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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.



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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: https://stream.cumbria.ac.uk/ap/Skills/HSP2A/index.html

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.
  • 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 IT support, personalised librarian support providing award-winning electronic skills, mental health and wellbeing services and many more.

Course Structure

What you will learn

(The Health and Care Professions Council have updated their standards of proficiency (coming into effect 1st September 2023), so this curriculum is currently under review, with a new curriculum due to be delivered from July 2023 onwards to reflect these changes. The structure below will be updated in due course.)

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 able 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 Clinical Care, Judgement, and Competence in Paramedic Practice
    Develop competence in the core clinical and interpersonal skills necessary within paramedic practice for patients across the lifespan (childbirth to old age).
  • Pre-Hospital Recognition and Management of Acute Illness and Long-Term Conditions
    Develop your knowledge and understanding of the recognition and management principles of a range of conditions, both acute and chronic, commonly encountered in a pre-hospital care environment.
  • Pre-Hospital Care and Management of Trauma and Environmental Emergencies
    Develop a deeper understanding and level of skill in the assessment, care, and management of patients who have sustained traumatic injuries or who are involved in emergency situations.
  • Pre-Hospital Care of Paediatric and Obstetric Patients
    Develop your knowledge and understanding of the normal physiology of the child and the pregnant woman and to develop your recognition, assessment, and management skills in managing emergency situations pertaining to obstetric, neonatal, and pediatric service users.
  • Research Methods
    Develop an understanding of evidence-based research in Paramedic Practice. You will learn an array of knowledge and skills to equip you to undertake a research project.
  • Developing Values, Skills, and Competencies of the Paramedic
    Undertake a period of practice development, and to be summatively assessed in a range of expected professional values, skills, and competencies.
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
    Demonstrate your ability to work independently to produce a small research-based project, on a negotiated topic, within the sphere of paramedic practice.
  • Enhancing Clinical Practice and Decision Making for the Contemporary Paramedic
    Enhance your clinical decision-making and assessment skills and patient management formulation, in relation to the contemporary role of the paramedic in providing person-centred care.
  • Understanding Primary and Urgent Care
    Advance your knowledge of the structure and function of primary and urgent care structures and how a paramedic functions within these systems. This module will further explore the evidenced-based management of older patients.
  • Holistic Approach to Patient Health and Wellbeing
    Develop your understanding of the assessment, management, and individualised needs for patients with mental health presentations and health and wellbeing needs.
  • Preparing the Professional Practitioner
    This will prepare you for the professional, legal and ethical aspects that underpin autonomous practice following registration and through to lifelong learning.
  • Consolidating Values, Skills, and Competencies of the Paramedic
    Undertake a period of practice development, and to be summatively assessed as competent in a range of expected professional values, skills, and competencies.
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