Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This 3-year BSc program in Paramedic Science equips students with the skills and knowledge to deliver out-of-hospital care as part of an integrated healthcare team. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as paramedics with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). The program combines lectures, seminars, practical laboratories, and practice-based placements to develop critical thinking, decision-making, and reflective practice skills. Graduates are prepared for autonomous practice as registered paramedics within the Scottish Ambulance Service or other healthcare organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This 3-year BSc program equips students with the skills and knowledge to deliver out-of-hospital care as part of an integrated healthcare team. Paramedics work in diverse environments, managing both emergency and non-emergency situations. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a paramedic.
Objectives:
- Develop core skills for paramedic practice
- Equip students with knowledge to assess, treat, and manage individuals in diverse healthcare situations
- Prepare graduates for autonomous paramedic practice following registration
- Foster critical thinking and reflective skills
Outline:
Year One:
- Introduction to Clinical Assessment and Decision Making
- Skills for Paramedic Practice 1
- Physiology
- Finding Your Academic Voice
- Developing Resilience of Self and Others for Professional Paramedic Practice
- Practice-based Learning
Year Two:
- Pharmacology
- Using Clinical Assessment and Decision Making in Paramedic Practice
- Health Coaching Conversations
- Skills for Paramedic Practice 2
- Paramedic Practice-based Learning 2
- Developing a Spirit of Enquiry
Year Three:
- Managing Complexity in Paramedic Practice
- Paramedic Practice-based Learning 3
- Being a Person-centered Practitioner
- Skills for Paramedic Practice 3
- Understanding and Appraising the Evidence for Practice
Module Descriptions:
- Introduction to Clinical Assessment and Decision Making: Introduces core theories, safe patient approach, and clinical assessment skills.
- Skills for Paramedic Practice 1: Develops essential paramedic skills, communication strategies, and basic clinical skills in simulated settings.
- Finding Your Academic Voice: Focuses on academic writing, searching and sourcing information, and critical thinking development.
- Physiology: Lays the foundation of human anatomy and physiology for future application in paramedic practice.
- Developing Resilience of Self and Others: Equips students with strategies for personal and professional development in healthcare settings.
- Practice-based Learning: Offers hands-on experience in clinical environments under supervision, including ambulances, hospitals, and care homes.
- Pharmacology: Provides knowledge on medications, their actions, and safe administration in the paramedic context.
- Using Clinical Assessment and Decision Making in Paramedic Practice: Builds on year 1 knowledge to refine clinical assessment, decision-making, and documentation in diverse scenarios.
- Health Coaching Conversations: Develops communication and health coaching skills to empower individuals and groups to make positive health changes.
- Skills for Paramedic Practice 2: Enhances and expands practical paramedic skills under minimal supervision, focusing on safe application in real-life conditions.
- Paramedic Practice-based Learning 2: Continues hands-on clinical learning in diverse healthcare settings in the Edinburgh and Lothian regions.
- Developing a Spirit of Enquiry: Promotes critical and enquiring approach to paramedic practice, exploring ethical considerations in knowledge generation.
- Managing Complexity in Paramedic Practice: Prepares students to autonomously manage complex clinical challenges in unpredictable scenarios.
- Paramedic Practice-based Learning 3: Offers immersive clinical experience for consolidation of knowledge and skills in preparation for independent practice.
- Being a Person-centered Practitioner: Examines person-centered care, leadership, and cultural competence to support diverse patient populations.
- Skills for Paramedic Practice 3: Extends and refines paramedic skills in simulated environments for confident transition to real-world practice.
- Understanding and Appraising the Evidence for Practice: Develops in-depth research understanding to critically appraise evidence and form independent conclusions essential for lifelong learning.
Assessment:
- Assessment methods include practical work demonstrations, written examinations, and assignments.
- Specific assessments vary between modules.
- Continuous evaluation occurs during practice-based learning through observation and feedback from healthcare professionals.
Teaching:
- Combination of lectures, seminars, practical laboratories, and practice-based placements.
- Focus on interactive learning through case-based approaches, group work, simulations, and games.
- Experienced academic staff with clinical currency and research expertise deliver instruction.
- Emphasis on developing critical thinking, decision-making, and reflective practice skills.
Careers:
- Graduates with the BSc in Paramedic Science are prepared for autonomous practice as registered paramedics within the Scottish Ambulance Service or other healthcare organizations.
- Opportunities for career specialization exist in areas like critical care, emergency response, or education.
- Future roles in academia, research, or advanced practice may be pursued with further qualifications or continued professional development.
Other:
- This course is only offered to Scottish residents due to placement restrictions.
- Students must be 18 years old before February 1st in the year of starting the program to fulfill work-placement requirements.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in the paramedic field is a new requirement in Scotland, allowing for broader scope of practice beyond acute trauma cases.
- QMU's program boasts strong industry links, providing access to diverse clinical placements.
- The course utilizes modern facilities and specialized clinical teaching environments.
- QMU is ranked 1st in the UK for Paramedic Science in the Guardian University Guide 2024, highlighting the program's excellence in teaching, research, and student experience.
Queen Margaret University
Overview:
Queen Margaret University (QMU) is a public university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is known for its person-centered and career-focused approach to education and teaching, with a commitment to shaping a better world. QMU boasts widely recognized expertise in various fields, including business, creative industries, education, health and rehabilitation, and social sciences.
Services Offered:
QMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Learning Facilities:
Library, IT services, remote access, Canvas, QMU Portal, ePortfolioStudent Support:
Careers and Employability, Students' Union, QMU Sports Centre, Clinics, Accommodation, Finance OfficeCampus Life:
Eat and Drink on Campus, QMU Online Shop, Blogs, Ask a Student a QuestionStudent Life and Campus Experience:
QMU provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can expect:
Community Feel:
An airy and bright campus with a strong sense of community.Student Services:
Ready access to student services, food outlets, accommodation, sports facilities, and social spaces.Beautiful Grounds:
A beautiful campus with plenty of outdoor spaces for relaxation and socializing.Key Reasons to Study There:
Person-Centered Approach:
QMU focuses on individual student needs and career development.Career-Focused Education:
The university emphasizes practical skills and real-world experience.Renowned Expertise:
QMU has a strong reputation for research and innovation in various fields.Supportive Campus Environment:
Students are provided with a welcoming and supportive community.Academic Programs:
QMU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Study:
Various undergraduate degrees across different disciplines.Postgraduate Study:
Master's degrees and postgraduate research opportunities.Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
Short courses and online programs for professional development.Online Learning:
100% online master's courses for flexible learning.Other:
- QMU is committed to social justice and nurturing individuals while promoting collective support.
- The university actively engages with the community through outreach programs and events.
- QMU has a strong international presence with a diverse student body and partnerships with institutions worldwide.
- The university is undergoing a transformation of its teaching and learning spaces to enhance the student experience.
Entry Requirements:
Scottish Higher
- Standard Entry: BBBB
- Minimum Entry: BBCC
A Level
- BCC
Irish Leaving Certificate
- H2, H2, H3, H3
Required Subjects:
- To include Human Biology or Biology and a discursive subject, such as:
- English
- History
- RMPS
- Modern Studies
- Philosophy
- At Higher/ A Level
- English and Maths (Grade C) required
- Second science preferred at Nat 5/GCSE if not studied at Higher level
- Alternative options accepted:
- National 5 Application of Maths
- Lifeskills
- At the same grade
International:
- IELTS of 7.0 with no component lower than 6.5
Language Proficiency Requirements:
This program requires students to possess and demonstrate proficiency in the English language at an advanced level. The program requires an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the components (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). This ensures students have sufficient English language skills for successful comprehension of lectures, participation in classroom discussions and completion of assignments.