Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Paramedic Science
Being a paramedic is a highly rewarding and stimulating career. Our progressive BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science course equips you with the clinical knowledge, practical skills and decision-making ability needed for a successful career in the field.
Our typical offer
128 UCAS points
Immersive learning
Learn in purpose-built facilities including a simulated ambulance and home environment within InterCity Place. Work alongside students from other health professions in interprofessional sessions, and gain insights from expert paramedic lecturers actively engaged in clinical practice and education.
Real-world experience
From year one, complete over 500 hours of clinical placement in ambulance services, hospitals and community settings. Build confidence in real clinical environments while developing decision-making, communication and teamwork skills essential for modern paramedic practice.
Patient focus
Study an accredited course by the College of Paramedics designed to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care. Learn from experienced paramedics with diverse clinical backgrounds, many of whom are qualified independent prescribers. Go beyond the classroom with opportunities like ParaSoc, promoting leadership and deeper engagement in paramedic practice.
About
The University has an excellent reputation for its practical approach and strong links with local NHS services, which I believe is essential for hands-on training. The blend of lectures, seminars and practical application has helped me develop critical thinking and decision-making abilities under pressure, which are vital in the field. Overall, I appreciate how the programme prepares us to be well-rounded paramedics ready for the challenges we will face in our careers.
Megan
BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science student
BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science student
This course is for you if...
you're compassionate and dedicated to caring for people who need your help
you're a team player, ready to work with healthcare professionals, patients, and families
you want to make a difference to society through healthcare
you seek early clinical exposure to develop practical skills and put theory to practise
Details
Year 1
In your first year, you will develop knowledge enabling you to develop into the paramedic role, such as anatomy and physiology, risk assessment, professional issues and effective communication. You will also learn the theory and skills leading to basic assessment and management of patients
Core modules
PARA400
Human Anatomy and Physiology
20 credits
This module builds on existing knowledge of human anatomy and physiology whilst introducing pathophysiology relevant to ongoing paramedic practice. Students will be taught via shared learning and seminars, topics covered will expand on knowledge of systems such as Endocrinology, Cardiovascular, Cardiorespiratory, Skeletal, Muscular, Neurological, Integumentary, Gastrointestinal, Urological and Reproductive.
100% Examinations
PARA401
Clinical Skills and Application to Practice (1)
20 credits
This module introduces the student to basic and intermediate clinical skills required for pre-hospital care and the theory behind them. During the module the student will gain an understanding of the patient journey and the skills required for delivering exceptional patient care within the wider healthcare sector.
100% Clinical exams
PARA402
Introduction to Paramedic Science
20 credits
This module introduces paramedic practice. It creates understanding of the profession, regulatory and professional bodies and the contemporary legislation and policy that drives patient care. It delivers strategies for communicating in multi-disciplinary and diverse working environments and will address health and safety in clinical practice. A local ambulance trust orientation is also included.
100% Coursework
PARA403
Special Patient Groups
20 credits
Paramedics must be able to assess and manage anyone presenting healthcare needs. Additional skills and knowledge may be required to assess and manage those from special patient groups. This module introduces the underpinning principles required to safely assess and manage those patients, including those who are at the extremes of age, pregnant, those with chronic ill-health, and those at the end stages of life.
100% Examinations
PARA404
Practice Placement (1)
20 credits
This module will enable the student to develop a portfolio of skills and competencies relevant to first year paramedic practice. There will be opportunities to apply theory, evidence based knowledge and practical ability within paramedic placement areas and clinical settings.
100% Coursework
SOHP401
Preparation for Practice
20 credits
This inter-professional module will introduce students to professional practice and the inherent standards expected of them. The characteristics and identity of allied health professionals, as evidence based practitioners, will underpin learning.
100% Coursework
HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1
Year 2
In your second year, you will build on the skills learnt in year 1, developing your theoretical knowledge in relation to the assessment and management of medical and trauma patients. This year addresses the contemporary focus of the need for paramedics to understand mental health emergencies. It also introduces you to concepts behind evidence based practice and sees the commencement of your group research projects.
Core modules
PARA501
Clinical Skills and Application to Practice 2
20 credits
A practically focussed module that will equip students with the knowledge and understanding required to manage a variety of patients, using clinical skills associated with the paramedic role.
100% Clinical exams
PARA502
Trauma Management
20 credits
This module will equip students with the necessary knowledge and understanding of a varying severity of traumatic injuries and the skills required by paramedics for effective assessment, treatment and management of these patients.
100% Practicals
PARA503
Medical Conditions and Pathophysiology (1)
20 credits
This theoretically focussed module will equip students with the necessary knowledge and understanding of medical conditions related to Paramedic practice. Specific insight will be given to, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, assessment including 12-lead ECG interpretation, pharmacology and management of various medical conditions encountered within pre-hospital care.
100% Examinations
PARA504
Practice Placement (2)
20 credits
This module will enable the student to develop a portfolio of skills and competencies relevant to second year paramedic practice. There will be opportunities to apply theory, evidence based knowledge and practical ability within paramedic placement areas and clinical settings.
100% Coursework
PARA505
Mental Health in Paramedic Practice
20 credits
This module will improve knowledge of student paramedics working in a pre-hospital setting, required to support individuals experiencing mental health problems. Examining aspects of the external environment and how social, environmental, economic and political factors shape experiences of mental health and distress. It explores theories and concepts that underpin and challenge mental health practice and service provision.
100% Coursework
SOHP503
Project Studies
20 credits
This module develops knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. The content is designed to enable the students to understand different research designs, to evaluate the research literature and to prepare them to undertake research at undergraduate level. Meets all or part of HCPC Standards of Proficiency: 2b.1, 3a.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
HIPL500
Interprofessional Learning 2
Final year
In your final year you will continue the group research project, collecting data and reporting on it. Year 3 aims to advance your knowledge about clinical decision making and prepare you for educating future learners in practice. You will also continue to improve your knowledge of medical conditions and pathophysiology, as well as your scope of practice in relation to clinical skills.
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Core modules
PARA601
Clinical Skills and Application to Practice (3)
20 credits
This module enables students to develop the skills required to manage patients with a range of illnesses and injuries. Students will justify their practice using evidence and contemporary guidelines. Core paramedic skills will be practised, and students will be introduced to minor illness and minor injury. Students will refine their assessment skills, formulate differential diagnoses and manage diagnostic uncertainty.
100% Clinical exams
PARA602
Clinical Decision Making in Paramedic Practice
20 credits
This module prepares the student for professional paramedic practice, enabling students to justify their clinical decisions by utilising a contemporary evidence base. This module incorporates professional standards of proficiency with explicit reference to ethical and legal issues, whilst emphasising the importance of systematic thinking and enhanced communication skills.
100% Practicals
PARA603
Medical Conditions and Pathophysiology (2)
20 credits
This module will further knowledge and understanding related to medical conditions in paramedic practice and build on existing knowledge from the first instalment of this module. Specific insight will be given to anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and assessment and management of various medical conditions encountered within pre-hospital care.
100% Examinations
PARA604
Practice Placement (3)
20 credits
This module will enable the student to develop a portfolio of skills and competencies relevant to third year paramedic practice. There will be opportunities to apply theory, evidence based knowledge and practical ability within paramedic placement areas and clinical settings.
100% Coursework
PARA605
Facilitating Education in Paramedic Practice
20 credits
This module will equip Paramedic students with the knowledge to facilitate education in preparation for their professional practice. Students will identify self-awareness of leadership and management, to enable safe and competent practice. Critically analysing effective leadership behaviour and the influence of professional dynamics, leading to opportunities to engage in, and develop a professional practice qualification.
100% Practicals
SOHP605
Project
20 credits
This module consolidates knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. The content will support the students to undertake research at undergraduate level, to discuss their findings in the context of the contemporary evidence base and to evaluate the implications of their activities on their future practice.
100% Coursework
HIPL600
Interprofessional Learning 3
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council
Endorsed by the College of Paramedics
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:
Experience
Hands-on learning
Practice clinical skills safely before undertaking placements at a variety of healthcare settings – enabling high quality learning and a diverse experience with support from expert health professionals.
We try to do as many scenarios as we can and to make it as realistic as possible. It’s all aimed at making our students better paramedics and giving them the experience so they feel well practiced and are able to apply those skills to real patients.
Watch our third-year paramedic science students in action as they triage and treat simulated casualties around Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium – from the gateway and tunnel to the stands.
In this realistic major incident exercise, the paramedics of the future put their skills to the test in a dynamic and high-pressure environment.
Mr Jason Long
Lecturer in Paramedic Science (Education)
Exercise Dartmoor – clinical champion simulation
Held on Dartmoor’s rugged landscape, Exercise Dartmoor is a large-scale simulation event that immerses you in a series of complex, high-pressure scenarios that reflect the realities of pre-hospital care.
This hands-on experience pushes you to apply your clinical knowledge, make rapid decisions and work collaboratively in dynamic environments – skills essential for your future careers as paramedics
“The main objective of the event is for staff to pose difficult, but known, pre-hospital clinical situations and encourage teamwork, problem-solving and confidence as students work through these scenarios.”
Lecturer and exercise lead
Work alongside other healthcare students
Teamwork is essential for success in health and social care and many other careers. Interprofessional learning is all about working and learning together with people from different areas of healthcare. It helps you build valuable skills for the future.
The
Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre
supports interprofessional learning, giving students chances to work with others across different healthcare fields including radiography, dietetics, dental surgery, psychology, and child nursing. By learning together, students become confident and ready to step into their careers from day one.
It is great to know how to ensure all of our professions can work effectively together. This benefits the service user and staff.
Healthcare systems always require improvement, it’s easier to know how to improve your area if you know how other areas work too.
Real-world experience
Placements are an exciting and dynamic way to consolidate what you have learnt in the classroom. Practice takes place in a variety of healthcare settings enabling high quality learning and a diverse experience with support from expert health professionals.
Placements are crucial to the course, and I feel they have prepared me well for when I will be by myself on the road. It's the best chance to put the theory into practise.
Current paramedic science student Ismael shares detail into his placements working for the ambulance service, surgical theatres and maternity wards and how working in these different settings are preparing him for his future career.
Jacob's story
Jacob Maddams, BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practitioner student, is training to save lives and hopes to take to the skies as part of the Air Ambulance team.
Watch his story and discover his passion for paramedicine.
NHS Constitution
All our students are expected to adhere to the principles and values laid out in the NHS Constitution
Learn from experienced healthcare professionals
We pride ourselves on our innovative curriculum with an experienced, research-active teaching team, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience into the classroom, which you will apply in clinical practice.
Mr Ian Luscombe
Lecturer in Paramedic Science
Mr Andrew Webber
Lecturer in Paramedic Science (Education)
Mr Jason Long
Lecturer in Paramedic Science (Education)
Join our Paramedic Society – ParaSoc
Getting involved in a society comes with many benefits, from making new friends to enhancing your CV. The Paramedic Society offers students an enriching opportunity to develop skills, network with students from other healthcare professions, deepen their understanding of specialisms in paramedicine and attend fun socials to unwind from university stress.
"The society is really great for meeting new people and creating new friends within your cohort, and also students on different stages of the course. This year we organised a winter ball, board game nights and attended the cider festival at the Students' Union. We have also organised smaller, regular welfare catch ups which are a great way to check in on one another, especially when we are all out on placement" - Mark, current ParaSoc President.
Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The Uni is right in the city centre and around a 15-minute walk to the sea, which is incredible. Not only does Plymouth have the sea, which is great for water sports, but Darmoor National Park is a short drive away. I have enjoyed going on some spectacular hikes!
Matthew
Current BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science student
Current BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science student
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Making a difference
We offered recent graduates the opportunity to visit Nepal, so that they could see a different healthcare system outside of the UK before they started their career.
They were observed how the people of Nepal adapted to services and available resources, visit different hospitals and emergency departments in rural areas and contribute to the community through the delivery of first aid training in schools and to healthcare professionals. This immersive experience provided an insightful cultural experience, better understanding of global health challenges and enriched their professional development.
It is really important that we work on the foundations that we have put in place during this visit to Nepal, and expand further. I hope we will be able to bring more students and newly qualified graduates over to gain experience working in some of the hospitals, ambulance services and continuing to provide education to the community and health professions while they are here, and looking at more ways we can help influence positive change within the healthcare system.
Mr Jason Long
Lecturer in Paramedic Science (Education)
I thought coming to Nepal would be a great opportunity to give to the community while learning more about how they do things in healthcare. I have had an interest in global health and humanitarian work, so hopefully I can use this to kickstart a career within that field.
Sarah
BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science graduate
BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science graduate
Paul – charting a new path of service in paramedic science
After a career in the Royal Marines, Paul was passionate about working in a fast pace, unpredictable, and rewarding job so applied to study paramedic science. One year on from graduating, Paul gives an insight into his career as a newly qualified paramedic.
Career opportunities
A degree in paramedic science offers far more than preparation for life on the road – it equips you with highly transferable skills, hands-on experience and access to a broad range of career opportunities. The paramedic profession combines autonomy, responsibility and variety rarely found in other healthcare roles. Whether working on the frontline as the first healthcare professional to attend patients, or in evolving roles within critical care, primary care, forensic medicine or expedition medicine, paramedics make a real difference.
As the profession grows, so do the options – from specialist, advanced and consultant-level practice to leadership, research and education roles. Paramedics are increasingly recognised as skilled, registered professionals across both emergency and non-emergency settings, enhancing job stability and professional standing within the NHS and beyond.
Exploring the wide range of clinical and non-clinical paths is key to shaping a fulfilling career. Reflecting on your interests, values and strengths will help guide your direction, whether you choose further specialism or a less traditional route.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£9,790 per year
£9,790 per year
Part-time study
£815 per 10 credits
£815 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
£19,200 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
You may be eligible for a £5000 NHS training grant
The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students. It is supplementary financial support to the mainstream student loans system and is intended to support students whilst they train and gain professional registration. The training grant is for at least £5,000.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
128 UCAS points
128 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
All applicants require at least five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above. These must include mathematics, English and science. Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application. Please note the institution may consider equivalent numeracy and literacy qualifications.
A level
The normal entry requirement for A levels is 112 UCAS points (e.g. BBC). These A levels must include study of biology/human biology, chemistry or physics, to achieve a grade B or above (in some instances, an A level in physical education may be an appropriate alternative too). No UCAS credits are given to A levels in general studies.
BTEC National Diploma
For BTEC, the minimum entry requirements are three distinctions (DDD), 144 UCAS points from a topic (eg. health or science, but not public services or uniformed protective services). Study must contain units covering sufficient biology and/or chemistry (unless supplemented by an A-level in biology).
Access to Higher Education
The minimum entry requirements are 45 credits from a relevant access course (eg. health, nursing, science, etc). Of these, 36 must be at distinction, to include 15 credits in a relevant science (preference is biology but can consider 15 in physics or chemistry). The remaining 9 credits must be at merit or above.
T level
Those undertaking T levels in health and science pathways require a distinction or distinction*, as well as a grade B or above in the core component.
International Baccalaureate
28-32 overall. These must include five at higher level in biology and/or chemistry.
If overseas and not studying English within IB, must have an overall average score of at least 7.0, with a score of at least 6.5 in each element.
If overseas and not studying English within IB, must have an overall average score of at least 7.0, with a score of at least 6.5 in each element.
Other qualifications
In some instances, alternative academic qualifications may meet entry requirements too. We acknowledge that some potential applicants who are seeking to develop their careers may have completed vocationally-related qualifications with other course providers (distinct from technical qualifications such as T levels). These do not typically meet our academic requirements for entry, despite their vocational merit. Particularly, we are unable to accept the Qualsafe awards as an academic qualification to meet our entry requirements (for example, we cannot accept the Level 3 Award in First Response Emergency Care, Level 4 Diploma for Associate Ambulance Practitioners or Level 5 Diploma in First Response Emergency and Urgent Care).
Extended entry requirements
In addition to the above, acceptance depends on a number of other factors:
- Applicants must also submit a
strong personal statement in order to be considered. - Before any offer can be made, successful applicants are interviewed as part of a
Values based recruitment process. - All applicants for professional health programmes must undergo
additional screening to ensure their suitability. We are typically unable to accept those with criminal convictions/cautions that were issued in the preceding two years of an application (not including fixed penalty offences, such as speeding or parking infringements). Similarly, we are typically unable to accept those who have had fitness to practise concerns raised within the last two years by an employer, regulator or another university. After a two year period, all applications that involved criminal convictions/cautions or fitness to practise concerns are considered by our professional issues committee to ensure fitness to practise on a healthcare programme. Screening includes assessment of disclosure and barring service (DBS) status as well as occupational health checks. Occupational health assessments ensure that applicants are fit to fulfil the demands of placements. As students undertake ‘exposure prone procedures’, successful applicants must be vaccinated against a number of diseases. - If English is an applicant’s second language, and they do not have a GCSE in English at grade C/4 or above, an IELTS qualification is required. A minimum average IETLS score of 7.0 if required, with a score of at least 6.5 required in each element. See our
English language requirements . - We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our
tariff glossary . - Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.
Deferred entry
Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please contact the admissions team who will be able to explain the application process in more detail at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Further information
Enhancing your application
Meeting the academic minimum does not guarantee you a place, you need to make sure that you are strong across all sections of your application form.
Values based recruitment
University pre-registration programmes for health professionals are required to select their applicants using a ‘values based’ approach. As part of this process, your UCAS personal statement should include evidence of your personal commitment to NHS values. These are:
- working together for patients
- respect and dignity
- commitment to quality of care
- compassion
- improving lives
- everyone counts.
Professional standards
If you are applying for BSc Paramedic Science you're also advised to consult the Health and Care Professions Council documents Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency for Paramedics.
Driving
Students must attend clinical placement in a variety of locations across the South West, including mainly unsocial hours (public transport is not a viable option). Students must drive and have access to a motor-vehicle to commute to placement. Applicants without a driving licence will not be able to achieve placement requirements.
Students do not need a C1 licence to join our programme; yet most NHS ambulance Trusts require this. Similarly, there is no requirement for students to undergo emergency driver training whilst studying with us (emergency driving is not a component of the programme).
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
B784
B784
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science with Integrated Foundation Year
Being a paramedic is a highly rewarding and stimulating career, presenting many opportunities to specialise within a variety of challenging healthcare environments. Our foundation course prepares you for the degree in BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science.
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
128 UCAS points
128 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
B784
B784
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes to this course
The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at
plymouth.ac.uk/upic
or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.