Paramedic Science

This dynamic course develops your clinical knowledge and confidence, equipping you with the skills needed for emergency and unscheduled care while ensuring you meet the requirements of the modern ambulance service and expanding paramedic role. With a high employment rate, the course takes you from novice to expert over three years of study, using a blended approach to learning so theory clearly meets practice. It also builds your clinical reasoning, critical thinking and leadership skills.

Course accreditation/endorsement

The course is recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). On successful completion of your course, you will be eligible to register as a paramedic.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Two clinical-training ambulances

• Fully immersive simulation area including: assisted living space; industrial space with scaffolding; hoarder’s room; nightclub area; social deprivation room (drug den); standard lounge; cluttered bedroom

• Immersive suite with cameras

• Skills unit

• Community 'home'

• Full-sized ward.

Our simulation facilities are close enough to real life to be used by local providers for training purposes.

Career-powered links

The course has been developed in partnership with the East of England Ambulance Service, an NHS Trust serving six million people over 7,500 square miles.

Your Student Experience

Gain simulated and real-life supervised experience of the situations you will attend as a qualified paramedic.

Complete 750 hours of placement learning a year, spending around 50% of your time in supervised supported practice so you experience the full 24-hour working pattern and learn to work as part of the wider healthcare team.

Placement settings include at ambulance control; GP surgeries; charities for the homeless; hospice; or hospital, where you may be based in ER, theatres, paediatrics and maternity.

Expand your experience through field trips to relevant locations including the Ambulance Service Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) at Melbourn, Cambridge, and an RTC (vehicle) extrication with Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Explore service improvement with your final-year research project and present your findings at an annual conference.

Our course groups are small so you are able to build supportive relationships with other students and your academic team

Our Bedford campus itself is a small, thriving academic community where academic staff get to know you well.

Course modules

Year 1
Introduction to academic studies – Build the study skills you need to learn effectively, make progress and succeed. Health science for paramedic practice – Explore relevant health science fields including anatomy, physiology, psychology and biology. Introduction to clinical skills and assessments for paramedics – Learn key practical skills such as patient assessment, using diagnostic tools and clinical management. Professional studies in paramedicine – Learn the professional values underpinning paramedic practice and how these help develop professionalism. Clinical practice placement 1 – Put theory into practice in simulated scenarios and pre-hospital settings such as an ambulance service.

Year 2
Obstetric and neonatal care for paramedics – How to assess and care for mothers and newborns antenatally, postnatally and through the birth itself. Trauma assessment and management for paramedics – Learn to minimise risk through scene management and rapid, effective clinical decision making. Assessment and management for paramedics 1 – Build your skills in assessing and managing common urgent conditions as well as procedures such as airway management and cannulation. Assessment and management for paramedics 2 – Develop your skills in areas including mental health, paediatrics, care of elderly patients and end-of-life care. Clinical practice placement 2 – Build your practical skills and knowledge in simulated scenarios and pre-hospital settings such as an ambulance service.

Year 3
Managing the critically unwell patient – Develop your knowledge and skills in the assessment and care of patients with acute conditions. Preparing for paramedic practice – Consolidate your skills and abilities ready to make the transition to a registered paramedic. Improving paramedicine – Plan a project aimed at improving paramedic service, taking into consideration current practice, relevant research and patient safety. Clinical practice placement 3 – Put your skills and knowledge into practice in simulated scenarios and pre-hospital settings such as an ambulance service.

We make every effort to ensure the information here is accurate; however, for the most up-to-date information, visit our website.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Health and Care Professions Council