BSc(Hons) Paramedic Science

Program Overview

The Paramedic Science (BSc Hons) program at UWE Bristol, jointly developed with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust, prepares students for a career as a paramedic. Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and endorsed by the College of Paramedics, the program combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical placements, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills and experience to provide safe and effective patient care in challenging environments.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Jointly developed by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust (SWAST) and UWE Bristol.
• Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), making graduates eligible to apply for paramedic registration.
• Endorsed by the College of Paramedics (CoP).

• Focus on developing interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills for safe and effective patient care.
• Physically and mentally demanding due to working under pressure, administering emergency treatment, and operating in challenging environments.
• High demand for talented paramedics, offering exciting career opportunities and specialization paths.
• £5,000 per year training grant available for home students.

Outline:

• Three years, September intake.

• Full-time.

• Content includes:
• Year 1: Electrocardiogram (ECG) Interpretation, Interpersonal Skills, Life Sciences, Medical Conditions Emergency Care, Paramedic Practice 1, Principles of Prehospital Emergency Care.
• Year 2: Advanced Life Support Skills, Emergency Care of the Child, Emergency Care of the Older Adult, Evidence Based Paramedic Practice, Paramedic Practice 2, Psychosocial Aspects of Paramedic Practice, Trauma and Mass Casualty Management.
• Year 3: Applied Paramedic Pharmacology, Evolving Paramedic Practice, Law, Ethics and Leadership, Paramedic Practice 3, Primary and Urgent Care.
• Approximately 50% of time spent on placements with emergency ambulance services, hospitals, and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).
• Simulation scenarios and role-playing to build skills.

• Lectures, discussions, seminars, workshops, and student-led activities.

Assessment:

• Mix of assessment methods: coursework, case studies, online exams, group work, placement assessment, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), and structured oral and practical examinations (SOPE).

Teaching:

• Lectures, scenarios, discussion groups, seminars, workshops, and student-led activities.

• Highly qualified academics, registered paramedics with extensive experience.

• Simulation and role-playing in prepared medical and trauma scenarios.

• Placement experiences with support from qualified educators.

• Emphasis on learning current best practices and rationale behind different treatments.

• Independent learning is encouraged.

Careers:

• High demand for paramedics in the UK.

• Opportunity for career specialisation as specialist paramedics or critical care paramedics.
• Excellent links with top employers in the South West.

• Placements with the South Western Ambulance Service, hospitals, and other healthcare providers.

• Career development resources and support.

Other:

• International experience opportunities available for home students.

• Travel required to placement locations, potentially outside Bristol area.

• Access to one of the best healthcare libraries in the country.

• Advanced Skills and Simulation Centre for practicing professional skills.

• Award-winning careers service for career coaching, placements, and graduate opportunities.

Full time course

Fees

Amount (£)

Home Annual (Per Year) Fee 9250 Home Module Fee (15 Credit) 1156 International Annual (Per Year) Fee 15850 International Module Fee (15 Credit) 1981 Offshore Annual (Per Year) Fee 9250 Offshore Module Fee (15 Credit) 1156

Indicative Additional Costs

Fees

Amount (£)

Home - Additional Course Costs Indicative Maximum Cost Per year 700 International - Additional Course Costs Indicative Maximum Cost Per year 700 30 Additional costs are for items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing. A £5,000 per year training grant is available for home students. Home students in receipt of SFE funding can also apply for assistance via the Learning Support Fund (LSF).