BSc (Hons)
Paramedic Science

Key Information


Duration

3 years

Typical Offer

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Campus

Brayford Pool

UCAS Code

B780

Academic Year

Course Overview

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/

This course is now closed to new applications for September 2024 entry.

Why Choose Lincoln

Subject area is ranked in the top 10 overall in the UK*

Take part in emergency simulation events

Gain practical experience during placements

Endorsed by the College of Paramedics

Register as a paramedic with the Health and Care Professions Council on completion

*Complete University Guide 2024 (out of 35 ranking institutions)

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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.

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.

Essential Skills for Paramedic Science 2024-25PAR1007MLevel 42024-25The 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 2024-25PAR1008MLevel 42024-25This 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.CoreMental Health and Resilience 2024-25PAR1012Level 42024-25This 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.CorePractice-Based Learning Level 4 2024-25PAR1013Level 42024-25CoreTime Critical Complex and Special Populations 2024-25PAR1011MLevel 42024-25This module provides a theoretical and practical introduction for a range of specialist populations and circumstances you will encounter in practice. The module will introduce you to paediatric assessment including paediatric intermediate life support. It will introduce you to the subject of obstetrics including stages of labour and complications. You will learn how to work interprofessionally and collaboratively with professionals and service users upholding standards of professionalism and promoting person centred care. The module introduces you to care of the older person including End of Life Care and breaking bad news. The module also prepares you for dealing with major incidents including interoperability and the control and command structure within the ambulance service.CoreDeveloping skills for Paramedic Science 2025-26PAR2007MLevel 52025-26The 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.CoreInterprofessional and Collaborative Practice Across the Health Professions 2025-26PAR2010Level 52025-26The 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.CorePathophysiology for Paramedic Science 2025-26PAR2008MLevel 52025-26This 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.CorePractice-Based Learning Level 5 2025-26PAR2012Level 52025-26CorePublic Health and Health Determinants 2025-26PAR2011Level 52025-26The role of paramedics is increasingly being interrogated in the larger health and social care system, resulting in them playing an important role in promoting good health within their profession. This module will give you a theoretical understanding and knowledge of the role their profession will play in health promotion, health education and in the prevention of ill health. It will empower you to play a part in managing service user health as well as your own.CoreAugmenting Skills for Paramedic Science 2026-27PAR3006MLevel 62026-27This 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.CoreClinical Pharmacology for Paramedic Science 2026-27PAR3007MLevel 62026-27This 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.CoreLeadership and Education Support 2026-27PAR3008MLevel 62026-27This 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.CorePractice-Based Learning Level 6 2026-27PAR3010Level 62026-27CoreResearch and Evidence Based Practice 2026-27PAR3009MLevel 62026-27This 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

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. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

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.

Endorsed Programme

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). 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.

Health and Care Professionals Council logo

Placements

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.

Simulation Days

To enhance your studies, you may have the opportunity to gain practical experience of real-life emergency scenarios by taking part in our simulation days, operating across a range of settings and locations across the university campus, working alongside other healthcare students at the University of Lincoln.

YouTube video for Simulation Days

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!

Entry Requirements 2024-25

Entry Requirements

104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels to include 40 points from a science related subject. (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Sport Science, Psychology are accepted)

International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma from a minimum of 2 Higher Level subject to include a Higher Level 5 in a science related subject. (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Sport Science, Psychology are accepted).

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent in a science related subject containing natural science components.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points including 40 points from 15 credits in a science related subject. (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Sport Science, Psychology are accepted).

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

This programme also requires a minimum of 3 GCSEs at grades 4 or above 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 and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

We may consider work experience alongside academic qualifications and will review this on and individual basis.

Certificates of all previous qualifications will need to be provided before any offers are confirmed.

Other requirements include:

- This course is not open for overseas applicants.
- In order to be eligible to apply, applicants born outside of the UK must have settled residential status.
- If you are now settled in the UK, and do not have GCSE English, you will require English Language IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each element: https://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.
- Satisfactory completion of Occupational Health Check.
- Satisfactory completion of an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

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.

We do not accept deferred applications for Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science or Social Work. You must apply in the year you wish to start the programme.

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.

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/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

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

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.

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

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages.

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. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Course -Specific Funding and Bursaries

From September 2023, pre-registration undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare students can apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF).

If eligible, you will receive:
- A training grant of £5,000 GBP per academic year.
- Increased parental support of £2,000 GBP, if you have at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs.
- Increased money back for excess travel and temporary accommodation costs (Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses) while you're on your practice placement.
- Students experiencing financial hardship (Exceptional Support Fund).

For more information and to see your eligibility, visit: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf

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/studywithus/scholarshipsandbursaries/

Please note that International students will not be eligible for support for travel and accommodation.

Course -Specific Additional Costs

Students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs relating to placements.

Placement expenses for travel, and accommodation may be reimbursed by NHS Bursaries where, for example, the requirement exceeds that of attending university; requires transport out of normal operating hours; or requires additional accommodation to that of the usual term time location. These expenses may need to be covered initially by the student before any applicable reimbursement is received.

The current rates for reimbursement can be found here: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf/travel-and-dual-accommodation-expenses

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.

There is also a requirement to purchase certain apps and books to support you in your studies and as a paramedic.

Find out More at an Open Day

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.

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The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.