Paramedic Science BSc (Hons)

At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

If you join our full-time Paramedic Science degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your paramedical science course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

* UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details)

Placements give you a great opportunity to learn from current healthcare professionals, as well as the Police and Fire Service, who can share their learning and experience with you which will enhance your knowledge and experience.

This paramedic course offers an even split between taught university sessions and practical placements. The course will be studied over 45 weeks per year. You will spend 37.5 hours on average per week in practice blocks, with your taught time being approximately 30 hours per week. You will need to complete approximately 750 hours of self-directed/private study for each year of the course.

Students will complete their ambulance placements at one of the ambulance stations within Northamptonshire. Hospital placements will be completed at either Northampton General Hospital, Kettering General Hospital, Milton Keynes University Hospital or Bedford Hospital. The placements will be in a wide range of healthcare settings, including but not limited to, A&E. Cardiac, Paediatrics. Theatres. Maternity, Minor injuries, GP surgery, Community (EOL) and SDEC.

Placements can be in ambulance service work areas such as emergency ambulances, response cars, or in specialist roles such as paramedic practitioners. Other practice areas include experience in theatre departments/anaesthetics, A&E, maternity, minor injury/minor illness, coronary care and paediatrics.

If you were once a registered allied health professional but took a career break and are looking for more information about financial, clinical and academic support available to return to practice, please visit the Health Education England site.

How will I be assessed on the Paramedic Science course?

Throughout the paramedic science degree, we use a broad range of assessments , for example: range of essays, written exams, oral exams, presentations and practical (OSCE) exams.

This is balanced through the years, so there is an even mix in each year and you must pass all the modules in the previous year to progress to the next.

Which Driving qualification do I need for the Paramedic university course?

You are required to obtain a standard full UK driving license prior to starting the paramedic course. You will have an opportunity to complete the C1 driving theory qualification during your studies at the University of Northampton.

What is the Code of Conduct for this paramedical course?

You will be expected to conduct yourself in line with the Code of Conduct relating to student paramedics registering with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Do I need to have a driving licence before starting the course?

Yes, one of our entry requirements is that you have passed your driving test by the 1st of September of the year you start the course.

Will I need to get a specific type of driving licence to work as a paramedic?

Most ambulance trust require their paramedics to have what is known as a C1 driving qualification before starting employment. This is not needed to be accepted on to the course but could delay your ability to start in employment after graduation. We encourage you to research the NHS trust you wish to work for to inform you of any specific requirements they have.

What kind of jobs can I get after completing the paramedic science course?

Newly qualified paramedics (NQP) have a range of options in terms of employment after completing the course and registering with the HCPC. Different NHS trusts will offer varying roles for NQPs this could be frontline ambulance roles, Primary care or hospital based. There are also options to work in the private sector.

Will I be guaranteed a job with the ambulance service after graduation?

Unfortunately not, many trusts recruit NQPs before graduation and you may choose to apply for a range of roles, but there is no guarantee of a job.

Are there other career paths besides working for an Ambulance service?

Yes, you may wish to pursue a variety of careers as a paramedic, these include but are not limited to frontline ambulance work, GP surgery, hospitals, events, offshore, Air Ambulance, education, military, custody, voluntary organisations, search and rescue, remote/expedition.

Are there any extra costs I should expect apart from tuition fees?

You will need to consider some extra expense whilst on the course. Getting to and from placement will need access to a vehicle and the cost of fuel, maintenance and potential repair should your vehicle breakdown. As a paramedic student you can claim some of the fuel cost back through the NHS learning support fund (LSF).

Do I need to buy my own uniform or equipment for placements?

You will need to purchase a stethoscope, but all other equipment you will need will be provided during the course. All the uniform you will need for the course is included.  If for any reason you need replacement uniform during the course you will need to fund your own replacement uniform.

Will I have to buy any books during the course?

No, there is no expectation or requirement to buy any books during the course. We have multiple resources available to you for the whole programme both in hard and electronic copy. Should you wish to buy your own books though, we are more than happy to recommend literature to you, but there is no expectation to.

I have heard of something called JRCALC what is that and do I need to purchase it?

JRCALC stands for the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee. It is a committee that develops and provides clinical guidelines for UK ambulance services, particularly for paramedics. These guidelines, often referred to as the “JRCALC guidelines,” are essential resources for pre-hospital care and are used in paramedic training and education. You do not need to purchase, or subscribe to JRCALC it is provided and included within the course at no additional cost to yourself.

What are the health requirements for the course?

All applications will need to comply with occupational Health requirements as a condition of entry. This essentially consists of a general health check and the provision or confirmation of any necessary inoculations that are associated with being a health care professional.

Do I need to pass a medical or fitness test to join the course?

There is no specific physical or fitness test for this course. However, you need to have a certain level of fitness that will allow you to be able to perform CPR for a considerable time, lift and carry patients when needed and to carry equipment when on placement.

Can I still apply if I have a long-term health condition or disability?

Yes, you can still apply. The course and profession are open to individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities, and support is available to help you succeed. However, it’s important to consider that paramedic work is physically demanding and typically involves shift work, including nights and weekends. The role may require lifting, working in challenging environments, and responding quickly in emergencies. As part of the application process, you’ll undergo an occupational health assessment to ensure you can meet the physical and emotional demands of the role, with or without reasonable adjustments. What are the HCPC requirements for becoming a registered paramedic?

What do I need to know about HCPC registration after I graduate?

To work as a paramedic in the UK, you must be registered with the HCPC. After successfully completing an HCPC-approved paramedic science degree, you can apply for registration. This confirms that you meet the professional standards required to practise safely and effectively. Without HCPC registration, you cannot legally work as a paramedic in the UK.

What does ‘fitness to practise’ mean, and how does it affect me as a student or future paramedic?

‘Fitness to practise’ refers to having the skills, knowledge, health, and character to carry out your professional duties safely and effectively. As a student, you’re expected to demonstrate professionalism throughout your training, especially during placements. Issues such as dishonesty, misconduct, or health concerns that are unmanaged can affect your fitness to practise. If these arise, the university or HCPC may investigate, which could affect your ability to register or continue on the course.

Will I need to keep up with CPD after I qualify?

Yes, once registered, you are legally required to maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This means regularly updating your knowledge and skills throughout your career. CPD can include formal training, reflective practice, attending conferences, or on-the-job learning. The HCPC audits a percentage of registrants each year, so you must keep a record of your CPD activities to show that you’re staying up to date with professional standards.

What are the HCPC’s Standards of Proficiency, and how do they relate to my training?

The Standards of Proficiency (SOPs) are a set of requirements set by the HCPC that outline what every paramedic must know, understand, and be able to do to register and practise safely. Your course is designed to ensure you meet these standards by the time you graduate. They cover areas such as professional conduct, communication, risk management, clinical skills, and decision-making. Familiarising yourself with the SOPs will help you understand what’s expected both during your training and in your professional role. You can find more detail by following this link to the HCPC website – Health and Care Professions Council.