School of Health Professions

BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science with Integrated Foundation Year

Being a paramedic is a highly rewarding and stimulating career. This course at the University offers a forward-looking programme of study, which aims to prepare you for the workplace by developing your decision-making capabilities, clinical knowledge, and skills base. This fast developing and dynamic profession presents many opportunities to specialise within a variety of challenging healthcare environments. Our foundation course prepares you for the degree in BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science.

Progression

Students completing the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science with Integrated Foundation Year course will normally progress to year 1 of BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science.

Careers with this subject

Paramedics work with people of all ages, from the very start of life to end of life care. The traditional ambulance paramedic works with a range of health care, social care and emergency service colleagues to support patients. 
As paramedics are used to working autonomously, and with the development of the graduate profession, they are increasingly able to work in roles that were traditionally undertaken by others. Whether in the NHS, voluntary or private sector, paramedics can work in a several settings, including: 
  • ambulance crews
  • air ambulance
  • Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART)
  • minor injury units
  • event work (e.g. festivals, equestrian events, motorsports and rugby matches)
  • primary care settings such as GP surgeries
  • hospital settings (e.g. advanced clinical practitioner roles)
  • forensic paramedics working in prison and police custody areas
  • education
  • research
  • leadership and management.

Key features

  • Benefit from our experienced teaching team's range of academic and clinical areas of special interest and research.
  • Study a contemporary curriculum focusing on providing quality patient care.
  • Develop leadership and management skills.
  • Access our fully equipped clinical skills suites, simulation areas and student ambulance.
  • Train and practice your professional healthcare skills in an inspiring purpose-built environment, InterCity Place
  • Learn on a course that has service user and carer involvement at its core.
  • Take advantage of the University’s excellent online resources, library, IT facilities and support services.

Course details

  • Year 0

  • Our Integrated foundation course prepares you for the undergraduate degree in BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science. Taught by University lecturers on campus, you’ll be part of the University from day one. If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level, this course is for you. Students completing the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science with Integrated Foundation Year course will normally progress to year 1 of BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science.

    Core modules

    • Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics (BHCS001)

      This module will provide an introduction to microbiology and the human immune system. Students will learn the fundamental biology relating to bacteria, helminths, viruses and fungi. And also develop an understanding of how our immune system has evolved to combat infection. The module will also explore methods to control microbial contamination and therapeutic strategies to prevent disease.

    • Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences (BHCS002)

      This module examines the role of science in addressing key contemporary issues in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences. The module aims to take an integrative approach, aiming to develop in students both a critical appreciation of the ways in which issues in Human Biology can be approached and resolved, and to develop an understanding of the skills and attributes needed for effective study of such issues at undergraduate level.

    • Molecules to Cells (FMD001)

      This module introduces key concepts involved in cell regulation including genetic inheritance, metabolism and protein expression. The important role of enzymes in the control of biochemical pathways will be introduced, as will an introduction to cell signalling. Cellular organisation within different tissues will also be outlined, enabling students to recognise links between structure and function. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

    • Introduction to Human Physiology (FMD002)

      This module will provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Using example systems, it will emphasise relationships between structure and function and examine homeostatic regulation in these systems. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

    • Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning) (FMD004)

      This module is designed to enable learners to develop key skills required for working in multidisciplinary teams. Students will be encouraged to work with their colleagues to manage tasks and tailor learning according to their own particular discipline

    • Learning Skills for Health and Social Care Professions (SOHP001)

      This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the learning environment of higher education by developing an independent, reflective and managed approach to learning and professional development.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc Hons Paramedic Science with Integrated Foundation Year Programme Specification 24 25 7771

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

GCSE
Applicants need to achieve 5 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects:  
  • English (Consideration may be given to equivalent literacy qualifications)
  • Mathematics (Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics) 
  • Science 
Students not achieving mathematics GCSE at grade C/4 on application may be offered a free online mathematics support package and an examination equivalent to C grade GCSE to enable the achievement of appropriate entry requirements prior to commencing the programme. This examination is offered during the recruitment cycle to all eligible candidates. 
Plus suitable Level 3 qualifications or experience as outlined below: 
A level
Typical offer 32-48 points from a minimum of 2 A-levels including grade E in a Science subject. Excluding General Studies.
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C/4 at GCSE level)
International Baccalaureate
24 overall to include 3 at Higher Level science subject. English and mathematics must be included.
BTEC
PPP in a science related subject.
T level
Accepted, a minimum of a Pass (D or E in the Core) = 72 points – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
Access
Pass an Access to HE Diploma (e.g science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing).
Other qualifications and professional experience may be considered. Interview may be required, please refer to institution for individual consideration.
English language
We are aware of the various education systems throughout the world and make offers based on equivalent qualifications to those listed in our entry requirements. You should be able to possess the ability to study in the English language and be familiar with this in a scientific context. To that end, we ask for a minimum IELTS score of at least 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each section. English language requirements.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. 
Extended entry requirements
In addition to the above, acceptance depends on a number of other factors:
  • Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered.
  • Before any offer can be made, successful applicants are interviewed as part of a values based recruitment process.
  • All applicants for professional health programmes must undergo additional screening to ensure their suitability. We are typically unable to accept those with criminal convictions/cautions that were issued in the preceding two years of an application (not including fixed penalty offences, such as speeding or parking infringements). Similarly, we are typically unable to accept those who have had fitness to practise concerns raised within the last two years by an employer, regulator or another university. After a two year period, all applications that involved criminal convictions/cautions or fitness to practise concerns are considered by our professional issues committee to ensure fitness to practise on a healthcare programme. Screening includes assessment of disclosure and barring service (DBS) status as well as occupational health checks. Occupational health assessments ensure that applicants are fit to fulfil the demands of placements. As students undertake ‘exposure prone procedures’, successful applicants must be vaccinated against a number of diseases.
  • Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.
Further information

Fees, costs and funding

Student 2023-2024 2024-2025
Home N/A £9,250
International N/A £18,100
Part time (Home) N/A £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.
NHS bursaries are available from stage 1 of BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science, for more information please see the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science course page.

Additional costs

Placements
All students within the School of Health Professions will spend time in placements away from university. The South West is a largely rural region, which often requires students to travel longer and further distances than may be expected when universities are in largely urban areas. In many cases, students will stay away from home for the duration of that placement. Some students on these courses are eligible for reimbursement of additional travel and accommodation costs over normal daily travel costs. This support is part of the Learning Support Fund administered through the NHS Business Services Authority. However, this should be investigated by the student to make sure this applies to their chosen course of study.
It is difficult to give a precise estimate of placement costs for each individual programme, due to the geographical spread of placements, and duration. However it is recommended you attend an Open Day to find out more about what placement costs can be anticipated or discuss placement with a member of our admissions teams.
Despite these costs, placements offer an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and are recognised as an essential part of students' development towards becoming a registered practitioner.
Further information
More details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are included in Faculty of Health additional costs

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
The deadline for the receipt of international applications is 31 May 2024 for entry in September 2024. 
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practitioner more information

Placements and facilities

Placements are an exciting and dynamic way to consolidate what you have learnt in the classroom. Practice takes place in a variety of healthcare settings enabling high quality learning and a diverse experience with support from expert health professionals.

Jacob's story

Jacob Maddams, BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practitioner student, is training to save lives and hopes to take to the skies as part of the Air Ambulance team.

Watch his story and discover his passion for paramedicine.

The skills you need to be an allied health professional

We worked with Your Future Career on the 2020 Careers in Science and Healthcare campaign. A printed publication is enclosed within every copy of The New Scientist newspaper and the content is also available online
The campaign featured exclusive content about the importance of the science and healthcare industries from key thought leaders and industry voices.
Read more at Your Future Career
Helicopter ambulance paramedic

Paramedic science team

MSc Contemporary Healthcare (Community Nursing)