BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science University of Lincoln

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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.

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 the 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

First Year

• Applied Behavioural Science (Core)
• Essential Skills for Paramedic Science (Core)
• Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology (Core)
• Interprofessional and Collaborative Practice Across the Health Professions (Core)

Second Year

• Care Across the Lifespan (Core)
• Developing skills for Paramedic Science (Core)
• Pathophysiology for Pre-Hospital Professionals (Core)
• Pre-Hospital Paediatrics and Obstetrics (Core)

Third Year

• Clinical Pharmacology for Paramedic Science (Core)
• Enhancing Skills for Paramedic Science (Core)
• Leadership and Practice Education (Core)
• Research and Evidence-Based Practice (Core)

† 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.

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.

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

• 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, and EPQ.
• 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.
• 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.

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. 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.

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 assessments 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 the application of patient management. Detailed guidance of what is expected and the assessment criteria will be provided for each module.

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 in 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.