Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) – 2023 entry
Key information
Start date: October 2023
Why choose this course
- Study a hands-on, clinical curriculum, where you’ll learn to meet the diverse needs of patients, families and carers, on a course ranked 1st in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2022
- Access our Clinical Simulation Centre, including our ambulance bay equipped with a working ambulance, to practise real scenarios on lifelike manikins and actors
- Spend half of your training in clinical placements, to practise your skills in healthcare settings, under the supervision of qualified practitioners
- Learn from a multidisciplinary team of lecturers, who are all healthcare professionals with experience of working in the NHS
- Get the academic requirements needed to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to work as a paramedic once you’ve graduated.
What you will study
On this course, designed in collaboration with the local ambulance Trusts and mapped to the College of Paramedics’ educational guidance, you’ll learn to meet the diverse needs of patients, families and carers, within a variety of settings.
In your first year, you’ll study topics that are fundamental to paramedic science, including concepts of caring, essential paramedic practice, physical health, and research and evidence-based practice, ensuring you have a solid foundation upon which to build the rest of your degree.
During your second year, you’ll learn about care across the lifespan, management of physical and mental health, patient assessments, and innovation and leadership.
In your third year, you’ll delve deeper into effective decision making for complex care, clinical leadership and consolidated paramedic practice, and patient management. You’ll also learn how to critically evaluate and appraise research and healthcare literature.
Throughout your training, you’ll also explore and develop the values required in modern healthcare, as outlined in the NHS Constitution.
Facilities
You’ll benefit from our multi-million pound facilities, including our Clinical Simulation Centre, consisting of two large wards, an operating theatre, a community flat and an ambulance bay with a working ambulance. You’ll get to use equipment found in the NHS to learn how to fit cannulas, check for heart murmurs, monitor breathing and much more.
Our virtual environments and actors will transport you to the centre of emergency situations, so you can practise your trauma skills and get a taste of scenarios you may face during your training and when you’re fully qualified.
You’ll also get exclusive access to our independent clinical learning room. The room is set up each week with the necessary equipment required to practise the techniques you’ll be learning.
Take a look at the state-of-the-art facilities within our School of Health Sciences.
Teaching staff
You’ll be taught by a multidisciplinary team of lecturers who are all healthcare professionals with experience of working in the NHS. These may include:
- Simon Bettles, an operating department practitioner with expertise in emergency care anaesthesia
- Simon Downs, a paramedic practitioner with expertise in clinical excellence and improving patient outcomes in pre-hospital and community settings
- Jackie McBride, an adult nurse with expertise in decision making for fundamental and complex care.
You’ll also be taught by guest lecturers, made up of local doctors, nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers.
Throughout your placements, you'll have an educational supervisor, who’s a senior clinician. They'll guide you through your experience and feed into your evidence portfolio.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Health and Care Professions Council, the (HCPC)
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a paramedic.
BSc (Hons) - College of Paramedics (CoP) endorse
Endorsed by College of Paramedics
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
This course is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means that on successful completion of your studies, you’ll have the academic requirements needed to register to work as a paramedic. 100% of our graduates from this course go on to employment or further study.*
Our alumni can be found working for NHS trusts across the UK, with recent graduates working for the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, the South East Coast Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust, and the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
The NHS is the largest employer of paramedics in the UK. Throughout your career, you’ll work as a member of a multidisciplinary team, with opportunities to get involved with specialist practice, GP surgeries and community services. You may also want to explore alternative paths, including education, management, mentoring and research. Visit the NHS careers website for further information.
You can also use your qualification to work outside the UK.
We encourage you to become a member of the College of Paramedics (CoP). CoP is the UK’s professional development body for paramedics, promoting and evolving members through educational guidance, learning resources and professional support. They also represent the profession within various working groups and advisory committees, to ensure all its members are heard on a national scale. Membership gives you access to online learning materials, the British Paramedic Journal and a magazine, along with a host of book, equipment and conference discounts, during your studies and after.
*Graduate Outcomes survey 2021, HESA.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the School of Health Sciences.
Simon Bettles
Programme leader
Accreditations
Accreditation
Academic year structure
This three-year course runs over 43 weeks in your first and second years, and 36 weeks in your third year. You’ll get seven weeks holiday usually over the winter, spring and summer vacations (subject to change). The length of the course year and the holiday entitlement are requirements of the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC).
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
Important: In light of the Covid-19 pandemic the University has revised its courses to incorporate the ‘Hybrid Learning Experience’ in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information. The University has changed the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes. Further information on the general principles of hybrid learning can be found at: Hybrid learning experience | University of Surrey.
We have updated key module information regarding the pattern of assessment and overall student workload to inform student module choices. We are currently working on bringing remaining published information up to date to reflect current practice in time for the start of the academic year 2021/22. This means that some information within the programme and module catalogue will be subject to change. Current students are invited to contact their Programme Leader or Academic Hive with any questions relating to the information available.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
Please note: If there is an optional Professional Training placement as part of your course you can view the full module listing for this on the relevant programme specification.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PARAMEDIC SCIENCE 1 | Core | Year-long |
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
NA
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PARAMEDIC SCIENCE 2 | Core | Year-long |
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
NA
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PARAMEDIC SCIENCE 3 | Core | Year-long |
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
NA
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday–Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Teaching
Day-to-day learning
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Group work (e.g. discussion groups)
- Lectures
- Online learning
- Practical simulation classes and clinical skills scenarios
- Role plays
- Seminars
- Tutorials.
Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, essays and reading.
For some modules, you’ll learn alongside students from other health sciences courses, so you can develop an understanding of inter-professional teamwork.
When you’re on placement
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Demonstration
- Discussion groups
- Observation
- Practice under supervision
- Reflective dialogue
- Role modelling
- Shadowing.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:
- Case studies
- Examinations
- Presentations
- Simulated learning experiences (objective structured clinical examinations – OSCEs)
- Written work.
When you’re out on placement, your knowledge, skills and professional behaviour will be assessed by your mentors.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall with 7.0 in each element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
Shortlisting
Admissions staff will review the information provided within your personal statement and reference to assess applications for evidence of academic ability, insight and motivation.
Relevant experience in a care setting and/or evidence of other involvement in the community (for example school, voluntary or charity responsibilities) are normally required. We will also consider St John’s Ambulance, Community First Responder and/or Lifeguard experience.
Your personal statement should be comprehensive, with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. If you are shortlisted you will be invited to an interview and selection day.
Interview and selection day
Multiple mini interviews (MMIs) are conducted by University academics, assisted by staff from clinical practice areas.
Admission to this course is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) Section 4 (2) (Exemptions) Order 1975 and DHSS Circular HC(88)9 guidelines regarding police checks and child protection.
Offers are conditional upon satisfactory health for practice screening, references and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, or equivalent.
You must also meet national requirements to work with vulnerable adults and children.
All of our offers will be made subject to a health screening and DBS checks. Occupational health services are provided by Cordell Health on behalf of the University of Surrey.
References
Read our guide to references to support your health sciences application.
You should have the ability to follow a shift pattern covering 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and be able to meet early morning and late night travel requirements.
You are encouraged to gain practical work experience in a care setting prior to undertaking the course. All courses and places are subject to commissioned numbers.
You should be able to demonstrate evidence of completed academic study within the last five years. You will also demonstrate the values required for health professional practice and stated within the NHS Constitution, such as honesty, integrity and compassion.
The Department of Health requires all Paramedic Science students to be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C during the induction week. Those testing positive would be subject to Department of Health guidelines for entry to the course.
You are required to have a full UK driving licence and will need to pass the C1 driving test before the end of your first year.
Declaration of criminal convictions
This is a regulated course that requires declaration of criminal convictions at the application stage, please visit our criminal convictions webpage for more information.
Deferred entry
The course does not accept applications for deferred entry.
Covid-19 Vaccinations
On 15 March 2022, regulations revoking the Vaccination as a Condition of Deployment (VCOD) for Healthcare Workers came into force. This means that it will not become a requirement for people to have received a COVID-19 vaccine in order to deliver face-to-face CQC-regulated activities in wider social care settings. Whilst we still encourage everyone to get vaccinated where they can, it is no longer a requirement for this programme.
Recognition of prior learning
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If this applies to you, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in October 2023
BSc (Hons)
UK To be confirmed
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
- Safety equipment and/or uniform: unable to specify amount – although a uniform (tunics and trousers) is provided, you are required to supply your own suitable footwear and any additional uniform. Students are also responsible for the costs associated with maintaining/washing their uniform
- Commuting (local travel expenses: unable to specify amount – you are required to pay upfront cost of travel and accommodation expenses incurred when on placements, these may vary depending on the location. Students starting their studies in 2019/20 will be able to apply for reimbursement of travel and dual accommodation expenses through the Learning Support Fund as a result of attending practice placements (this model may not apply for the duration of students' studies). Essential expenses incurred over and above a student’s normal daily travel costs to the University are covered. NHS bursary rules on expenses must be followed and the rates applicable are to be confirmed by the NHS Business Services Authority
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: The University will meet the cost of one DBS check, completed at the start of each new student’s programme or earlier where applicants indicate they have a conviction in their application. The DBS check is a programme requirement: it is mandatory that the DBS process in completed and the student is approved to attend before they can start placement. Applicants offered a place on the programme will be contacted to complete the online process by the deadline specified. The process is not completed until all original documentation has been approved by an appointed DBS approver. This should be completed in advance of applicants starting their programme using main branches of the Post Office, where there will be a £6 administration fee.
Clinical placements
You’ll spend half of your training in clinical placements, allowing you to develop your knowledge, skills and practice within healthcare settings, under the supervision of qualified practitioners. You’ll complete 30 placement hours a week, for approximately 20 weeks in your first, second and third years of study.
Previous students have completed their placements in the NHS, with private healthcare organisations and with charities. These have been across several settings, including accident and emergency departments, ambulance stations and vehicles, hospital units (e.g. children’s, coronary care, maternity and mental health), minor injury centres, operating theatres and specialist ambulance services.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View an example of our offer terms and conditions and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) from the 2020/2021 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read more.
In particular we wish to draw your intention to the following matters affecting the academic year 2021/2022:
- Covid-19 - In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the 2020/2021 academic year. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach, details of which can be found here [link]. It is anticipated that these programme changes and the hybrid learning approach will be adopted throughout the academic year 2021/2022, however, given the changing nature of the pandemic, this is being kept under continuous review. Detailed information on all changes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic is available at the coronavirus course changes page. The linked pages set out information relating to general University changes and will also direct you to consider additional information relating to specific programmes.
- Brexit - The UK is now no longer part of the EU. We are awaiting further information and instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. EU students applying for programmes in the academic year 2021/2022 and students applying for courses with placements abroad should visit our dedicated webpages for the latest information on how the UK’s departure from the EU will affect their courses.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Kate Granger BuildingOur health sciences, nursing and midwifery courses are taught at the Kate Granger Building (30 Priestley Road), on the Surrey Research Park.
Placement location
You’ll be expected to attend clinical placements off campus. Please see the placements section for more details.
Additional information
Some modules on this course will be taught on Stag Hill campus.- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH