Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Critical Care
Our BSc (Hons) Critical Care programme enables NMC / HCPC registered healthcare professionals to develop their practice caring for people who require critical and intensive care.Immersive learning
This programme is designed for healthcare professionals working in intensive care, high dependency units, emergency departments, pre-hospital care, and acute care settings—providing the practical foundation needed to thrive in complex, fast-paced clinical roles.
Practical experience
Gain experience working alongside experienced healthcare professionals and fellow medical students. A collaborative approach fosters interprofessional learning, enhances clinical decision-making, and prepares you for the complexities of critical care environments.
Shape future healthcare
Be part of the next generation of leaders transforming critical care. Through evidence-based practice, research, and innovation, you'll contribute to advancing healthcare delivery in high-pressure environments.
About
A modular design and part-time study option enables you to enhance your ability to care for critically ill adults in a variety of settings over up to five years in response to service need and professional circumstances.
Mr Ruari Cassidy
Lecturer in Clinical Intercalation
This course is for you if...
you're looking to advance your practice in critical and intensive care through a patient-centred programme
you want to develop specialist and transferable competences within an e-portfolio
you're eager to drive and lead quality improvement initiatives within critical and intensive care settings
you value learning with and from other healthcare professionals and medical students
Details
Programme overview
The course comprises of four 20 credit core modules and 40 credits in optional modules within the Faculty of Health.
It may be possible to accredit any previous formal certificated learning and informal non-certificated learning, including e-learning as part of the degree pathway by Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Please see the
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
section of our website for further details.
Please note that if you apply to RPL up to the maximum of 60 credits you will need to achieve the core modules through either RPL or taught and the rest from a combination of optional modules from CPD offer to be eligible for the award of BSc (Hons) Critical Care.
Core modules
- Understanding evidence to inform clinical decision making (degree level) HEAD360DL
- Evidencing professional development in urgent, emergency and critical care via (e)-portfolio (degree level) (UEC608)
- Urgent, emergency and critical care: leadership and innovation (degree level) (UEC607DL)
- Developing professional practice in critical care (degree level) (UEC609)
Optional modules
Any other module, partnership module, mentorship or learning achieved via
professional development modules
from the University of Plymouth or with another HEI in the relevant subject of critical care – if you are unsure on whether a module you have passed is relevant, please contact the Programme Lead.
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.
Experience
Previous experience
If you have previously obtained a health related honours degree at 2:2 or above, you are eligible to access the course via the graduate certificate/diploma route:
- Graduate Certificate: Critical Care (60 credits at degree level)
- Graduate Diploma: Critical Care (120 credits at degree level)
Students seeking to achieve either qualification will be required to achieve the core modules UEC607, UEC608 and UEC609 (certificate) and UEC607, UEC608, UEC609, HEAD360 (diploma).
Applications will be considered individually by the programme team and the PDU.
Learn from skilled healthcare professionals
Mr Ruari Cassidy
Lecturer in Clinical Intercalation
Dr Blair Graham
Lecturer in Urgent & Emergency Care
Dr Rachel Pascoe
Lecturer in Acute/Critical Care Nursing (Education)
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 overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current 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
Why choose emergency care?
Emergency medicine is a dynamic and rapidly evolving specialty. As the role of emergency departments expands, so too does their impact and influence within the healthcare system. For students, the rewards are both personal and professional.
The profile of emergency care has grown significantly in recent years. Its fast-paced, unpredictable nature attracts individuals who thrive under pressure—those who embrace the challenge of thinking on their feet, adapting quickly, and facing something new every day. If you're someone who seeks variety, intensity, and the chance to make a difference in critical moments, emergency medicine could be the perfect fit.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for part-time UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Part-time study
The fee for this programme is dependant on the modules undertaken. Please see the relevant module webpages for further information.
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
.
Apply
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the course you must be:
- on a professional register (i.e. NMC, HCPC) and:
- working in practice in an area that reflects the continuum of provision for critical care to achieve the programme learning outcomes and:
- in possession of previous study at level 5 (Diploma of Higher Education) or a foundation degree.
You will be considered and advised individually (where required) by the programme team and Professional Development Unit. Please contact the PDU or programme lead if you have any queries regarding your situation.
Extended entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
When to apply
Applications for this programme can usually be made throughout the year. Please check the closing date and apply as early as possible as our programmes are popular.
Applying
Please use the Apply button bellow and return the form to:
What happens after I apply?
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information, to take part in an interview (which in the case if you are an overseas student may be by telephone or video conference) or you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by University of Plymouth, please visit our Additional support for students with an impairment, health condition or disability website.
Institution code
NA
NA
Duration
5 years
Course type
Part-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
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