Research Scientist – Level 7
Standard Number
ST0759 – Version 1.0
Maximum Funding
£18,000
Pricing from: £2,520
(Discounts available based on volume).
Standard Overview
This occupation is found in a wide range of industries including Pharmaceutical, Clinical Trials, Personal Care, Analytical, Manufacturing, Water/Environmental, Energy, Agricultural, Food Science, FMCG, Petro-Chemical, Nuclear, Aerospace, Oil, Gas, Materials, Renewable, Bio medical, NHS, Diagnostics and MOD/Defense.
The broad purpose of the occupation is someone who is primarily involved in planning, leading and conducting experiments and analysing results, either with a definite end use, for example to develop new products, processes or commercial applications, or to broaden scientific understanding in general.
Facilitation of Assessment
DSW has always had a ‘digital by default’ approach to end-point assessment; this allows us to provide greater flexibility for all stakeholders while reducing fees and our carbon footprint.
- Interviews and presentations are conducted using web conferencing platforms and we’re flexible enough to use a platform of the employer’s choosing when required.
- Written exams, MCQs and Case Studies are carried out online using an invigilated assessment platform
- Portfolios and Projects are submitted to DSW in digital format for assessment
- Our assessments are also administered using an online platform, epaPRO, which provides training providers with access to results, reports and dashboards.
This is all supported by named account managers and operations contacts who are here to support you at each step of the EPA journey.
Assessment Methods
Professional Discussion Underpinned by Portfolio of Evidence
- Portfolio gathered on programme and submitted at gateway
- A showcase, displaying the best work-based examples of how the apprentice has demonstrated the learning outcomes
- Duration of the professional discussion will be between 60 minutes (+10%)
- Will consist of 13 discussion points
Project Report, Presentation and Interview
- Project completed during the on-programme phase
- Project report title agreed after gateway
- Project report is a maximum of 4,400 words
- Presentation based on the project report
- Presentation will last 30 minutes (+/-10%)
- 30 minutes Q&A session (+/-10%)
- Q&A session will consist of 12 questions
For more details, visit the IfATE website.
Grading
There are two graded assessment methods:
- Project Report, Presentation and Questioning
- Professional Discussion underpinned by portfolio of evidence
Each Assessment method is graded either a Distinction, Pass or Fail as follows:
| EPA Component | Fail | Pass | Distinction |
| Project Report, Presentation and Questioning | Pass descriptors not met | The Apprentice must meet all 8 Pass descriptors which are mapped to this assessment method at Pass level. | In addition to the Pass descriptors, the Apprentice must meet 5 of the 8 Distinction descriptors which are mapped to this assessment method at Distinction level. |
| Professional Discussion underpinned by portfolio of evidence | Pass descriptors not met | The Apprentice must meet all 13 Pass descriptors which are mapped to this assessment method at Pass level. | In addition to the Pass descriptors, the Apprentice must meet 5 of the 13 Distinction descriptors which are mapped to this assessment method at Distinction level. |
Resources
We provide a range of recourses to support the apprentice, training provider and employer prepare for end-point assessment:
- Toolkit
- Overview video
- Service overview
- Relevant webinars
Benefits and Support
DSW is a leading EPAO trusted by some of the UK’s largest employers and apprenticeship training providers to assess apprentices across a portfolio of more than 35 standards.
We combine first-class customer support, leading assessment technology and assessment expertise to deliver an EPA experience which our clients tell us is unequalled.
Our key benefits include:
- Assessor allocated ahead of gateway to guarantee availability and fast turnaround
- Planning meeting scheduled within 1 working day of Gateway
- Results issued within 5 working days
- Competitive pricing, reduced resit fees and no registration fees
- Dedicated account manager and operations contact
- Quality-assured assessors with extensive sector and assessment experience
- Truly collaborative, partnership approach and dedicated DSW human touch support team
- Delivery of a great learner experience with flexibility to accommodate varied learner environments
- Support materials – Guides, toolkits, webinars and use of digital platforms make EPA efficient and easy
- Engaged with other EPAOs and sector bodies to lead the standardisation of assessment methods and raise professional standards