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Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) – 2021 entry
Key information
Start date: October 2021
Why choose this course
Our exciting BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science course consisting of 50 per cent practice-based learning, will give you the opportunity to become a safe and confident paramedic.
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.
The outstanding teaching on our course is enhanced by excellent Professional Training placements. This course will let you explore many areas of paramedic practice and provide you with excellent employment prospects. 93 per cent of our graduates were in work or education six months after graduation (DiscoverUni, using the most recent data from those who graduated in the 2016-17 academic year).
5 reasons to study BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science at Surrey
Read moreWhat 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, 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.
Related courses
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.
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.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the School of Health Sciences.
Accreditations
Accreditation
Academic year structure
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.
Important: 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 2020/21 academic year. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach. View detailed information on the changes.
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:
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
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.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by postgraduate research students. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports.
We use a variety of methods to assess you during the programme. As well as written work, there are student presentations, examinations, case study work and assessed simulated learning experiences. Within the practice learning environments, your knowledge, skills and professional behaviour will be assessed and graded 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
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 contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in October 2021
BSc (Hons)
UK £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: 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.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
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.
Your placements may take place across Surrey and these are divided into localities. For the duration of your course, you’ll typically be allocated one placement locality. The localities for this course are:
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 guide 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.
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
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