Entry requirements, skills and interests (cellular sciences)
You can enter a career in cellular science through an accredited honours degree in cellular science or as a graduate through the NHS Scientist Training Programme.
Entry requirements
There are currently two entry points into this area of work:
With A-levels or equivalent level-3 qualifications
As a healthcare science practitioner through the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP [1]) you'll take an accredited BSc degree in healthcare science (cellular science). You will typically need at least two if not three A2 or A-levels including science subjects and a good spread of GCSEs at A-C grade. Alternative/equivalent qualifications may be accepted by some universities, but you are advised to check with each university (or visit their website) before making an application.
You can apply for a place on the graduate-entry NHS Scientist Training Programme [2] for which you must have a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a pure or applied science subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying.
If you have a 2.2 honours degree or better in any subject, you will also be considered if you have a higher degree* that is relevant to the specialism for which you are applying.
(*Higher degree as defined on page 17 of The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies [3] Please note this does not include postgraduate diplomas or postgraduate certificates.)
Because of the extensive variation in degrees available it isn’t possible to provide a definitive list of relevant degrees for entry to the STP [4]. For STP [4] positions in the life sciences (which include cellular sciences), the most commonly accepted degrees will be in biomedical sciences, biology, microbiology, genetics [5] or biochemistry.
For all candidates, evidence of research experience (e.g. in the form of a higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability) is considered desirable.
For full details of entry requirements for the STP [4], including qualifications, scientific skills, transferable skills and physical requirements, please see the person specification on the National School of Healthcare Science’s website [6].
It can be advantageous to have gained some experience of working in a relevant environment before applying for a place on a course or job vacancy. You should always check with the course provider or employer to see what sort of experience is preferred or required.