Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) with foundation year

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

Our Paramedic Science degree prepares you to work at the frontline of patient care. Paramedics work in dynamic environments and administer a range of often life-saving treatments to people suffering from traumatic injuries and/or medical problems.

Course features

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

4 years full-time

UCAS codes

H11F

Start date

January 2028
March 2028


Course overview

  • Successful completion means you can apply for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Paramedic (please see Accreditation section for more information).
  • Develop the skills and medical knowledge needed to provide safe and effective paramedic care.
  • Learn to thrive in dynamic health and care environments and multidisciplinary teams, developing clinical reasoning, relationship and teamworking skills alongside your understanding of healthcare systems.
  • Focus on one academic module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.
  • Hands-on experience through practice-based learning includes simulated learning and placement opportunities across the NHS to help you decide the direction of your future career2,5.
  • All eligible learners on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the government of £5,000 per year. You can apply for additional payments if you incur childcare costs6. This funding is not available for the foundation year of this course.
A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

City buildings next to a tree.

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

  • Our approach supports you to develop a strong sense of professional identity as a paramedic from the outset.
  • You’ll be encouraged to develop digital fluency and think critically about the use of technology and the future direction of the profession as it changes.
  • We introduce you to international perspectives of paramedic practice, examining different approaches to paramedic care from around the world.
  • Access to success coaches, placement supervisors and specialist support for mathematics and academic writing.4

Studying in the School of Health and Care

Gain the skills and experience to transform lives, communities and the future of healthcare delivery. We aim to empower you to become a stand-out healthcare professional, capable, competent and confident in your field and role within the wider healthcare team.

While continuously developing your sense of professional identity as a paramedic from day one, you'll also collaborate with learners from other School of Health and Care fields, learning in an environment that puts inclusivity, diversity and dignity at its heart.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is recognised and accredited1 by the following bodies:

HCPC

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

The Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

On successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible to apply for HCPC registration (subject to HCPC criteria and any additional costs. See the website for full details).1



What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

This year introduces you to your chosen subject while building essential skills.

  • Explore everything from cell biology and chemistry to anatomy, physiology, and human disease, giving you a solid understanding of the subject before you progress.
  • Perfect the research and writing styles you’ll need to ace your degree-level assignments.
  • Learn core principles so you feel completely prepared when you start Year 1 of your degree.

On successful completion of this foundation year, you will be able to progress to year 1 of the degree.

Modules

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.


How you'll learn

Forget stressful end-of-year exams. We focus on applied learning using a mix of lectures, tutorials and online study to get you ready for the real world. Instead of one big test, we assess your progress through coursework and phase tests. This better reflects the way you’ll likely work in your future career.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 10 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

The foundation year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include:

  • case study
  • individual presentation
  • essay
  • numeracy test.

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.

We understand that everyone learns differently, so this course will consist of structured teaching sessions which can include:

  • on-campus lectures, seminars and workshops 
  • group work 
  • self-directed learning 
  • Virtual Simulated Placements 
  • practical-based learning2,5.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Practice based learning

Practice-based learning is a vital part of this degree. You will have access to university staff, but you should expect to spend most of your contact time with practice collaborators during your placement activities. These professionals will mentor you as you apply your skills in real-world settings. To qualify for your profession, you must satisfy the eligibility requirements set by the HCPC. You must complete at least 1,012 practice-based hours throughout your degree. We calculate these hours through a combination of hands-on placements and simulated learning. 

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

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

  • coursework
  • practice placement2,5
  • formal examinations
  • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
  • presentations.

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.

Mum of two preparing to graduate as paramedic

Gemma White is fulfilling her lifelong ambition of becoming a paramedic after returning to education at the age of 37. Now in her third year on Coventry University’s paramedic science course, Gemma is on the final stretch to seeing that dream become a reality.

Read more
Gemma White in her green paramedic uniform inside Coventry University's replica ambulance.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

64 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. For T levels: overall grade of Pass (D or E on the Core) in the T level qualification in any subject.

Additional information

Caring experience, either paid or voluntary, is very desirable. You will also be required to attend an interview online or in-person.

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.

Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section.5

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?


Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2027/28 fees TBC
2026/27 fees: £9,790
Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2027/28 fees TBC
2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year
Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** 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 degree study6. Read more about this in the NHS Learning Support Fund information booklet. This funding is not available for the foundation year of this course.

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.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the table above for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits 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 the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

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) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

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.

Applies to degree only

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.
  • Additional safety equipment requirements (such as safety boots)

Foundation year funding

To secure funding for a degree with a foundation year, you must complete the full four-year programme. If you do not finish the entire course, including the integrated foundation year, you may have to pay the foundation year fees yourself. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This degree with foundation year is not currently available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.


Facilities

You’ll spend your foundation year at our CU Coventry Mile Lane building, just a short walk from Coventry city centre. You can still make the most of all the facilities at the main Coventry University campus whenever you like.

Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you’ll move over to the Coventry University campus to study your degree.

Facilities are subject to availability4. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

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.4

You’ll have the opportunity to make use of our extensive simulation facilities – from basic life support manikins to high tech simulation manikins, which emulate patient responses and test resuscitation skills. You will also use healthcare devices found in the real world of practice.

Take a virtual tour

Paramedic student attending to a patient in the ambulance

Ambulance

Our ambulance simulator provides the opportunity to undertake realistic patient treatment scenarios that encompass an area of healthcare unique to the paramedic profession. The simulator is intended to help you become familiar with the layout of an ambulance before you undertake clinical practice placements with a paramedic mentor2,5.

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.

Facilities are subject to availability4. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.


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 placements2,5 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.

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 offers 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

This course with foundation year is not available to international students.


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