BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science

Although needs may fluctuate, the national demand for NHS paramedics is currently high. However, working on a frontline ambulance is not the only opportunity available to the graduate paramedic. Other opportunities exist, such as within HART (the ambulance service’s ‘Hazardous Area Response Team’), minor injury clinics, GP surgeries, or working as a forensic paramedic. Further afield, some choose to work as offshore paramedics or look to seek employment in ambulance services within other countries.

Those wishing to gain ‘Specialist Paramedic’ status in ‘Urgent’ or ‘Critical Care’ roles can look to study at postgraduate level, as with the University of Plymouth’s ‘MSc Pre-Hospital Critical Care/Retrieval and Transfer’.

Understanding where your degree subject could take you is an important first step in career planning. Due to the transferrable nature of the skills you gain from your studies, you may discover that there is a much wider range of opportunities open to you within this profession that you may first appreciate. Find out more about where your degree could take you.

• Benefit from our experienced teaching team's range of academic and clinical areas of special interest and research.
  
• Study a contemporary curriculum focusing on providing quality patient care.
  
• Develop leadership and management skills.
  
• Access our fully equipped clinical skills suites, simulation areas and student ambulance.
  
• Learn on a course that has service user and carer involvement at its core.
  
• Take advantage of the University’s excellent online resources, library, IT facilities and support services.
  

• 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

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (PARA400)

    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.

  • Clinical Skills and Application to Practice (1) (PARA401)

    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.

  • Introduction to Paramedic Science (PARA402)

    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.

  • Special Patient Groups (PARA403)

    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.

  • Practice Placement (1) (PARA404)

    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.

  • Preparation for Practice (SOHP401)

    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.

• 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

  • Clinical Skills and Application to Practice 2 (PARA501)

    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.

  • Trauma Management (PARA502)

    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.

  • Medical Conditions and Pathophysiology (1) (PARA503)

    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.

  • Practice Placement (2) (PARA504)

    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.

  • Mental Health in Paramedic Practice (PARA505)

    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.

  • Project Studies (SOHP503)

    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.

• 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. An elective component in practice also enables you to explore specialist areas that you may want to consider for future employment.

  Core modules

  • Clinical Skills and Application to Practice (3) (PARA601)

    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.

  • Clinical Decision Making in Paramedic Practice (PARA602)

    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.

  • Medical Conditions and Pathophysiology (2) (PARA603)

    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.

  • Practice Placement (3) (PARA604)

    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.

  • Facilitating Education in Paramedic Practice (PARA605)

    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.

  • Project (SOHP605)

    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.

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:

BSc Hons Paramedic Science Programme Specification updated for 20 21 6607

UCAS tariff

112 - 128

UCAS tariff
112 - 128 depending upon route of entry

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 are 128 UCAS points (e.g. ABB). The minimum entry requirement for A level is 112 UCAS points (e.g. BBC). These A levels must include study of Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Applied Science (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). 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, 30 must be at distinction (to include 15 credits in biology, Physics and/or chemistry). The remaining 15 credits must be at merit or above.

International Baccalaureate
The minimum entry requirements for the IB are 30 points. 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

Extended entry requirements

In addition to the above, acceptance depends on a number of other factors:

• Applicants must have undertaken academic study within the last five years.
• 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. 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. If applicants need to improve their English language to access the course, the University of Plymouth offer pre-sessional academic English courses.
• English language requirements
• We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
  
  

• Enhancing your application
• Values based recruitment
• Driving