Paramedic Science BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Becoming a paramedic offers the opportunity to provide critical medical care in emergencies, making a direct and positive impact on people’s lives. Explore Paramedic career is for you.

  Our teaching team is made up of a Professional lead and a number of academics who are experienced Paramedics or Specialist Paramedics working in pre-hospital and hospital settings. All of our Paramedic Science degree teaching staff have significant practice experience and qualifications in a variety of Masters level qualifications, with the majority having completed post-graduate certificates in Medical Education.

  Our Paramedical Science clinical skills suite, located at our Waterside Campus, has a purpose-built ambulance simulator, specialised equipment, manikins and a full range of paramedic patient management equipment and patient handling aids to assist students in their learning.

  Our Paramedic Science degree has a modular curriculum, ensuring that you are able to develop both academically and practically. This paramedic course combines practical placements with blended academic study in each term.

  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.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Interprofessional Education (IPE)
      Module code: FHS_IPE20

      Status: Compulsory
    • Fundamentals of Ambulance Care (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSC1018

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide an underpinning of the key concepts of patient assessment and professional understanding and requirements in Ambulance care. The module will allow students to develop clinical assessment skills and understand the ethics and law associated with patient care.
    • Bioscience 1 for Paramedic Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSC1019

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to ensure students demonstrate a robust knowledge base of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology, increasing their understanding of the normal physiological processes within human bioscience systems. This strong foundational knowledge and understanding will then facilitate the linking of clinical and bioscientific presentations encountered in practice.
    • Foundations of Emergency Care (30 Credits)
      Module code: PSC1020

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to understand and apply the knowledge of how to assess and manage patients with a variety of different conditions through their life span. This module will allow students to develop clinical assessment and management skills using a range of equipment and technologies.
    • Professional Studies for Paramedics (10 Credits)
      Module code: PSC1021

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of professional issues related to paramedic practice. The student will view the patient from a holistic perspective, developing their knowedge in a range of important areas to ensure safe, ethical, legal and socially aware practice.
    • Paramedic Practice 1 (40 Credits)
      Module code: PSC1022P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is Professional socialisation (Communicating in a professional environment with staff and patients) and becoming familiar with basic concepts of ambulance care, developing into reflective practitioners.
  • Stage 2
    • Bioscience 2 for Paramedic Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSC2021

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to facilitate the integration of the students understanding of disease, injury processes and pharmacological interventions and enable students to develop a safe and evidence based approach to management interventions (pharmacological and non-pharmacological), based on understanding and recognition of altered physiology. The student will be able to recognise common signs and symptoms and relate these to specific disease or patterns of injury
    • Research Methods (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSC2022

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable health and social care professionals to develop a critical understanding of research which will enable the facilitation and application of evidence-based practice.
    • Paramedic Clinical Care (30 Credits)
      Module code: PSC2023

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop the student?s ability to assess and provide care to a range of patients. It aims to further develop the students knowledge and understanding of paramedic clinical assessment and management, in order to manage a range of common clinical presentations encountered in out-of-hospital settings whilst starting to consider different referrals and pathways.
    • Advanced Life Support and Trauma Management (10 Credits)
      Module code: PSC2024

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop the students ability to recognise and manage patients in advanced life support (ALS) presentations or those with traumatic injuries. The student will increase their skill set in order to provide interventions to the critically unwell patient.
    • Paramedic Practice 2 (40 Credits)
      Module code: PSC2025P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop understanding of assessment and management, by applying underpinning knowledge and principles gained through previous clinical experience to practice placements.
  • Stage 3
    • Contemporary Contexts of Paramedic Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSC3024

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to consolidate the knowledge, skills and understanding taught in earlier modules related to communication, team working, decision making and ethico-legal perspectives. It will incorporate the additional concepts of human factors, organisational culture and leadership, which overall will enable the student to prepare for safe professional practice as a registrant. It reflects the essential need for safe, effective and caring clinical practice, which is required to form the basis of health care.
    • Emergency Care of Special Populations (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSC3025

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to comprehensively manage a range of clinical presentations in the out of hospital environment considering evidence-based medicine and principles of autonomous practice.
    • Paramedic Practice 3 (40 Credits)
      Module code: PSC3026P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is continue advancing professional practice, developing independent decision making and leadership skills to prepare the student for HCPC registration as a Paramedic.
    • Evidence based Project in Paramedic Science (40 Credits)
      Module code: PSC4004

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable the student to undertake research evidence acquisition and interpretation (using published research evidence or original data). This will allow them to explore the implications for practice (analysis and synthesis) and propose changes in practice (change management). The student will undertake an independent, critical, analytical, in-depth study of data and findings on a selected topic which must be relevant to the student's professional discipline in order to identify implications for practice

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• Student Perks

  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)

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• FAQs

  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.

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