Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) - Paramedic Science (Degree Level Apprenticeship)

Upon successful completion, the BSc (Hons) in Paramedic Science programme will enable you to apply for registration as a Paramedic with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and practice under the protected title of Paramedic.

The structure of the award has been developed through mapping against the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for registered paramedics, the Institute for apprenticeships and technical education’s paramedic standard, the Quality Assurance Agency's benchmark statements for Paramedic Science, and the College of Paramedics (CoP) 2019 Curriculum Framework Guidance.

The award recognises the broad knowledge, skills and behaviours required of a Paramedic, and incorporates a strong work-based learning component, with a skills framework mapped to the requirements of the role.

The BSc (Hons) in Paramedic Science sits within the Centre of Excellence in Paramedic Practice, as part of the Institute of Health.

Course Overview

A Degree Apprenticeships combines vocational work-integrated learning with academic study, allowing you to study for a degree whilst you take part in practical, on the job training. The University of Cumbria is committed to offering practice-based learning, combined with robust employment-focused academic design and delivery, equipping you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to succeed in your chosen profession.

Learners will need to meet the accreditation of prior learning and all other entry requirements to join the programme at the start of level 5. The programme of study is delivered over a 24-month period through a blended learning delivery model that will see learners engaging with skills and simulation on site and theory in an online environment.

Assessments are balanced throughout our modules, using a variety of methods designed to not only reflect the diverse and evolving paramedic role, but to suit the diverse number of learning needs, styles and preferences of our learners.

Academic writing is an important part of the degree apprenticeship course. It allows learners to formalise their thinking and develop their critical appraisal skills, essential for the role of the modern paramedic. For those learners who may find the prospect of academic writing daunting, the University of Cumbria provides a wide range of academic support. Prospective applicants may want to consider early engagement in university support here.

It is recommended that learners have a laptop or PC to engage with all aspects of the programme while studying.

On this course you will...

• Be supported by a paramedic academic team that have extensive experience in supporting learners with a range of academic abilities and educational backgrounds.
• Be supported by a paramedic academic team that has expertise in delivering Technology Enhanced Learning to support both the work-based and theoretical aspects of the course.
• Be supported by a personal tutor who will work closely with you as you progress through your studies, including conducting progress reviews with yourself and your employer.
• Be provided hours for independent study both within the curriculum and by your employer.
• Be provided with an iPad so you can access your programme of study remotely, including all practice assessment documents which will be needed in the clinical practice environment.
• Be provided with a wide range of support services, including academic support, personalised librarian support providing award-winning electronic skills, IT support, mental health and wellbeing services and many more.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK
• Course Location: Blended Learning
• Institute: Institute of Health
• Delivery Style: Blended Learning
• Course Duration: Full-time: 2 Years
• Course Start Point: February, April, June, July, October, November
• Award: BSc (Hons)

Course Structure

What you will learn

This programme has been validated by the Health and Care Professions Council and is aligned to the appropriate regulatory standards issued by the Health and Care Professions Council.

To ensure our programme provides you with a relevant and current knowledge base, the design of this programme is aligned to the College of Paramedics (2019) Curriculum Guidance 5th edition, following a spiral curriculum.

Applicants must meet the level 4 learning outcomes of the programme to commence study in Year 2 (Level 5). Here critical thinking and analysis skills are built upon, with learners developing their own academic and professional identity whilst exploring Evidence Based Practice and beginning to critically analyse evidence and literature.

In year 3 (level 6) learners will develop further and be taught to critically evaluate, synthesis and draw their own conclusions from existing evidence. This will aid in the building of confidence as autonomous registered health care professionals.

Year two

Critical thinking and analysis skills are built upon, with learners developing their own academic and professional identity whilst exploring Evidence Based Practice and beginning to critically analyse evidence and literature.

• Developing Person Centred Care in Paramedic Practice 2 This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of person-centred care and the relevant underpinning theories and evidence base which informs person centred care. You will explore a range of maladaptive changes that occur in commonly seen and commonly encountered medical and traumatic presentations and holistic management strategies across the lifespan.
• Research Methods This module aims to develop your understanding of evidence-based research in paramedic practice. You will learn an array of knowledge and skills to equip you to develop your research proposal and undertake a research project.
• Clinical Practice 2 This module will enable you to undertake a period of development in practice and to be summatively assessed as competent in a range of expected professional values, skills and competencies for the developing paramedic, as identified in your year two clinical practice assessment documentation. You will develop your skills and understanding of effective patient care and decision-making.
• Social Health and Behavioural Sciences This module will develop your understanding of societal health determinants, key health and social care policies that shape and influence paramedic practice. You will review and understand global health systems and explore the influence of politics and economics on the health care system.
• Professionalism, Law and Ethics This module will further develop your understanding of leadership theories and develop and understand your own leadership skills. You will develop your knowledge of ethics and law and the relationship between the two; You will also develop your understanding of culture, and the importance of a culture of transparency and openness.

Year three

Learners will be taught how to critically evaluate, synthesise, and draw their own conclusions from existing evidence. This will aid in the building of confidence as autonomous registered health care professionals.

• Dissertation This module will allow you to demonstrate your ability to work independently to produce a small research-based project, on a negotiated topic, within the sphere of paramedic practice.
• Contemporary Issues in Paramedicine This module will explore contemporary issues related to paramedic practice. You will develop your understanding of dealing with and leading complex situations including unplanned and unexpected death across the lifespan. This will include working across and with various multi-disciplinary teams in complex scenarios.
• Clinical Practice 3 This module will enable you to undertake a period of development in practice and to be summatively assessed as competent in a range of expected professional values, skills and competencies as you develop as an autonomous clinician. This module will develop your autonomous management and decision making in complex and unpredictable patient encounters.
• Understanding Primary Care This module will advance your knowledge of the structure and function of primary and urgent care structures and how a paramedic functions within these systems.
• Leadership and Management This module will develop your understanding and skills in leadership and mentorship as you move towards completion of the programme. You will develop your ability to lead complex situations and how best to lead and manage the people in your team. The module will develop your understanding of change management, quality improvement processes, clinical governance and professional regulation.

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

A variety of teaching and learning methods are designed to match learning outcomes and to provide you with some experience of the method best suited to your own learning style, we support your move to becoming an independent and mature learner.

This course emphasises practical learning and reflection on and in practice. You are actively facilitated to apply and integrate your professional knowledge within your practice and to develop an enquiring critical approach to study and professional practice. The programme team use Technology Enhanced Learning to maximise your learning experience through a blended learning approach.

Blended learning is a combination of online delivery methods and face to face learning activities and is advocated by Health Education England (2022).

Carefully considered online learning activities such as lectures, seminars, group tasks and resources are complimented by in-person learning activities such as simulations, clinical skills workshops, facilitated practice and group work. This allows learners to gain an appreciation for the link between theory and practice in paramedicine, whilst acquiring the relevant knowledge, behaviours, skills and competence required to achieve paramedic registration with the HCPC.

The benefits of a blended learning approach include:

• Work life balance- Online delivery methods reduce time spent commuting to and from the learning environment.
• Multimedia content- A variety of delivery methods allows for all learning styles to be catered for.
• Community of Practice- Blended learning encourages social interactions and collaborative learning, both proven to enhance the overall learning experience.
• Ownership of Learning- Self-directed study is encouraged and supported, allowing learners to take ownership of their own learning and professional development
• Increased confidence- Skills in the use of IT, virtual learning platforms and multimedia resources are built upon, developing confidence of learners in the use of technology. A crucial aspect of the role of a modern paramedic.

How you will be assessed

Formative assessment is an important feature within the programme and may include in‐class or online activities such as research diaries, assignments and tests. Formative assessments are assessments for learning, and they allow learners the opportunity to receive feedback on their knowledge, skills, behaviours and progression towards their summative assessments.

Summative assessments are assessments of learning, and these assessments have been designed to provide a creative and balanced strategy throughout the programme. The summative assessments all relate to the working environment of a paramedic enabling you to take your assessed learning into the practice environment to optimise the provision of patient care. These assessments include practical assessments, presentations, and assignments.

Overview

Learners enter directly into level 5 via accreditation of prior learning.

Entry qualifications include:

• Level 2 - English and Maths
• Level 4 - There are 4 recognised awards for entry:
  1. CertHE Pre-Hospital and Emergency Care or equivalent
  2. Level 4 Diploma for Associate Ambulance Practitioners (AAP) (RQF)/ Diploma for Ambulance Technicians at SCQF Level 7
  3. Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) UoC Bridging Programme
  4. Qualsafe Level 3 award in First Response Emergency Care (Regulated qualifications Framework), Level 4 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) & Qualsafe Level 5 Diploma in First Response Emergency and Urgent Care (RQF)

As a pre-requisite for this programme, prospective applicants must be employed by an organisation who use the University of Cumbria as an education provider for this apprenticeship.

FITNESS TO PRACTISE

All offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening. Further information will be provided following acceptance of an offer (and no earlier than three months before the course start date).

Please note that Professional Bodies, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), have certain requirements regarding the health and good character status of applicants and students. Please read the NMC and HCPC information to find out more.

For more information about core competencies and medical fitness to train please click here.

In some instances, an applicant may be invited to attend a professional practice panel to discuss any recommended reasonable adjustments, and whether or not core professional competencies are achievable.

For information about Medical Clearance and vaccination requirements click here.

DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE CHECK

If you accept an offer of a place we require you to comply with an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background clearance check. Details on the policy can be found here.

If you think you have a criminal conviction You will need to submit a Criminal Record Self Disclosure Form as part of the process For more information on this and the form itself, please refer to Self-disclosure of criminal record.

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

At interview we will assess your suitability to train for the profession you have applied for. All professional course interviews are scored. Any offers made will be based on your whole application and your interview score.

Where you have received a conditional offer subject to achieving particular grades/UCAS tariff scores, and do not quite meet these scores, please try not to worry, where vacancies exist our Admissions specialists will review your whole application again and take account of any mitigating circumstances and reassess your suitability for the course.

Selection Criteria

*We are unable to accept international applications for this programme.

As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to Paramedicine. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing Paramedic Science and reflect upon any experience you have gained.

If you are invited to attend interview then we strongly recommend you review the NHS Values and Behaviours of; Working together for Patients, Respect and Dignity, Commitment to Quality of Care, Compassion, Improving Lives, and Everyone Counts.

At interview you must clearly explain what has led you to apply for Paramedic Science and the attributes you would bring to it. You must also demonstrate a good understanding of paramedicine; have excellent communication skills; motivation and commitment to pursuing paramedicine as a career and the potential to succeed as a health professional.

Following interview if you are offered a place it will be subject to satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (DBS), medical fitness to practice, proof of qualifications and a satisfactory reference.

Contextual Admissions

Not applicable to apprenticeships.

Language requirements

Please follow the link to check language requirements for this programme here.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

Funding

Degree apprenticeships are only offered to students undertaking the course as part of their employment. The apprenticeship training is therefore funded by the employer using their apprenticeship levy, with or without a contribution depending on the size and status of the organisation.

Apprentices will not be required to pay any fees and will not be eligible for Student Finance England maintenance support as they are in receipt of a salary. See further information on our Information for Aspiring Apprentices page.

The University will typically charge the maximum fee for the standard, before applying reductions based on accepted prior learning which is determined at application on an individual basis. To discuss sponsoring a learner on programme please contact .

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

Student Finance

Additional Costs

Not applicable for this programme.

Other

It is recommended that learners have a laptop or PC to engage with all aspects of the programme while studying.