Paramedic Science

The role of the paramedic is to assess, treat and manage people in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Paramedics work in a wide range of environments and may work alone or within a team of other health and social care professionals.

The BSc Paramedic Science course will provide students with the necessary skills and competencies to deliver out of hospital care in a range of health settings as a member of an integrated health and social care team. To do this QMU works closely with the Scottish Ambulance Service.

On this course you will:

• carry out invaluable practice-based placements in each year that will enrich your learning;

• learn how to respond safely and effectively in emergency and non-emergency situations;

• develop skills of assessment, diagnosis, management and treatment of people. Your learning will be underpinned by evidence;

• cover topics such as biological sciences, management of health and illness, communication skills, person-centred practice, leadership and management; and

• develop as a critically thinking, reflective professional who is able to work independently or part of a team.

Why QMU?

• An innovative and exciting course that will prepare the next generation of paramedic clinicians: This course was developed in response to the need for all paramedics in Scotland entering the profession from 2021 to have an ordinary (BSc level) degree. This is because the role of the paramedic is expanding beyond acute trauma and will have increasing focus on the management of long term conditions, mental health support, support of older persons and preventing hospital admissions.

• An interprofessional learning experience: You will learn alongside students from a wide range of other health and social care professional courses, unrivalled in any other university in Scotland.

• Professional links: QMU works closely with local health and social care practice partners including Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS Lothian and NHS Borders.

• Great facilities: You will benefit from QMU's modern surroundings and have access to specialist clinical teaching facilities.

• Staff expertise: You will learn from experienced academic staff with clinical currency and research expertise:

• Excellent student support: A supportive learning culture that creates a ‘community feeling’ and promotes learner resilience and wellbeing.

• Professional registration: The course will prepare students to undertake the full scope of practice for a paramedic leading to eligibility for them to apply for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council(HCPC).

Please note due to placement requirements we are unable to accept international applications for this course. This is due to limitations on placement length for student visas for UK study.

Please note age restrictions for this course further down this page.

Course Modules

Year One

Patient Assessment
Skills for Paramedic Practice 1
Paramedic Research 1
Anatomy and Physiology
Professional and Personal Development 1
Practice-based Learning 1

Year Two

Pharmacology
Pathophysiology and Clinical Decision Making
Professional and Personal Development 2
Skills for Paramedic Practice 2
Paramedic Practice-based Learning 2
Paramedic Research 2

Year Three

Primary & Urgent Care in Paramedic Practice
Professional and Personal Development 3
Paramedic Practice-based Learning 3
Management of the Critically Unwell or Injured Persons
Skills for Paramedic Practice 3
Paramedic Research 3

The modules listed here are correct at time of posting but may differ slightly to those offered in 2027. Please refer to our course webpage for the most up to date module information.

You will learn through face to face sessions and on-line. Learning and teaching approaches include lectures, seminars, practical laboratories and placements. We also use case based approaches, interactive learning, group work, simulation, virtual reality and games. Outside timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through self-study. Assessments will include practical work, written exams and assignments. Students must be aged 18 by the 1st September 2027 in order to be eligible to start the course in September 2027 due to work placement restrictions.

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

• Health and Care Professions Council