Paramedic Science - BSc (Hons)
The BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science degree will develop your theoretical knowledge and practical skills within both the university and clinical practice environment. To be a paramedic you must be able to overcome challenges, show initiative and demonstrate critical thinking....
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2021
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Course is Full for 2021/22 Entry
This course is now full for 2021/22. You can apply for 2022/23 via UCAS from September 2021.
If you'd still like to apply for September 2021, take a look at some of our other available courses.
Course overview
The BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science degree will develop your theoretical knowledge and practical skills within both the university and clinical practice environment. To be a paramedic you must be able to overcome challenges, show initiative and demonstrate critical thinking. This course will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to rise to these challenges, whilst developing your communication skills and knowledge.
All modules provide a balance between theory and practical application and provide the opportunity for you to reflect and apply context in clinical practice placements. This course is designed to be a catalyst for students to apply for registration with the HCPC and develop a successful career as a paramedic.
What's covered in this course?
To be a modern paramedic, you must overcome challenges, show initiative and demonstrate critically adaptive thinking, excellent communication skills and medical knowledge as the first point of contact in care provision for patients in stressful situations.
Becoming a professional modern Paramedic you'll need to be able to think critically, react appropriately in challenging and stressful situations, have effective communication skills and also have the knowledge and skills to deliver health care across the life span. You need to be able to do all of this whilst demonstrating empathy and care towards your patients and ensure your values and professional behaviour meet those required of HCPC to become a modern paramedic.
You will also become an effective member of the Paramedic profession by developing your medical and healthcare knowledge as well as clinical decision making skills and focusing on high quality patient centred health care. This will prepare you with the many possible career opportunities for the modern paramedic across settings such as clinical practice, education or research settings.
Where will I study?
You will study in our recently extended £71 million City South Campus, with access to cutting edge facilities and equipment that will enhance your skills learning. You will have access to advanced simulation facilities and environments that can re-create an emergency setting, allowing you to develop your hands-on skills right here on campus too. Our unique facilities are also useful to support you with any questions or queries before starting you real-life work placements.
See what our students say...
“Simulations at University use Sim Man; you can feel for pulses, it talks and breathes so you can treat it as an actual patient. It gives you more confidence when doing your first patient assessments.” Shaun Kemp
Why Choose Us?
- Funding - Allied health profession students will receive at least £5,000 a year in additional funding for maintenance and associated study costs. Download the funding FAQs
- We’ve invested £71 million in our City South Campus - complete with immersive classrooms, an operating theatre, hospital wards and simulation facilities to give you real-life experience on campus
- Benefit from our clinical partnerships, such as the NHS and other medical institutions - this course offers the core skills of the discipline, and the encouragement to achieve your personal and professional goals
- High graduate employability rate - 100 per cent of students went on to work or further study within six months of graduating on an average starting salary of £23,400 (Unistats 2016/17)
- Clinical experience - you will spend a significant period of time gaining experience, building confidence and skills in clinical placements
- Get work experience abroad - you can apply for a travel scholarship as part of our Go Abroad scheme to carry out exciting work placements overseas
- Learn though a variety of teaching approaches, including simulations in our extensive skills facilities such as: S.P.A.C.E learning facility (Skills Practice and Care Enhancement), fold-away ambulance and breathing/talking mannequins to practice patient care
- Online learning technology available 24 hours a day via Virtual Case Creator (VCC) software, which recreates a range of virtual scenarios to experience the practicalities of patient operations, assessment and care
Similar Courses
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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120 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| GCSE |
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| BTEC Level 2 Diploma |
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| BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate |
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| Functional Skills/ Essential Skills level 2 |
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| Intermediate GNVQ |
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| Key Skills level 2 |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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| Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| IELTS |
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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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| British bachelor's degree |
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| City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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| Open University courses |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
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| Other qualifications | ||
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. All candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the programme, which are as follows:
Claims by students who wish to APEL are approved by the Personal Development Department on an individual basis. *Interviews - Candidates who are successfully short listed will be invited to attend n interview, these are currently online. |
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Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 per year
- Applications Closed
Sorry, this course is not available to International students.
This course is now full for 2021/22. You can apply for 2022/23 via UCAS from September 2021 .
If you'd still like to apply for September 2020, take a look at some of our other available courses in Clearing.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Learning Support Fund
From 1 November 2017 you may be able to apply for elements of the learning support fund if:
- you are studying a pre-registration healthcare course
- are studying in England and
- your course started on or after 1 August 2017
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
40 credits
The aim of this module is to ensure you have the knowledge and ability to provide the fundamental, quality and compassionate care expected from a functioning member of an ambulance crew providing emergency and urgent assistance in the out-of-hospital setting.
20 credits
As a student paramedic it is vital for you to understand the human body, its normal functions and deviations from this normality. This module introduces you to the human body in terms of anatomy and physiology, alongside a number of commonly encountered medical and traumatic conditions and their pathophysiology. In addition you will learn about how the anatomy and physiology of women changes during a normal pregnancy and normal labour.
20 credits
On completion of this module you will have been introduced to the professional and academic skills required to begin identifying and developing the requirements needed to study on a paramedic course. It is expected that as an aspiring registrant with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), you will have an understanding of professionalism and evidence-based practice and be able to apply these principles to your practice.
20 credits
The aim of this module is to explore the wide variety of service users you will encounter in the emergency and urgent care setting and how to deliver the most appropriate person-centred care to all.
As a Heath Care professional, you will need to deliver a person-centred care approach to every service user you encounter. This means providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual preferences, needs and values. In order to do this, you will be introduced to client groups across the human lifespan and reflect on the biological, psychological and social aspects that can affect an individual’s health and well-being.
20 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to explore different models of health and care. It will provide you with the different expectations and philosophies of care, and provide insight into health promotion and health education, and how this relates to pre-hospital care. Strategies will also be introduced in terms of self-care for the practitioner, as well as any risk reduction practices when dealing with service users, family members and bystanders.
Year Two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
40 credits
The need to reason independently and critically is paramount to providing a safe and effective service to service users; especially in challenging circumstances. This module aims to allow you to explore, develop and practice the skills necessary to respond effectively and professionally to complex and high pressure situations. The ‘Developing Paramedic Practice’ module links and draws together the knowledge learnt in other level 4 & 5 modules, allowing for subject knowledge to be applied in both simulated and clinical practice; developing you towards an “industry ready” safe and effective practitioner.
20 credits
Knowledge for effective health care is developing at an unprecedented pace and your professional practice requires sound and reliably constructed evidence in order to maintain effectiveness. Service user safety and ensuring clinical effectiveness are critical issues in health care provision and the importance of evidence-based practice has never been greater. Evidence-based practice is central to the provision of optimum care, ensuring positive service user outcomes. Critical thinking is a core requirement of evidence-based practice and this will be enhanced through the development of evidence-based practice knowledge and skills. The importance and relevance of evidence-based practice has been recognised by the HCPC.
20 credits
This module will provide you with the knowledge and education required to care for service users across the lifespan. This will include managing obstetric emergencies, paediatrics and the older patient. You will receive knowledge and skills surrounding the key polices for various service user groups as well as the relevant information in terms of physiological development. The module will also allow you to explore the concepts of death, bereavement and end of life care.
20 credits
Health equality and inclusion are essential within the health and social care environments. The service users you will come into contact with are individuals and may present with differing needs and therefore you should always endeavour to ensure that these are met and ensure that they have equal access to the support available to them in the emergency and urgent care setting.
20 credits
It is vital for paramedics to understand the human body, its normal functions and deviations from this normality. As a student, you will apply knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology to a range of illnesses/injuries in order to develop the ability to critically analyse approaches to clinical decisions. Building upon knowledge gained from the ‘Essential Biosciences for Healthcare Professionals’ module in year 1 you will explore processes concerned with maintaining the body’s homeostatic balance and how these impact upon the pathophysiological processes of illness, disease and trauma.
Year Three
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
40 credits
This level 6 module is intended to develop the knowledge and skills learnt at level 5. The module also brings together the knowledge learnt in other level 6 modules allowing for subject knowledge to be applied in practice. Through a work-based learning style approach this module credits the learning of clinical and non-technical skills whilst on the third year of placements, and ultimately will develop you towards becoming “highly employable”, “future proofed” and an “industry ready” safe and effective practitioner.
40 credits
This module is designed to complete the healthcare professional’s journey through higher education, culminating in a significant independent piece of work. This module will utilise concepts and theoretical knowledge gained throughout the previous modules. The module will allow the discovery and synthesis of new information, allowing the student healthcare professional to independently work with the literature base and undertake a research project, which they may go on to conduct in continuing studies at level 7. Engaging in research at this level is recommended by both the HCPC and professional body, and may provide the student with the required knowledge and understanding to seek employment within the research field in their area of interest, which is requirement of the profession.
20 credits
This module will focus on you as a developing professional with a specific focus on developing you as a leader. There will be an emphasis on the paramedic as a problem solver, leader, mentor and decision maker. You will also learn the importance of change management within the leadership process and within an organisation. Your study will focus on theories and processes within the NHS in terms of leadership, management and coaching. As a result, completion of this module will ultimately develop you towards becoming ‘highly employable’ and an ‘industry ready’ leader and team member.
20 credits
This module is designed to allow you to develop the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills to critically examine the evolving approach to health care, in order to manage service users with both minor injuries of illness and complex health care needs across the age continuum. The main focus is to explore the underpinning evidence based knowledge and specific assessment skills that underpin the management of the more commonly encountered problems seen in these settings.
This course gives you a balance of both the academic, evidence-based approach to health care but also the hands-on, real-world training you will need to enter this vital and fast-moving part of the health service.
In your first year, you'll be getting the fundamental knowledge and skills for paramedic practice, whilst your second and third years are about both developing and enhancing those skills to allow you work flexibly in various settings.
You'll learn via a carefully-designed mix of academic and clinical modules and a rolling series of practical placements, with a mixture of lectures and project work. The course is designed to help you become a capable, competent practitioner steeped in the ‘6 Cs’ values of the NHS Constitution and become employable after you graduate.
You'll also develop your research, leadership and clinical reasoning capabilities, while discovering the legal and ethical framework of today's healthcare culture.
You will spend time on placement as part of this course, we are currently exploring new and exciting opportunities for placements.
Additional support
If you are dyslexic, have a specific learning difference or a disability, we have a Disability Tutor who can help and support you.
More on our disability tutor >>
We offer extra technical and learning support.
Health and Care Professions Council
This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council, and will give you eligibility to apply for registration if you successfully complete the course.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
We are committed to developing Paramedic professionals who are capable of independent practice and also being members of interprofessional teams, while responding to the dynamic nature of professional practice.
After graduating from this undergraduate degree in Paramedic Science, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The modern paramedic is faced with new challenges of working in a wide variety of situations traditionally staffed by other health professionals and our course reflects this changing picture. That means you'll be able to work in the NHS, as part of an ambulance crew, or in one of the many emerging roles; for example in a minor injuries unit.
The independent sector is also rapidly developing and actively seeks to employ HCPC paramedics; giving opportunities in areas across the UK and abroad. There is also a requirement for off shore installations and ships to have medics on board and UK paramedics are filling these posts and finding themselves working on oil platforms in the Middle East and ships ranging from pirate patrols to cruise ships.
If you want to stay closer to home, the TV and film industry, motorsport event and music festival organisers all have a need for paramedics to ensure that the crew and crowds remain safe and are well cared for in case of an emergency.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Facilities and Staff
Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.
We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across.
These resources are essential in offering students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice. Much of our teaching is carried out within our state-of-the-art, £30m Seacole Building, which houses cutting-edge learning facilities.
Take a virtual tour of our skills suites at Seacole
In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that students learn using the most up-to-date equipment available. These include a mock operating theatre and a cutting-edge radiography virtual clinical training facility, virtual ward and virtual case creator.
Simulation Mannequins
We have several Simulation men (SIM men) and Simulation babies (SIM babies) which are leading edge, anatomically correct mannequins used for teaching specific techniques such as advanced adult and paediatric life support skills, acute and high dependency clinical skills, first aid and communication skills.
The SIM men and SIM baby mannequins are complete with software, which is used to replicate real symptoms, and are enhanced by the manipulation of for example blood pressure, pulse and heart rate for extra realism. SIM Man can also “talk” to the students which adds another dimension to their use in teaching clinical skills and in simulation exercises
Skills Practice and Care Enhancement facility
The SPACE (Skills Practice And Care Enhancement) learning facility lets you further practice the skills taught in class, at your own pace and convenience.
It is fully stocked with the specialist items and equipment needed for procedures such as taking blood pressure, giving an injection, abdominal examination of a pregnant woman and caring for ill babies in an incubator.
Mary Seacole Library
The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The state-of-the art facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, full colour printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.
Our staff
Sharon Hardwick
Course leader / Senior Lecturer Dip HE Paramedic Science
Sharon has been a paramedic for over 20 years after starting her career with West Midlands Ambulance Service working in Coventry. In 2001 she became a clinical supervisor in what was Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service, where she supported and mentored newly qualified staff through their training period.
More about SharonRobert Stubbs
Senior lecturer Paramedic Science Placement Lead
Robert gained his Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (Paramedic Science) at Birmingham City University. He practiced as a registered paramedic in both the Royal Air Force and NHS, working within the United Kingdom and around the world.
More about RobertKaren Gubbins
Senior Lecturer and Admissions Tutor for Paramedic Science
Karen joined West Midlands Ambulance Service in 1996 and qualified as a paramedic in 1998 within the Birmingham area. She was promoted to a first line manager in 2000 working with Wolverhampton. Karen then moved into the Training and Education Department in 2004 as worked as an Ambulance Tutor teaching all aspects of patient transport, ambulance technician and paramedic work.
More about KarenDaniel Finnerty
Lecturer in Paramedic Science
Daniel qualified as a paramedic in 2007 after attending Sheffield Hallam University. Daniel is passionate about the education of Paramedics and before joining the Paramedic Science Team at Birmingham City University he was a Clinical Education Tutor for London Ambulance Service NHS Trust where he studied for his Diploma in teaching and training and became a Paramedic Practice Placement Educator.
More about DanielGema Mee
Assistant Lecturer in Paramedic Science
Gema joined WMAS on the student paramedic programme, due to already have undergraduate and post graduate degrees, and worked as gaining her Associate Ambulance Practitioner qualification working at Dudley hub, before moving to Bromsgrove hub, where she completed her university FdSc Paramedic Science at the University of Worcester, registering as a paramedic in 2019.
More about GemaLiam Dale
Lecturer in Paramedic Science and Pre-hospital Care
New to the team in 2020, Liam is still an active Paramedic splitting his time equally between working for West Midlands Ambulance Service and teaching at BCU. This allows him to continue building experience and directly supporting and mentoring students in practice as well as having a role in their development in the classroom.
More about Liam