Clear progression to an integrated Master’s qualification
Immersive learning
Real-world experience
Details
Year 1
Core modules
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
PARA405
Applied Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology in Paramedic Science
This module builds on existing knowledge of human anatomy and physiology whilst introducing pathophysiology & epidemiology 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, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, neurological, integumentary, gastrointestinal, urological and reproductive.
SOHP401
Preparation for Practice
20 credits
This shared and inter-professional module will introduce students to professional practice and evaluation of the inherent standards expected of them. The characteristics and identity of health and care professionals, as evidence-informed/based practitioners, will underpin learning.
100% Coursework
HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1
Year 2
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
SOHP604
Project Design for Research
20 credits
Students will explore methodology and methods relevant to the development of a research project and by the end of the module will formulate a research proposal. The module will explore defining and refining a research question, selecting and appraising methodology, ethical considerations, selecting and appraising data collection and analysis techniques.
100% Coursework
HIPL600
Interprofessional Learning 3
Year 3
Core modules
ADV712
Supported Independent Study
This module is specifically designed to enable students to develop their own professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.
PARA701
Paramedic Practice in Primary and Urgent care
This module supports the further development of clinical knowledge and skills through structured history taking, including safe telephone consultation (Hear and Treat), and physical examination. Learners will apply clinical reasoning within primary and urgent care practice, critically analysing clinical risk management, inter-professional collaboration, and decision-making in diverse and dynamic care environments.
PARA702
Principles of Prehospital Critical care
This module builds on existing knowledge and experience to enhance learners’ clinical reasoning and decision-making in the management of critically ill patients within the pre-hospital environment. Students will examine the theoretical and evidence-based principles that underpin complex interventions in critical care, including cardiac arrest and post–return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) management. Learners will develop and critically appraise the specialist knowledge and skills required to deliver safe and effective care across a range of critical care scenarios, integrating current research, national guidance, and ethical considerations into practice. Through critical reflection, participants will evaluate and refine their competence in life support, resuscitation, and post-ROSC care, strengthening their ability to provide high-quality, patient-centred care in dynamic and challenging clinical settings.
SOHP705
Research Dissertation
40 credits
Over the course of this module students will complete their dissertation as part of their Masters programme under supervision from the module team and a named dissertation supervisor. Students will undertake an individual research project and this is presented as an individual project report/ article. Formative: presentation to peers.
100% Coursework
Optional modules
ADV774
Contemporary Leadership
EMM716
Mountain and Polar Expedition Medicine
This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of expedition medicine and of the distinct environmental, physical and psychological factors associated with working as a clinical practitioner in polar and mountainous environments.
SOHP707
International Perspectives and Practice Requirements for Health and Social Care Practitioners
20 credits
This module will enhance students' knowledge of their profession within a global context. It will provide the opportunity for health and social care practitioners to explore current research and development related to a range of countries.
100% Coursework
Final year
Experience
Hands-on learning
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.
Mr Jason Long
Lecturer in Paramedic Science (Education)
Exercise Dartmoor – clinical champion simulation
“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
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 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.
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
Mr Andrew Webber
Lecturer in Paramedic Science (Education)
Mr Ian Luscombe
Lecturer in Paramedic Science
Mr Jason Long
Lecturer in Paramedic Science (Education)
Join our Paramedic Society – ParaSoc
"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
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!
Current BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science student
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
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
Career opportunities
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
£10,050 per year
To be confirmed per credits
Tuition fee price changes
£19,800 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Fund your studies
Supporting students with the cost of living
Apply
Entry requirements
128 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
A level
BTEC National Extended Diploma
Access courses
T level
Irish Leaving Certificate
Scottish Qualifications Authority
Welsh Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate
Other qualifications
Extended entry requirements
- 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
Further information
Enhancing your application
Values based recruitment
- working together for patients
- respect and dignity
- commitment to quality of care
- compassion
- improving lives
- everyone counts.
Professional standards
Driving
Ready to apply?
B785
P60
4 years
(with placements)
Full-time
Plymouth
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
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
128 UCAS points
English language requirements
Ready to apply?
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
B785
P60
4 years
(with placements)
Full-time
Plymouth
Other routes to this course
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
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