberdeen
• University of the West of Scotland
• Abertay University
• The Open University
• Queen Margaret University
• University of the Highlands and Islands

Studying at Fife College

All of our Science courses are delivered in state-of-the-art labs by our expert staff. You’ll develop practical lab skills, as well as relevant knowledge. All of this means that when you complete your course, you’ll be ready for your next step.

With facilities including state-of-the-art laboratories and instrumentation areas, you can be sure you will gain all the skills you need for your chosen career at Fife College.

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Get degree ready

If your goal is to gain an HN or degree qualification, but you don’t have the grades to enter at HNC level straight away, don’t worry!

Advanced Certificate: SWAP Access to Health and Life Sciences has been designed to provide you with the skills and qualifications required for entry to health and life sciences HNs and degrees, as well as professions allied to medicine.

You will receive a high level of theoretical delivery at SCQF level 6 in preparation for HND level study in Applied Sciences with the College.

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Career options

A career in science involves a lot of creativity and excitement as you explore ideas on how the world works and then test them. A good foundation of skills and knowledge can lead you into a whole host of fulfilling and interesting careers.

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There are many exciting careers available in the industry:

• Biomedical support worker
• Laboratory technician
• Research assistant
• Technical Apprentice
• Laboratory assistant (research and diagnostic)
• Modern Apprentice

“I think we’re missing a trick by pushing people solely towards university. It’s certainly not all about university qualifications. College qualifications can set you up perfectly for an excellent career. And you can also then go on to uni if that’s what you want to do.”

Meet Gordon, studied for a career in Science.

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Courses as flexible as you are

Not everyone is able to commit to full-time study. If you’ve got a busy life, with family and work commitments, it’s not easy to find the time.

That's why we offer a range of part-time courses to help you learn something new and get the skills you need for the job you want.

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You can study the following part-time with us:

• National Certificate: Applied Science SCQF Level 5
• National Certificate: Applied Science SCQF Level 6
• Professional Development Award: Laboratory Science SCQF Level 7
• HNC: Applied Science SCQF Level 7
• HND: Applied Biological Sciences SCQF Level 8
• HND: Applied Science SCQF Level 8
• Higher: Human Biology SCQF Level 6
• SVQ: Healthcare Support SCQF Level 5
• SVQ: Laboratory Science and Associated Technical Activities SCQF Level 7
• SVQ: Life Sciences and Related Industries SCQF Level 7

In partnership with NHS Lothian, our training labs and learning environments in St John’s Hospital, Livingston, provide an industry standard location to deliver our Modern Apprenticeships.

Our Apprenticeships can be designed to the bespoke requirements of your company. We have the flexibility to deliver what you require for your staff and business.

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