Program Overview

Paramedic Studies Practitioner Entry

The Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) Paramedic Studies (Practitioner Entry) is aimed at building on the foundations provided by pre-hospital emergency care programmes and professional experience. It is designed to develop skills and knowledge applicable to current practice and specialist areas, assisting students in their professional development and life-long learning.

Course Outline

This programme considers the challenge of managing a job while studying, by delivering teaching using a learning approach of e-learning and participation in workshops. The BSc programme instills a traditional academic approach to the online teaching of paramedic studies. Delivery of the course is underpinned by four themes: enhancing professional knowledge, enhancing the paramedic profession, personal development, and research.

Modules

• Year 1:
  • MD3010: Academic Writing, Information Technology and Evidence-Based Practice (5 credits)
  • MD3011: Health Protection I (5 credits)
  • MD3012: Principles of Human Structure for Practitioner Paramedics (5 credits)
  • MD3013: Application of Evidence-Based Practice for Paramedics (10 credits)
  • MD3015: Topographic Anatomy for Practitioner Paramedics (5 credits)
  • MD3019: Paramedico-Legal Studies (5 credits)
  • MD4010: Research in Paramedic Practice I (10 credits)
  • MD4011: Remote Emergency Care for Paramedics (10 credits)
• Year 2:
  • MD3014: Professional Development (5 credits)
  • MD3016: Human Physiology for Practitioner Paramedics (10 credits)
  • MD3017: Personal Development (5 credits)
  • MD3018: Pharmacology for Practitioner Paramedics (5 credits)
  • MD4012: Understanding Clinical Practice (10 credits)
  • MD4013: Health Protection II (5 credits)
  • MD4014: Research in Paramedic Practice II (25 credits)

Course Practicalities

The BSc (Hons) Paramedic Studies (Practitioner Entry) is an online learning programme. Each 5-credit module requires 100 hours of student effort, and 10 credits require 200 hours, up to the main research module, which is 25 credits and requires 500 hours of student effort.

Assessment

The programme is based wholly on continuous assessment, allowing the student to progress and succeed within an online learning environment.

Technical Requirements

• Access to a laptop or desktop (either Mac OS or Windows) running a relatively recent operating system (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or Mac OSX 10.8, 10.9, 10.10).
• Access to a reliable broadband connection with at least 2MB download speeds.
• A modern web browser installed.

Why Choose This Course

This two-year programme is aimed at building on the foundations provided by pre-registration programmes and professional experience. It is designed to develop skills and knowledge applicable to current practice in general and specialist areas.

Requirements

• Applicants must be a registered practitioner for the duration of the programme.
• Applicants must hold a Diploma in Emergency Medical Science (NFQ Level 7) or Emergency Medical Technology (NFQ Level 7) or equivalent.
• Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement indicating their reasons for wishing to enter this programme.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University's English Language Entry Requirements.

Fees and Costs

Refer to the 2025/2026 Undergraduate Fees Schedule for this programme.

• The EU 2025/26 Fee is 3,138 per annum.
• The International Fee is 6,500.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this Paramedic Studies (Practitioner Entry) programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an awareness of paramedical science from a multidisciplinary perspective, including anatomy, epidemiology and public health, medico-legal, nursing, pharmacology, physiology, and psychology.
• Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary issues in the field of paramedical practices and sciences; displaying an understanding of the importance of continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
• Apply a holistic and integrated approach to paramedic practice.
• Be sensitive to contemporary issues within socially and culturally diverse communities and prepare to respond effectively to such issues during paramedic practice.
• Examine current research and developments in paramedicine and evaluate their implications in the paramedic profession. Carry out a focused piece of scholarly research in the area of paramedical science.