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Undergraduate study
become a paramedic, paramedic degree, paramedic science

Paramedic Practice BSc (Hons)

Gain the skills, knowledge and experience to register as a paramedic with the Health and Care Professions Council. Make a real difference to people’s lives when they are most in need.

 
 
  • This course is closed for September 2024 entry for UK applicants and international applicants.
 

Course overview

Accredited

Health professions day highlights

Earlier this year, we hosted a health professions day for students looking to start their journey into healthcare. They experienced a variety of simulated activities across all of our health courses. Check out the highlights from the day and keep an eye out for the next one.

Become a highly skilled autonomous practitioner able to confidently assess, prioritise, transfer, manage, treat, refer and discharge service users in the community. Gain skills to manage almost every category of patient, including children and adults, mental health, obstetric, medical and trauma incidents.

Benefit from an equal balance of theoretical and practical learning, undertaking a range of practice placements throughout each year. Theory provides you with the knowledge, understanding and critical decision-making skills you need as a paramedic. You put this knowledge into your practice placements, enhancing and developing your skills as you make an immediate and continuing contribution to service user care. You also develop enhanced communication, personal and professional skills.

Learn to confidently take a history from a service user to assess their needs, prioritise care, formulate a management and treatment plan, refer them to other healthcare providers or professionals and offer care at home, promoting healthy interventions and conversations with them, their carers and their family. Support them to understand healthcare information and clinical guidance, and offer advice from your well-developed understanding of evidence-based practice.

Care, compassion and commitment to high-quality care are essential skills. Gain support as you develop as a clinical leader and key decision-maker and improve your understanding of the wider healthcare network in practice placements. You integrate your knowledge, paramedic skills and attributes to competently assess and manage service users across the lifespan and in a range of settings.

Within a practice setting you are supernumerary, ensuring maximum exposure to the paramedic role and patient care episodes. A qualified practice educator supports your learning and helps you develop your knowledge and skills in practice. As part of the placement experience, you participate in a shift pattern rota or work weekends.

We have ongoing approval from the Health and Care Professions Council, a multi-professional regulator that sets the minimum standards of education and training proficiency for 16 separate professional groups, including paramedics. This ensures that as a graduate you become a competent, autonomous professional, prepared for the demands of 21st century out-of-hospital healthcare.

Top reasons to study this course:

  1. Quality teaching: 95% of BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice students agreed that staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2023, tees.ac.uk/source).
  2. Student satisfaction: 95% of BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice students agreed that the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future (National Student Survey 2023, tees.ac.uk/source).
  3. Nationally recognised: Teesside is ranked 10th out of 37 institutions for Paramedic Science in the Guardian University Guide 2024. (122 institutions participated, tees.ac.uk/source).
  4. Industry-standard facilities: you benefit by training in an immersive environment, such as our fully-equipped ambulance, preparing you for the role.
  5. Financial support: study this course and you may be eligible for a £5,000 maintenance grant each year from the NHS Business Service Authority. Find out more.

Download pdf Order prospectus

Where you study

You study at Teesside University's Middlesbrough campus. Placements are across the North East and Yorkshire. You should expect to travel to placements which can be some distance from the University. Emergency care placements are hosted by ambulance trusts in the North East, Yorkshire and other areas. You do not have to have a driving licence to apply for this programme but access to transport is essential to ensure you are able to attend clinical placements.

 

Supporting information for applicants

Our School feedback policy (word - 278kb)
Our School reference policy (word - 276kb)

 

Course details

Course structure

Year 1 core modules

An Introduction to Evidence-based Practice for Health Professionals

Explore evidence-based practice, clinical guidelines, audits and evaluations. Develop skills in research, formulating focused questions, developing effective search strategies and evaluating evidence to inform your clinical decision-making.

Introduction to Human Physiology for Health Professionals

Explore anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology relevant to paramedic practice. Effective practice demands an understanding of these areas so you begin to develop the knowledge base needed to underpin your understanding of key body systems areas.

Paramedic Care 1

This is the foundation module for your paramedic practical and assessment skills. Emphasis is on the development of these skills throughout the first year. Learn how to take a comprehensive patient history to prioritise care and management of the service users you assess. You are prepared for your practice placement, facilitating the integration of the knowledge, skills and attributes required for paramedic practice.

Practice Competencies and Portfolio: Level 4

Further develop the core knowledge and skills to practise competently and safely in your first year of study. Focus on placement in the ambulance environment; developing the fundamental care skills and knowledge required to practice safely and competently as a paramedic.

Professionalism for Health Professionals

Learn alongside other healthcare students and develop an understanding others’ role, delivering contemporary health and social care within the context of interprofessional practice. Gain an understanding of professional issues relevant to practice, facilitating the development of professional behaviour, preparing you for the demands of practice, and ensuring you are sufficiently informed and equipped to practice safely.

 

Year 2 core modules

Developing Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Paramedic Practice

Investigate the body’s response to key acute and chronic illnesses that you encounter in practice and explore the effects of drugs and medicines.

Dissertation Planning and Preparation for Health Professionals

Build on the evidence-based practice module in year one, gaining the skills to become an evidence-based practitioner by extending your knowledge, understanding and practical experience in several areas. You develop a research proposal that you take forward to the dissertation.

Paramedic Care 2

Examine how you can support service users to self-manage their condition with or without further advice or treatment, refer them to another health care professional or provider, or manage care during transport to another facility. Simulation and e-learning enables you to make the link between theory, evidence, and their impact on decisions in practice.

Practice Competencies and Portfolio: Level 5

Further develop the core knowledge and skills to practise competently and safely in the second year of study. You are placed within the ambulance placement area to allow you to develop the skills and knowledge required to practice safely and competently as a paramedic.

 

Year 3 core modules

Developing Leadership and Service Improvement Skills for the Future Ready Professional

Develop knowledge and understanding of healthcare policy, statutory and professional policy, and explore the impact of these with respect to patient care, professional practice, and paramedic service delivery. There is a strong emphasis on your personal and professional development, exploring the theories and concepts underpinning continuous professional development, leadership, human dimension of change and quality improvement.

Dissertation for Health Professionals

Undertake a research project that you designed in the second year. This is an independent project and you are supported by a designated project supervisor. Your dissertation is an opportunity to demonstrate how you have integrated all your learning of evidence-based practice, decision-making and complex problem-solving.

Paramedic Care 3

Explore the core practice competencies, specific paramedic skills and competency development requirements for Level 6. Demonstrate you can adapt your approach, and lead a team effectively when dealing with an acute or life threatening emergency or illness, or long term or chronic condition. Focus on patients who present with a minor injury or illness across the lifespan and on mental health issues, and the needs of learning disability patients, older adults, and end of life care.

Practice Competencies and Portfolio: Level 6

Further develop your practice skills, knowledge and experience gained in years one and two in the practice setting. You must demonstrate autonomous practice under the supervision of your paramedic practice educator.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

Learn through key lectures, seminar groups, small study groups, practical sessions, simulated scenarios and e-learning. You must carry out significant and additional self-directed study to enhance and complement your learning. Occasionally this will be directed study where the module leader will set an individual or group task or problem to solve. All learning is delivered by expert lecturers, practitioners and researchers. Practice placements are a large part of the programme and you are expected to negotiate and work with a supervisor (practice educator) to help you develop your knowledge, skills and understanding for practice.

How you are assessed

You are assessed by exams, essays, individual or group presentations, and practical exams (objective structured clinical exams). Within practice, your practice educator assesses your competencies and skills, demonstrating your ability to perform the role of a paramedic.


Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You are expected to have:

  • Level 3 Academic Study in a relevant subject (such as science, social sciences or health and social care) and applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the paramedic role.
  • a minimum of three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English language and maths. Key Skills/Functional Skills Level 2 in Communication and Application of Number can be accepted in place of English and maths GCSE.

Plus any of the following qualifications:

GCE and VCE Advanced Level
112-128 points from two or three A levels, or equivalent T levels.

AS Level
These are only acceptable when combined with other qualifications. One AS level can be accepted when combined with two or three A levels to meet the 112 points required.

Access course
A pass in a QAA-recognised Access course in a science or health subject equivalent to 112-128 UCAS points.
*We can accept Level 2 Access units in communication and maths in place of English and maths GCSEs.

BTEC QCF Extended Diploma
112-128 points (DMM), preferably in a science or health subject. Uniformed services is acceptable.

CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care
120 points (B) in health and social care.

Foundation degree
A pass in a relevant subject.

Irish Leaving Certificate
112 points from four or five Highers/Honours subjects including a science or social science.

Scottish Highers
117 points from five Highers including a science or social science subject.

Advanced Scottish Highers
112 points from three Advanced Highers including a science or social science subject.

EU applicants must meet International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at Level 7 with no element below 6.5. You must also:

  • be aware you need to declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the relevant professional body before you apply to register
  • provide an enhanced DBS check


If you are invited to an interview and the date is not suitable we may not be able to offer you an alternative date due to the high volume of applications received for this course but it is important that you contact the admissions office immediately.

If you are successful in both shortlisting and interview you will receive an offer which is subject to the following:

  1. evidence of achievement of the required academic qualifications
  2. a successful work-based risk assessment which will reflect the appropriate HEOPS recommendations. Find out more about all of the HEOPS standards
  3. an enhanced criminal history (DBS) check may be required for certain modules or placements which involve working with children and/or adults at risk. The DBS check is funded by the School of Health & Life Sciences so you do not need to pay for this process.
  4. satisfactory references.

Please note until 1 to 4 have been successfully completed the offer of a place on the course remains conditional.



International applicants
  • International applicants must have IELTS 7.0 with a minimal score of 6.5 in all sections or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 100/120 (in conjunction with a Teesside University English language test)* before an unconditional offer is made
  • If you are successful at shortlisting you will be invited to attend an interview (which may be in person OR video call) in one of our international offices in either India, Malaysia or China, or through a secure web link (which will be arranged by the University).
  • If you cannot attend an interview as stated, you will be unable to proceed with your application.

*Students holding TOEFL qualifications at the required grade will be able to combine the qualification with a Teesside University English language test to meet the English language requirement. The English language test will assess listening and speaking competency.

For international enquiries please email internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country


You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL

 

Employability

Career opportunities

Employment opportunities are global – HCPC-registered paramedics are recognised and in-demand in many countries. There are a variety of roles available in organisations from public bodies, such as the NHS, to more commercially-focused organisations.

A large proportion of paramedics are employed by NHS ambulance services and voluntary organisations such as St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross. This includes traditional roles in ambulances, rapid response cars, hazardous area response (HART) teams and other specialist or advanced roles such as clinical leadership or education. If you choose to work for an NHS ambulance service, they currently require a driving licence and you must meet the requirements of other Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency regulations.

Paramedics are also found in emergency departments, urgent care centres, GP surgeries, helicopter emergency services, cruise liners, in the community as part of the medical team, events companies, search and rescue, close protection and working for the government, and arm’s length bodies such as Atos. There are research roles, teaching pre-registration paramedic programmes, consultant roles leading the profession, and lead allied health professional roles both locally and nationally.

In addition to post-qualifying roles, the University supports additional and enhanced qualifications to further your career in specialist, advanced and consultant roles through postgraduate qualifications. For example, PgC, PgDip, master’s and professional doctorate qualifications which may further enhance and develop your career in clinical leadership and management.

 

Information for international applicants

Qualifications

International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.

Select your country:

  
 

Useful information

Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.

Talk to us

Talk to an international student enrolment adviser

 
 

Professional accreditation

Health and Care Professions Council.

Please note 100% attendance is expected and monitored during this programme.

Full-time

Entry to 2024/25 academic year

Fee for UK applicants
£9,250 a year

More details about our fees

Fee for international applicants
£17,000 a year

More details about our fees for international applicants


What is included in your tuition fee?

  • Length: 3 years
  • UCAS code: B780 BSc/Para
  • Start date: September
  • Semester dates
  • Typical offer: 112-128 tariff points and interview

Apply online (full-time) through UCAS

 

Part-time

  • Not available part-time
 

Choose Teesside

  • On video

    Health facilities at Teesside University

    Check out Teesside University’s facilities for the School of Health and Life Sciences.

    Paramedic Practice at Teesside

    The School of Health & Social Care has impressive purpose-built paramedic facilities simulating real life scenarios using our onsite ambulance. See how our paramedic students benefit and prepare for practice.

     
  • Student and graduate profiles

    James Wren

    James Wren  BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice

    My time at Teesside gave me the confidence and capability to reach my goals. I am forever grateful for my time there and to everyone who supported me.

    Meet James

    Oliver Cole

    Oliver ColeBSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice

    I was provided with so many opportunities and I hope to be able pass this on by mentoring Teesside University students in the future.

    Meet Oliver

    Matthew Hill

    Matthew HillBSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice

    I would recommend paramedic practice at Teesside, it sets you up for life in every sense. The University is such a good place to learn and study as the education is second to none.

    Meet Matthew

     
  • News

    Annabel Law. Link to View the pictures. Two reasons to celebrate for award-winning graduate
    Annabel Law swapped the Army for academia and the choice looks to have paid off as she was toasting a double celebration earlier this month.

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Service user and carer involvement

Service users and carers support all aspects of our students' lifecycle from recruitment to graduation.

Find out more

Get in touch

UK students

Email: shlsadmissions@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 738801


Online chat (general enquiries)

International students

Email: internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 1642 738900


More international contacts

 

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