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BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science
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| UCAS tariff |
112 - 144
Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
|
| UCAS course code | B784 |
| Institution code | P60 |
| Duration | 3 years (with placements) |
| Course type | Full-time |
| Study location | Plymouth |
Being a paramedic is a highly rewarding and stimulating career. The BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science course at the University of Plymouth offers a forward-looking programme of study, which aims to prepare you for the workplace by developing your decision-making capabilities, clinical knowledge, and skills base.
Your career as a healthcare professional starts here
The first-class new home for our healthcare teaching and research providing students with skills to meet the needs of 21st century careers.
InterCity Place
A unique new learning space where undergraduate and postgraduate students from the largest breadth of health disciplines in the South-West learn together under one roof, with expert practitioners.
Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre (PIHC)
Experience an interprofessional learning environment across our health programmes that will prepare you for life as a healthcare professional.
Become a healthcare professional of the future
Collaboration across the schools helps students to learn with, from and about each other, gaining the real-world experience employers seek.
Careers with this subject
Paramedics work with people of all ages, from the very start of life to end of life care. The traditional ambulance paramedic works with a range of health care, social care and emergency service colleagues to support patients.
As paramedics are used to working autonomously, and with the development of the graduate profession, they are increasingly able to work in roles that were traditionally undertaken by others. Whether in the NHS, voluntary or private sector, paramedics can work in a several settings, including:
- ambulance crews
- air ambulance
- Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART)
- minor injury units
- event work (e.g. festivals, equestrian events, motorsports and rugby matches)
- primary care settings such as GP surgeries
- hospital settings (e.g. advanced clinical practitioner roles)
- forensic paramedics working in prison and police custody areas
- education
- research
- leadership and management.
Key features
- 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.
- Train and practice your professional healthcare skills in an inspiring purpose-built environment,
InterCity Place . - 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.
Course 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 creditsThis 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 creditsThis 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% Clinincal exams
PARA402
Introduction to Paramedic Science 20 creditsThis 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 creditsParamedics 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 creditsThis 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 creditsThis 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 creditsA 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% Clinincal exams
PARA502
Trauma Management 20 creditsThis 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 creditsThis 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 creditsThis 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 creditsThis 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 creditsThis 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.
Core modules
PARA601
Clinical Skills and Application to Practice (3) 20 creditsThis 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% Clinincal exams
PARA602
Clinical Decision Making in Paramedic Practice 20 creditsThis 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 creditsThis 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 creditsThis 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 creditsThis 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 creditsThis 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
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:
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff
112 - 144
Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.
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.
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 128 UCAS points (e.g. ABB). The minimum 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.
The normal entry requirement for A levels is 128 UCAS points (e.g. ABB). The minimum 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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:
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.
-
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.
Further information
Deferred entry
Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Fees, costs and funding
| 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 * | |
|---|---|---|
| Home | £9,250 | £9,535 |
| International | £18,100 | £18,650 |
| Part time (Home) | £770 | £795 |
*UK Government announcement on tuition fees
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Undergraduate Merit Scholarship for international students
Scholarship value: £2000 off your tuition fees in year one.
To recognise continued academic achievement, you may also receive:
To recognise continued academic achievement, you may also receive:
- 10% off the successive years tuition fee if an overall grade of 60% or above is maintained
- 20% off the successive years tuition fee if an overall grade of 70% or above is maintained.
To be eligible you must:
- achieve one grade above your academic offer.
- meet our standard English Language requirements.
This scholarship will be offered automatically, providing you meet the eligibility criteria. A separate application will not be required.
Additional costs
Placements
All students within the School of Health Professions will spend time in placements away from university. The South West is a largely rural region, which often requires students to travel longer and further distances than may be expected when universities are in largely urban areas. In many cases, students will stay away from home for the duration of that placement. Some students on these courses are eligible for reimbursement of additional travel and accommodation costs over normal daily travel costs. This support is part of the Learning Support Fund administered through the NHS Business Services Authority. However, this should be investigated by the student to make sure this applies to their chosen course of study.
All students within the School of Health Professions will spend time in placements away from university. The South West is a largely rural region, which often requires students to travel longer and further distances than may be expected when universities are in largely urban areas. In many cases, students will stay away from home for the duration of that placement. Some students on these courses are eligible for reimbursement of additional travel and accommodation costs over normal daily travel costs. This support is part of the Learning Support Fund administered through the NHS Business Services Authority. However, this should be investigated by the student to make sure this applies to their chosen course of study.
It is difficult to give a precise estimate of placement costs for each individual programme, due to the geographical spread of placements, and duration. However it is recommended you attend an Open Day to find out more about what placement costs can be anticipated or discuss placement with a member of our admissions teams.
Despite these costs, placements offer an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and are recognised as an essential part of students' development towards becoming a registered practitioner.
Further information
More details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are included in
Faculty of Health additional costs
.
More details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are included in
NHS Learning Support Fund
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. Please be aware that this funding is provided by the NHS and is reviewed periodically, which means levels of funding could be subject to change. For more information, please see the guidance available: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf.
How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
The deadline for the receipt of international applications is 30 May 2025 for entry in September 2025.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our
how to apply webpage
or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Progression routes
International progression routes
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
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 a video of our second year students working with the fire service on Road traffic collision (RTC) training as part of the Trauma Management module.
Mr Jason Long
Lecturer in Paramedic Science (Education)
Graduate experience
Academic staff and newly qualified BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science graduates share their visit to see the healthcare systems, view facilities and provide training to local community and ambulance service professionals in Nepal.
Graduate insight
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.
Graduate profiles
Find out what some of our graduates are doing now
Placements and facilities
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.
Ismael's placement experience
"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.
Health students may be eligible to receive an additional £5000 each year
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 £5,000.
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.
Megan's story
"I believe the course has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to step confidently into a paramedic role and provide quality care when it matters most".
Current BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science student Megan talks about her university journey explaining how the course is taught and how it has prepared her for practice.
The skills you need to be an allied health professional
We worked with Your Future Career on the 2020 Careers in Science and Healthcare campaign. A printed publication is enclosed within every copy of The New Scientist newspaper and the content is also available online.
The campaign featured exclusive content about the importance of the science and healthcare industries from key thought leaders and industry voices.
Read more at Your Future Career
Paramedic science team
-
![Mr Ian Luscombe Lecturer in Paramedic Science]( "Mr Ian Luscombe")
Mr Ian Luscombe
Lecturer in Paramedic Science
Programme lead
-
![Mr Andrew Webber Lecturer in Paramedic Science (Education)]( "Mr Andrew Webber")
Mr Andrew Webber
Lecturer in Paramedic Science (Education)
Admissions Tutor
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![Mr Jason Long Lecturer in Paramedic Science (Education)]( "Mr Jason Long")
Mr Jason Long
Lecturer in Paramedic Science (Education)
Academic lead
-
![Mr Jon Green Lecturer in Paramedic Science]( "Mr Jon Green")
Mr Jon Green
Lecturer in Paramedic Science
-
![Mr Matt Francis Lecturer in Paramedic Science]( "Mr Matt Francis")
Mr Matt Francis
Lecturer in Paramedic Science
-
![Miss Emilia Lawrenson Lecturer in Paramedic Science]( "Miss Emilia Lawrenson")
Miss Emilia Lawrenson
Lecturer in Paramedic Science
-
![Mr Dean Gray Lecturer in Paramedic Science]( "Mr Dean Gray")
Mr Dean Gray
Lecturer in Paramedic Science
-
![Miss Suzie Boot Lecturer in Paramedic Science]( "Miss Suzie Boot")
Miss Suzie Boot
Lecturer in Paramedic Science
-
![Mr Nic Pendreich Lecturer in Paramedicine]( "Mr Nic Pendreich")
Mr Nic Pendreich
Lecturer in Paramedicine
-
![Mr Jamie Weller Lecturer in Paramedic Science]( "Mr Jamie Weller")
Mr Jamie Weller
Lecturer in Paramedic Science
International students
Thinking about coming to study in Plymouth? Find the answers to many of your questions here, as well as links to places where you can discover more.
English Language Centre
We offer a range of courses to help you develop your academic English language skills.
These include pre-sessional academic English courses for undergraduates, taught postgraduates and research students along with insessional language classes, tutorials and activities to support students who have English as a second language.
NHS Constitution
All our students are expected to adhere to the principles and values laid out in the NHS Constitution
*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 (Unistats) website.