Paramedic Science BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Professionally Accredited Programmes
Man putting a cannula in a ladies arm in an ambulance

Paramedics are at the frontline of patient care - working in dynamic environments and administering a range of often life-saving treatments to people suffering from traumatic injuries and/or medical problems.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 years full-time

Course code

B950

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

Accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) enabling you to register as a paramedic upon successful completion (additional requirements and costs may apply).

  • 7th for Paramedic Science in the Complete University Guide 2022.
  • All eligible home students on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the Government of £5,000 per year, with additional payments for students incurring childcare costs6.
  • State-of-the-art teaching facilities including mock ambulance, high-tech manikins, hospital wards, critical care settings, community housing and other real-life environments relevant to practice4.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

Paramedics are often the first emergency service on the scene. They can administer a range of life-saving treatments and provide vital information to people suffering from traumatic injuries and/or medical problems. This course aims to prepare you for the challenges that come with providing emergency and urgent care to an ageing and diverse population in pre-hospital and out-of-hospital environments.

  • This course uses Coventry University’s ‘learning through exploration’ approach, where simulation and hands-on learning aim to develop your knowledge and understanding of the specialty. This includes the opportunity to use our full-size ambulance replica, with high-tech medical equipment and lifelike training manikins that simulate real patients with life-threatening conditions and various medical conditions.
  • Through a combination of university lecturers, our excellent simulation facilities and practice placements with regional ambulance trusts5, we aim to develop the skills and knowledge you require to provide safe and effective paramedic care in a range of settings. In addition to the medical knowledge needed to treat a patient, we also aim to develop your higher-level communication skills, teamworking, clinical reasoning and understanding of healthcare systems. We will introduce you to the international approach perspective of paramedic practice, examining different approaches to paramedic care from around the world.
  • Using scenario and simulation-based teaching techniques you should become an active participant in your own learning. This approach is designed to help you to put theory into context, with the chance to embed a deep understanding of paramedic science.
  • You will have the opportunity to be taught by a highly skilled academic team with a wide range of clinical knowledge and expertise in the paramedic field. This wealth of experience includes expertise in specialist areas such as Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP), Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), emergency midwifery, paediatrics, clinical operations and governance. The team has made contributions to the greater field of paramedic practice with conference presentations, book and journal publications relating to paramedic science and undertake key research projects into pre-hospital care. Please note that staff are subject to change.
  • Another benefit of studying this course is our current long-standing collaboration with regional ambulance trusts who can provide opportunities for practice placement provision and mentorship5. Exposure to the clinical setting of a NHS ambulance trust is an essential part of your course and is designed to prove invaluable if you are considering future career options following graduation, for example as a registered paramedic (see Accreditation and Professional Recognition section).
  • As part of your education journey, you will have the chance to use our bespoke classroom-based ambulance simulator, which will provide the opportunity to undertake realistic patient treatment scenarios and encompass an area of healthcare unique to the paramedic profession. The simulator should allow you to become familiar with the layout of an ambulance before you undertake clinical practice placements with a paramedic mentor5.
  • Our clinical skills labs are equipped with a range of pre-hospital training equipment, Advanced Life Support manikins and equipment. We also have service-user volunteers who play the part of patients which aims to enhance scenario learning4.
7th

for Paramedic Science

Complete University Guide, 2022

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

This course is recognised and accredited1 by the following bodies:

HCPC

Health and Care Professions Council

This course is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the 2023/2024 intake. On successful completion of this course, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a paramedic on the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) professional register. It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practice using a title protected by the Health Professions Order 2001 is on the HCPC Register. For more information please see the HCPC website.

The Alison Gingell Building is home to the UK’s first stand-alone 5G network. Find out how we use this in teaching, including taking the students on a virtual journey through the body.

What you'll study

Through a combination of university-based learning, using our excellent simulation facilities and university-sourced placements with an ambulance service, successful completion of the course will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge required to provide safe an effective paramedic care in a range of environments.

In addition to medical knowledge you will also develop higher level communication skills, teamwork, clinical reasoning and an understanding of the factors which influence health. You will take an international approach, examining approaches to paramedic care from across the world.

Using scenario and simulation-based learning you will be an active participant in your learning. This approach helps you to put the theory in to context and embed your understanding of paramedic science.

In the first year of the course, you will have the opportunity to study the fundamental principles required for the delivery of effective paramedic practice, including the study of anatomy, pathophysiology and pharmacology. We will introduce you to the fundamentals of research, designed to best prepare you for your final dissertation at the end of your course.

Your first year will include a placement with an ambulance service NHS trust partner (sourced by the university) where you will work alongside an ambulance crew responding to emergencies5. So that you are an active member of the ambulance crew, your first year will include modules that introduce you to the equipment you will have the opportunity to use, and the skills needed to operate it.

Modules

  • This module will explore fundamental concepts of clinical and professional knowledge that starts year one paramedic education. You should develop medical communication skills and explore anatomy, physiology and pharmacology in relation to year 1 paramedic practice. You will be introduced to medicines management, professional, legal and ethical principles in relation to paramedic care.

    Compulsory

  • This module looks to explore year 1 paramedic clinical skills and the principles of their application. In preparation for your first placement5 in clinical practice you will be introduced to paramedic specific equipment, the assessment of emergency patients and maintaining personal safety in the clinical environment.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop your academic writing skills, critical-thinking ability and reflective practice in the context of professional practice. Some skills will also relate to the aim of developing your competence in database searching and will also include exploring relevant organisational skills for studying at university.

    Compulsory

  • In this module you will have the opportunity to study the underpinning principles relating to the care of vulnerable groups within the pre-hospital setting. You will explore pathophysiology and the application of key skills involved with the care of all groups and should provide a foundation for the acquisition of further skills.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the social, politico-economic, cultural and environmental factors that influence individual and community health and wellbeing. You will draw upon key international, national and local initiatives and your learning will take place alongside other health care professionals, which aims to enhance your knowledge of the interprofessional nature of care. You will explore concepts of wellbeing, disability, disease and illness, health inequality and inequity. In addition, you will have opportunities to develop interprofessional capabilities of communication, role clarification, decision making and team working which should enable you to practice and promote healthy conversations about lifestyle.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with the skills which should l enable you to become an independent, evidence-informed, life-long learner upon graduation. It will introduce you to the basic principles of gathering, appraising, interpreting and applying evidence, designed to support your learning and professional development.

    Compulsory

  • This is your opportunity to work on an emergency ambulance responding to patients in critical or urgent need of medical care. This clinical placement is with one of the university’s current partners in learning, where you will be expected to undertake shift work and travel to and from various settings outside the university’s boundaries (at your own expense)5. This practice placement is designed to enable you to apply any theoretical knowledge gained earlier within the year in a real-life clinical environment supported by a qualified paramedic as your mentor.

    Compulsory

The knowledge and skills that you should develop in year two are built on the foundations of your first year. The second year is designed to develop paramedic specific skills and to advance your understanding of paramedic practice. You will undertake further practice placement5, which aims to consolidate some of the theory and paramedic practice skills you should acquire over your second year of study working alongside a qualified paramedic mentor.

Modules

  • This module aims to develop and advance any knowledge and understanding achieved in the previous year. You will have the opportunity to advance your anatomy, physiology, pharmacology knowledge and further explore professional, legal and ethical principles in accordance with additional learned levels of accountability.

    Compulsory

  • Within this set of practice placements5 (sourced by the university), you will have the chance to practically apply the theoretical knowledge that you should have gained earlier within the course. You will have the chance to work with one of the university’s partners in learning and will be expected to undertake shift work and travel to and from various settings outside the university’s boundaries (at your own expense).

    Compulsory

  • In this module you will look to apply knowledge from all previous modules. Taking a case-based learning approach you will have the opportunity to further develop your clinical decision-making and application of associated clinical investigative procedures.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to enable you to explore and analyse issues related to contemporary and evolving areas of paramedic practice. In relation to this, individual, local, national and international perspectives will be explored. This should enable you to become more aware, reflective and entrepreneurial in relation to service delivery. This module is intended to complement the Developing Evidence-Informed Practice module and aims to assist in the formulation of a research question for that module.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop and advance your knowledge and understanding, exploring paramedic skills and more specific and advanced patient assessments, which aims to provide you with an introduction to the full range of paramedic specific equipment and its application.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop and extend your understanding of evidence-informed practice, building on the first year module Foundations of Evidence-Informed Practice. You will have the opportunity to strengthen your searching and appraising skills, which should enable you to effectively locate and appraise appropriate evidence in the context of the pre-hospital environment. You will then be asked to apply the findings from this appraisal to develop a research question, which should form the basis of a research proposal for further study.

    Compulsory

In the final year of the course, you should be prepared to demonstrate your ability to meet the requirements for potential registration with the HCPC as a paramedic upon successful completion (subject to additional costs and the requirements of the HCPC. Please visit the HCPC website for further information). You should take on an increasingly independent approach to your studies and should be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to be an effective, autonomous paramedic, upon graduation.

Modules

  • This module aims to build upon any learning acquired from your previous two years’ study and aims to explore the assessment and management of minor illness, minor injury, and long-term/chronic conditions. You will explore holistic care and inter-professional care from a pre-hospital and unscheduled care perspective, along with strategies to promote effective and safe multi-disciplinary team working.

    Compulsory

  • Within this module you will look to develop the leadership behaviours and management skills that are required by qualified registered healthcare professionals working within multi-professional teams, to function effectively. You will examine clinical leadership, explore the concepts of service improvement and have the chance to gain experience of leading and participating in projects, with the opportunity to use relevant management tools and techniques. You should reflect on your observed experience of clinical leadership behaviours throughout your course, which should help you to develop a personal development plan designed to guide your ongoing leadership development as a potential future healthcare professional upon graduation.

    Compulsory

  • This module is intended to facilitate your application of content which should have been learnt within the ‘assessment and management of urgent and complex care needs’ module. It is also intended to help you consolidate learning which has taken place over the previous two years and is also intended to be responsive to current areas of focus within paramedic practice. The nature of pre-hospital care is unpredictable and this module is designed to adapt to that. It will require you to transition between instances of care, such as complex care cases, trauma, acute medical illness, mental health and safeguarding, amongst others.

    Compulsory

  • This placement module5 aims to encompass the supervised developing and practical application of theoretical knowledge that you should have gained earlier within the course. You will have the chance to work with the university’s current partner in learning and will be expected to undertake shift work and travel to and from settings outside the university (at your own expense).

    Compulsory

  • In this module you will look to review the accountability and responsibility of the registered paramedic. You will explore key attributes of autonomous practice and should further develop your understanding of reporting concerns, personal resilience, risk management, fitness to practice and continuous professional development. This module is broadly intended to help prepare you for professional employment upon graduation. As such it will include the opportunity to spend a period of time in the pre-hospital environment2 and exposure to providing the level of care that should be encountered at the point of potential registration and employment upon graduation. You will have the opportunity to work with the university’s current partner in learning and will be expected to undertake shift work and travel to and from settings outside the university (at your own expense)5. Please see the HCPC website for the requirements for potential registration upon successful completion of the course.

    Compulsory

  • In this module you will have the opportunity to undertake an in-depth exploration in an area of professional interest. You will be asked to establish a specific research question upon which to focus. Using an appropriate method of enquiry, you will have the opportunity to systematically investigate the research question and analyse/synthesise the information generated in order to generate a set of findings or results. You will be encouraged to identify the implications and recommendations for professional practice of your findings. On successful completion of this module, we hope you will have an enhanced understanding of the research process (either literature based or empirical) and the potential of informing future practice upon graduation.

    Compulsory

How you'll learn

Alongside traditional classroom-based learning, the paramedic teaching team make use of digital and online technology. Different lectures and modules are delivered in person or via an online video conferencing platform. When teaching clinical skills, we use a 'flipped classroom' approach and aim to provide you with all the pre-learning needed prior to a session. This should allow for a more comprehensive use of your time here at the university; a proficient and productive learning experience with hands on exposure in a controlled simulated environment, with the chance to use our high-fidelity manikins.

You will also undertake compulsory practice placements5, where you will be asked to respond to emergency calls and work in out-of-hospital settings, and treat real patients alongside registered paramedics and other health care professionals.

In a typical university-based teaching week you will have around 12 hours of interactive teaching each week. In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 15-20 hours minimum of self-directed study each week. Whilst on placement you will be required to work approximately 40 hours per week, which may be during evenings, nights and weekends in line with the requirements of the paramedic role.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include

  • Exams
  • Assignments
  • Portfolio completion
  • Poster presentations
  • Objective Structured Clinical Skills Exams (OSCEs)
  • Group work
  • Viva examinations

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

The paramedic teaching team understands the benefit of having international experience and exposure to ambulance and paramedic practice from around the world. Our team has current international links with universities offering paramedic programmes and where opportunities present to gain international exposure, our students will be invited to join us (additional costs may apply). With the UK being a multicultural society, this course aims to prepare you with the insight needed to deal with patients irrespective of race, nationality or ethnicity, upon graduation.

In addition to the course offering opportunities for insights into diversity issues, Coventry University itself offers a fascinating multicultural experience both in terms of the typical profile of its students and the local and regional community of ethnically diverse citizens who access healthcare and paramedic services.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

 

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBC to include one from Biology, Physical Education, Psychology, Applied Science, Chemistry, Physics. Excludes General Studies.
GCSE 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English, Mathematics and two Sciences.
BTEC DMM in a Health-based subject.
IB Diploma 27 points
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma in a Health or Science subject to include 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

The Access to HE Diploma in a Health or Science subject to include 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year. We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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This programme requires an interview in person.

Applicants will be required to attend an interview subject to meeting the academic entry requirements. In line with the National Health Service constitution we use a values-based recruitment approach in seeking candidates with the appropriate values to support effective team working in delivering excellent patient care.

A satisfactory occupational health clearance and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate (formally CRB Disclosure) will be required at the start of the programme. Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. You will also be required to provide information about your COVID-19 vaccination status. We therefore recommend that you are fully vaccinated including the COVID-19 vaccine. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is therefore unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered5.

You are not required to hold a C1 driving licence as part of the entry requirement for this programme, although it is recommended that you work towards achieving this during the course.

Is the student required to undergo a DBS check? Y

Is the student required or likely to undergo a placement in a social and/or healthcare setting? Y5

Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

This programme requires an interview in person.

Applicants will be required to attend an interview subject to meeting the academic entry requirements. In line with the National Health Service constitution we use a values-based recruitment approach in seeking candidates with the appropriate values to support effective team working in delivering excellent patient care.

A satisfactory occupational health clearance and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate (formally CRB Disclosure) will be required at the start of the programme5.

You are not required to hold a C1 driving licence as part of the entry requirement for this programme, although it is recommended that you work towards achieving this during the course.

Is the student required to undergo a DBS check? Y

Is the student required or likely to undergo a placement in a social and/or healthcare setting? Y5

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component area. 

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £16,800 per year Not available

A non-repayable grant of £5,000 and extra payments worth up to £3,000 may be available to eligible home students for each year of study. Read more about this in the NHS Learning Support Fund information booklet. 

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Course essential costs

We will provide you with the uniform and personal protective equipment that you will need (including fluorescent jacket and rescue helmet), but you will need to purchase your own personal protective footwear for training purposes and for your practice placement areas.

You will need to meet the cost of travelling to and from the various emergency practice and non-emergency placement settings.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our multi-million-pound Alison Gingell Building features a range of mock healthcare settings, including hospital wards, ambulance, therapy suites and community houses, giving you the opportunity to replicate real-life situations before you go on placement.

Paramedic student attending to a patient in the ambulance

Ambulance

Learn in situations that mirror real-life scenarios with the use of a a mock ambulance, to help simulate the patient journey.

Students and a tutor with a manikin in the hospital ward

Mock hospital wards

Our mock hospital wards and critical care settings give you the chance to experience patient scenarios in a real-world environment.

Students practicing patient therapy in a community house setting

Community houses

Learn how to work with patients outside of a hospital setting in our simulated, two full-size community homes, specifically built for teaching.

Careers and opportunities

Our course is designed to prepare you personally and professionally for a successful career as a paramedic. You will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of practical and academic skills which you will put into practice on your placements.

Using scenario and simulation-based teaching techniques will help you to put theory into context. Using the ambulance simulator, community houses and other facilities will provide the opportunity to undertake realistic patient treatment scenarios before you go onto your placements.

Exposure to the clinical setting of a NHS ambulance trust during your placements5 is an essential part of your course and is designed to prove invaluable if you are considering future career options following graduation, for example as a registered paramedic (see Accreditation and Professional Recognition section).

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market.

Paramedic graduates from Coventry University are much sought after by NHS Ambulance Trusts and the majority of our past graduates have secured employment in the paramedic field even before they have completed their course. We work closely with different ambulance trusts and other healthcare providers and many of our graduates choose to secure employment with one of these placement providers when they graduate.

The university's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career options upon graduation.

Where our graduates work

While most graduates initially choose to work in an NHS Ambulance Trust setting, the range of job opportunities available to a qualified paramedic is expanding. Careers available outside an NHS ambulance trust include careers within a hospital or doctors' practice, special events cover, forensic paramedics or even with a private ambulance service.

How to apply

  • 1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    5Placements

    Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. You will also be required to provide information about your COVID-19 vaccination status. We therefore recommend that you are fully vaccinated including the COVID-19 vaccine. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is therefore unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

    6NHS payment

    The rules may be subject to review by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the future and as a result may change. Please therefore check the NHSBSA website for up-to-date information before applying.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2022/23 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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