Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) – 2020 entry
Why choose this course
Our exciting BSc Paramedic Science course consisting of 50 per cent practice-based learning, will give you the opportunity to become a safe and confident paramedic.
With an emphasis on excellent Professional Training placements, this course will let you explore many areas of paramedic practice and provide you with excellent employment prospects. 100 per cent of our graduates were in full-time work or education six months after graduation (HESA 2016).
You’ll be taught by staff engaged in innovative research and work with experienced NHS staff in our exceptional teaching facilities. This includes new multi-million pound facilities and our innovative Simulation Centre to allow you to get the most of your course.
What you will study
This three-year course is divided equally between academic study and practical experience in a range of practice areas. The course has been jointly developed by the University of Surrey, the University of Brighton and the South East Coast Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust.
You’ll acquire the knowledge and skills to respond to the diverse needs of patients, families and carers within a variety of settings. You’ll also explore and further develop the values required in modern healthcare and as stated within the NHS Constitution.
The course is academically demanding and includes practice placements which present new and sometimes challenging experiences. We’ll provide you with strong personal and academic support to help you succeed.
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.
Accreditations
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.
Our paramedic science students have excellent employment prospects on completing the programme.
Exciting changes are taking place in today’s NHS. Healthcare practitioners are learning new skills, working independently and taking on new responsibilities. Qualified paramedics are increasingly found at the heart of multidisciplinary teams.
Career paths in modern NHS ambulance trusts include specialist practice, GP and community services, teaching, management and research.
As a practitioner, you can also combine a number of roles and remain directly involved in client care as your career progresses.
Learn more about life as a paramedic on the NHS careers website and read about what it's like to work as a paramedic.
Student life
Are you curious about life as a paramedic student? Read our ‘Week in the life’ feature to discover what a typical week looks like for a Level 1 paramedic student.
Placements
Our BSc Paramedic Science course is made up of 50 per cent theory and 50 per cent practice. The practice component is gained within a variety of clinical practise settings.
Placements will feature practical supervised experience in, for example, ambulance stations and ambulance vehicles, operating theatres, coronary care units, minor injury centres, accident and emergency departments, maternity, mental health and children’s units, and specialist ambulance services.
Time spent in the safe environment of our Simulation Suite, and other areas in the pre-hospital environment will prepare you for your Professional Training placements. You’ll only go out to practice areas when you have satisfactorily completed instruction in fundamental clinical skills.
Our placement localities have practice learning teachers and practice liaison tutors who will be able to advise you about their particular practice areas. Once in your placement, you’ll work under the supervision of a mentor/practice placement educator and a team of co-mentors.
They assess your practice and developing skills and advise you on the progress of your portfolio of experience and your professional development.
As you progress through the course and your skills and confidence develop, you’ll be encouraged to perform increasingly complex activities in practice, until you are considered by your mentors and teachers to be competent for registration at the end of Year 3.
NHS partnerships
Your practice placements will be based within the South East Coast Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust and other healthcare settings across a wide geographical area, allowing you to gain a range of experiences.
During your placements you’ll work alongside qualified healthcare, social care and emergency care staff, which will allow you to put your skills into practice throughout the course. You’ll have opportunities to participate in interprofessional learning in both University and practice settings, working alongside fully qualified paramedics and other clinicians.
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is part of the National Health Service, responding to 999 calls from the public, urgent calls from healthcare professionals and providing NHS 111 services across the region.
It also provides non-emergency patient transport services (pre-booked patient journeys to and from healthcare facilities) in the area.
SECAmb deals with a geographical area of 3,600 square miles (Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent, Surrey, and north-east Hampshire), which includes densely-populated urban areas, sparsely populated rural areas and some of the busiest stretches of motorway in the country.
Staff in SECAmb work across 110 sites spread around Kent, Surrey and Sussex, including ambulance stations, community-response posts and emergency dispatch centres. The University’s placements are restricted to the Surrey localities listed on this page.
SECAmb staff care for patients either face-to-face, or provide clinical advice and support over the phone at one of their two emergency dispatch centres.
Patients range from the critically-ill and injured who need specialist treatment, to those with minor health and social care needs who can be treated at home or in the community.
Further information about localities and accommodation
Further information about localities and accommodation opportunities within each of the localities is provided to students at the start of the course and within local induction to the practice environments.
Accommodation varies between the localities and usually involves students organising privately rented flat-sharing or house-sharing through local agents.
All students can be accommodated within University campus accommodation for the start of their course but students may wish to move into their geographical locality when their placements start.
This allows students to travel to and from placements with ease, and better enables them to get to placements for the beginning of shifts (which can be as early as 6am) and back home when they finish (which can be after midnight), and attend night duty which is a requirement of the course.
The theory component of the course is taught within the University campus for all students, regardless of locality, for the duration of the course. It is advised that students have access to their own transport in these instances.
Process for student allocation to locality
There are limited placements within each locality and so each new cohort of students must be divided up between localities to ensure a high quality practice experience for all.
A priority system exists when allocating students to localities, to ensure the needs of those with specific geographical requirements are met, as much as is possible within the limited capacity in each location.
The priority system identifies the following:
- Sponsored students are placed within the locality where the sponsoring trust has placements.
- Students with dependants are placed in the locality nearest to their address, as far as capacity allows.
- Students living in their own homes (or the parental home) at the start of the course are placed in a locality as near to their home address as possible, as far as capacity allows.
- Students who opt to live in University accommodation for the start of the course are allocated according to home address to the nearest possible locality, as far as capacity allows.
It must be noted that placements within the locality may still be some distance from the student’s address and travelling to placements within the full geographical area of the allocated locality will be required in order to meet the practice component of the BSc Paramedic Science course.
It is advisable that students have their own transport when attending placement, due to the possible unsociable working hours when public transport may not be available.
There are limited opportunities to change a student’s allocated locality but this depends upon capacity at the preferred locality. The first-year leader will explain the process for this at the start of the course.
Student placement localities
The University is very fortunate to have a broad range of excellent placements within Surrey.
This geographical area is divided up to enable students to be allocated to one distinct area, enabling the student to become a member of that community of healthcare practitioners. We refer to these geographical divisions as ‘localities’.
There are four geographical localities serving paramedic science courses at the University. Each locality has ambulance station placements provided by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, and district general hospital placements. It is in these placements that paramedic students gain their practical experiences.
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 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 our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will 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.
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. Read more.
Academic year structure
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 credits.
Course dates and holidays
The course will run over 43 weeks in Level 4 and Level 5, and 36 in Level 6. Students will get holidays at Christmas, Easter and in summer, the details of which change each year and can be requested directly from the programme leader.
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.
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:
Year 1
Year 2
Timetables
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. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the course administrators. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Teaching
We have experienced teachers and researchers who ensure you have the best possible experience, allowing you to emerge as a confident, competent professional. The paramedic teaching team is made up of paramedic, medical and nursing educators.
You’ll be allocated a personal tutor to oversee your progress and they’ll be available for one-to-one appointments. You’ll also be a member of a personal tutor group, brought together for discussions, information sharing and advice.
Within the University setting, teaching methods include:
- Practical classes and the presentation of clinical skills scenarios
- Lectures and tutorials
- Student and staff-led seminars
- Study packs, reading lists, guided and annotated reading
- Computer-aided learning and web-based teaching
- Discussion groups
- Enquiry-based learning.
Within the practice environment, teaching methods include:
- Shadowing
- Role modelling
- Demonstration
- Observation
- Practice under supervision
- Reflective dialogue
- Discussion groups.
Research students will sometimes help to deliver your modules. These students will be researching in a similar subject to the module, and will have undertaken training prior to being invited to teach. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the School of Health Sciences.
Programme leader
BETTLES S Mr (Health Sci.)
Personal tutor
All taught students are assigned a personal tutor before beginning a programme of study. Personal tutors offer support and advice to students in the areas of:
- Academic progress
- Pastoral/welfare issues
- Personal/professional development and employability.
Assessment
Modules are assessed individually and credits are awarded for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports. Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
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.
Learning and disability support
We have two services, Academic Skills and Development and the Disability and Neurodiversity Service which can help develop your learning.
Academic Skills and Development
Academic Skills and Development is a learning space in the Library where our learning development team is based. It comprises dedicated Student Learning Advisers and Information Skills Librarians who can help you develop your academic and research skills, including writing, presenting, revision and critical thinking.
Find out more about the study support available.
Disability and Neurodiversity Service
The University’s Disability and Neurodiversity Service supports students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, specific learning differences (such as dyslexia and dyspraxia) and other neurodiverse conditions (including autism spectrum and attention deficit disorder).
If you tell us about any conditions and register with us, we can give you appropriate support during your studies.
We can arrange exam and learning support adjustments, give advice on applications for the Disabled Students' Allowance, and test you for dyslexia and dyspraxia. We can also offer regular study skills and mentoring support.
Find out more about the support available or contact the team directly for further information.
English language support
Our English Language Support Programme (ELSP) provides tailored English language support during your studies. It is particularly valuable to students who speak English as a second or additional language, but native speakers are also welcome.
What qualifications do you need?
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.
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 The Robens Centre 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.
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 email Admissions with any queries.
Fees
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BSc (Hons) UK and EU £9,250 |
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: While the UK is part of the EU, the University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by the Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms. Once the UK has left the EU, the fees rules may change and the University is bound to comply with applicable legislation.
- 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 BSc (Hons) course:
- Safety equipment and/or uniform: unable to specifiy 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 - Students 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.
How to apply
Learn how to apply for an undergraduate course, see details about the UCAS application process and determine the steps you need to take if you receive an offer to study.
Admissions information
Our undergraduate admissions policy provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students.
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Course location and contact details
Campus location
Kate Granger BuildingThe School of Health Sciences has now moved to the Kate Granger Building located on 30 Priestley Road on the Surrey Research Park. This is where our nursing, midwifery, paramedic science and operating department practice courses are taught.
Placement location
As part of this course you will be expected to attend placements off campus, please see the placement section for more details.
Additional information
Some modules on this course will be taught on Stag Hill campus.- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
- Email: admissions@surrey.ac.uk
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH