Paramedic Science | BSc (Hons) | University of Lincoln

Sarah Christopher - Programme Leader

Sarah is a qualified paramedic with 25 years experience, eight of which have been in paramedic education. In addition to higher education, she has worked in a variety of areas including the NHS, private sector, and technical rescue.

Academic Staff List

Welcome to BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science

Paramedics work on the frontline of healthcare, looking after those in need and responding to a wide range of situations, from minor wounds and conditions to more serious, life-threatening injuries and illnesses.

The BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science course at Lincoln is designed to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and practical work experience needed to provide high-quality, autonomous, and responsive healthcare associated with the professional practice of a paramedic.

From September 2020, new and returning degree-level nursing and midwifery students, and some students in allied health professions, will receive a payment of at least 5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back. This is in addition to any financial support they receive through the Student Loans Company.

Please note, this government bursary is available to Home students only. Details on scholarships and bursaries available to Overseas and EU students can be found online: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/scholarshipsandbursaries/

How You Study

The course aims to develop students' knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose, treat, and refer patients to the most appropriate care pathway.

The theoretical and clinical elements of the course are intended to cover all of the key areas of study outlined by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and College of Paramedics. These include physical sciences; life sciences; social, health, and behavioural sciences; clinical sciences; ethics and law; patient assessment; care delivery; leadership and practice education; evidence-based practice; health informatics; incident response management; and practice skills.

The course is offered over three academic years, each consisting of 45 weeks of study. Approximately 2,850 hours are spent on study and theory, while the remaining time is spent gaining practical, supervised experience with a variety of healthcare providers.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.

Find out More

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Applied Behavioural Science 2023-24PAR1006MLevel 42023-24This module will provide you with an understanding of the basic principles of behavioural science. It will assist you in your assessment of the behavioural and psychological issues relating to health and give you an understanding of the issues surrounding a range of mental health conditions. You will learn how to recognise signs of stress in yourself and others, identify where to access the different types of support available and explore and develop personal resilience strategies.CoreEssential Skills for Paramedic Science 2023-24PAR1007MLevel 42023-24The module provides a theoretical and practical introduction to the core skills required for paramedic practice including mandatory education relating to placement. The module introduces you to patient assessment, essential clinical skills and clinical decision making. The module will introduce you to the evidence based practice approach that underpins paramedic science and to reflective practice, academic writing and study skills which will underpin the programme. The module involves peer to peer education and you will begin a reflective journal which will span buddying and peer education over the three years of the programme.CoreFundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology 2023-24PAR1008MLevel 42023-24This module begins by developing an appreciation of how the human body is organised from a cellular to a systems level. Using a systems based approach, you will gain an understanding of human anatomy and physiology developing a sound knowledge of how systems function together in order to maintain homeostasis. The content on this module, including an introduction to medical terminology, will provide a foundation upon which the level 5 and 6 pathophysiology and pharmacology modules will build. The learning contained in this module will form a basis in order that you can understand normal patient presentations, thereby linking closely with practical modules.CoreInterprofessional and Collaborative Practice Across the Health Professions 2023-24PAR1009MLevel 42023-24The 21st century Paramedic is required to practice in a way that is infused with humanity as well as evidence; responding to the individual needs of those in their care and acting in accordance with individual best interests, whilst forming a relationship based on respect and trust. This module relates to professional practice that is informed by appropriate values and ethics. This module will encourage you to take a positive and proactive approach towards promoting social inclusion, valuing diversity and promoting ethical healthcare practice. You will explore different perspectives and how your personal and professional values interact with those of others, including how these interactions can be managed in order to create a meaningful and productive work environment. This module will require you to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of ethical theory, principles and professional skills within a health and social care context. You will be expected to articulate what it means to be an accountable, interprofessional and collaborative practitioner within a healthcare team and an advocate for applied ethics within contemporary practice whilst respecting the partnership with service users, carers, agencies and other professionals.CoreCare Across the Lifespan 2024-25PAR2006MLevel 52024-25This module will provide you with an understanding of how communication strategies may differ across the lifespan. Factors affecting older people both physically and psychologically are explored with issues around End of Life Care addressed. You will develop an understanding of grief theory and develop the skills and sensitivity to best break bad news. The module also covers special circumstances such as dementia and learning disabilities and explores the value of nutrition. This module will support you to develop the skill of critical reflection as a method to explore and enhance your own practice.CoreDeveloping skills for Paramedic Science 2024-25PAR2007MLevel 52024-25The module builds upon the core skills introduced in the level 4 Essential Skills for Paramedic Science Module. The module will further develop essential patient assessment skills, delving deeper into the medical model of assessment in line with Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS), leading to advancing clinical skills and clinical decision making. You will gain a thorough understanding of Advanced Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support with emphasis on patient assessment, clinical decision making and appropriate intervention, including administration of relevant medication. The module includes learning and teaching in the area of major incident management. The module involves buddying students from year 1 and continuing your reflective journey in this area.CorePathophysiology for Pre-Hospital Professionals 2024-25PAR2008MLevel 52024-25This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of both acute and long-term conditions. Key pathological processes will be examined and, by recognition of signs and symptoms and identification of differential diagnoses, relevant interventions and treatment will be identified.CorePre-Hospital Paediatrics and Obstetrics 2024-25PAR2009MLevel 52024-25This module will develop your understanding of assessment and management strategies in paediatric and obstetric patients including trauma, medical and advanced life support situations. The value of multi-professional approach to child protection will be explored. The module includes learning and teaching around paramedic care and management of women during pregnancy, birth and beyond, including complications of pregnancy. The module will support you to develop your skills of critical reflection as a method to explore and enhance your own practice.CoreClinical Pharmacology for Paramedic Science 2025-26PAR3007MLevel 62025-26This module will develop your understanding of pharmacology theory including principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. It will provide a sound understanding of the medications available to paramedics and those encountered in the pre-hospital environment including how these relate to a range of pathologies. Patient medications will be explored together with issues around polypharmacy and the problems that may arise as a result. Legal and ethical issues will be discussed, including the management of patients suffering the effects of illegal and recreational drugs.CoreEnhancing Skills for Paramedic Science 2025-26PAR3006MLevel 62025-26This module builds upon the Essential Skills and Developing Skills modules at level 1 and 2. The Advancing Skills module aims to provide students with advanced clinical decision making, assessment and treatment skills based around minor injuries and illnesses.CoreLeadership and Practice Education 2025-26PAR3008MLevel 62025-26This module explores aspects of leadership and management in healthcare, alongside practical skills for facilitating practice learning, preparing you to become a practice educator of the future. You will gain an understanding of management and leadership theory and how human factors can impact upon organisational culture, service delivery and clinical practice. You will learn how to function effectively as a member of a team, motivating and supporting your colleagues. We will collectively explore the skills required for critical and constructive reflection as a registered professional, preparing for lifelong personal and professional development. This will include practicing coaching and mentorship techniques, to support and facilitate the development of others on the programme; reflecting the culmination of your engagement in peer to peer education and buddying throughout the programme.CoreResearch and Evidence Based Practice 2025-26PAR3009MLevel 62025-26This module will develop your understanding of the importance of evidence based practice and how it impacts upon the provision of health and social care and shapes the processes of service improvement. You will gain an understanding of how to locate and critically appraise evidence, obtain an overview of different research methodologies and learn how to analyse and apply evidence and data. Ethical issues in research and the implications of planning service change will be explored.Core

Practice Placements

Placements are designed to reflect the scope of modern paramedic practice and may take place in a range of settings within primary, acute, urgent, community, and emergency care. Throughout placements a mentor will support learning and assess competence.

Students are required to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs while on placement, however, may be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund.

In line with their preparation for a career as a paramedic, students should gain a full category C1 driving licence by the end of the programme at their own cost.

"The teaching styles of the lecturers and the amazingly equipped clinical suites are second to none, not to mention the fantastic simulation days, which are so realistic! I am proud to be a University of Lincoln student!"

Shannon Kerry-Davies, BSc Paramedic Science student

Accreditations and Memberships

On successful completion of the programme students will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Paramedic. The College of Paramedics has endorsed the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science. College of Paramedics endorsement aims to promote and celebrate high quality education and training, over and above the minimum standards threshold required by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Entry Requirements 2023-24

A Level: BBB (120 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).

International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall.

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Distinction, Merit or equivalent qualifications.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points.

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc.

This programme also requires a minimum of 3 GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English, Maths and Science, or equivalent qualifications, such as Functional Skills Level 2.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

Other requirements include:

- EU and International students whose first language is not English will require English Language IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each element.http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/englishrequirements
- Successful performance at an interview
- Knowledge of contemporary health and social care issues, and the nature of nursing in a public health context
- Understanding of written material and can communicate clearly and accurately in written and spoken English
- Resident in the United Kingdom for at least three years
- Satisfactory completion of Occupational Health Check
- Satisfactory completion of an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formerly the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)).

When you choose Paramedic Science in your UCAS application, you will be asked an additional question regarding criminal convictions. Here you must declare all spent and unspent criminal convictions including (but not limited to) cautions, reprimands, final warnings, bind over orders or similar and details of any minor offences, fixed penalty notices, penalty notices for disorder, ASBOs or VOOs.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk. If your application is not successful, you may be offered the option of changing your application to either the BSc in Nursing (Adult) or BSc in Nursing (Mental Health). Any offers made would be subject to a successful interview (where an interview has not already taken place), spaces available, and meeting the course entry requirements.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Course-Specific Funding and Bursaries

From September 2020, new and returning degree-level nursing, paramedic science, and midwifery students, and some students in allied health professions, will receive a payment of at least 5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back. This is in addition to any financial support they receive through the Student Loans Company. For more information visit: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/study-and-training/considering-or-university/financial-support-university

Course-Specific Additional Costs

Students are required to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs while on placement.

In line with their preparation for a career as a paramedic, students should gain a full category C1 driving licence by the end of the programme at their own cost.

How you are assessed

You will be assessed both formally and informally throughout your degree to support your learning and development. Assessments will take place both within the University, and practice placement environments via a range of methods including lectures, seminars, and clinical skills and simulation sessions.

Some of the assessment will be led by your tutors but you will also be encouraged to engage in peer and self-assessment to help you develop the skills of reflection and evaluation which are essential for lifelong learning, and continued professional development.

Some of the assessments focus on theoretical knowledge and the application of theory, others on the practical performance of technical skills and application of patient management. Detailed guidance of what is expected, and the assessment criteria will be provided for each module.

Assessment Feedback

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.

Methods of Assessment

The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as group and individual presentations, performances or observed structured clinical examinations (OSCEs); and written exams, such as formal examinations, in-class tests, portfolios, or projects. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year.

The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.

Visit Us in Person

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

Book Your Place

Related Courses

Health and Social Care

Health and social care practitioners can make a profound difference to the lives of vulnerable people, working in a variety of settings.

Midwifery

Midwives offer specialist support to mothers from the antenatal to the postnatal period, and work with a range of healthcare professionals.

Nursing (Registered Nurse - Adult)

Nursing focuses on restoring and promoting health, supporting patients and their families, and profiling healthcare needs of communities.

Key Information

BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science