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PgC
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Practice Development: Paramedic
As a paramedic, it is important your skills are of the highest calibre to ensure a top level of service to patients.
PgC Paramedic: Practice Development has been developed with local ambulance services to meet the educational needs of paramedics looking to continue their professional development. You will benefit from a flexible approach to learning that fits around your work shifts, allowing you to study through distance and work-based learning.
We have provided excellent training for paramedics since 2000, and our subject specialists have extensive experience in distance learning. You will leave with the knowledge and skills to move forward in your career, reaching senior levels of employment. So, if you've got the ambition, we have the facilities and resources to help you achieve it.
There is a mandatory requirement that a minimum of 40 credits per academic year is studied unless a formal break from study or programme leader agreement exists.
We will enable you to develop a mastery of complex and specialised knowledge and a critical awareness of issues at the forefront of paramedic practice. You will develop conceptual knowledge and advanced understanding of how techniques of enquiry enable the critical and objective analysis, interpretation and application of research and evidence within pre-hospital and emergency care. Through completion of a dissertation, you will challenge existing knowledge and develop new ideas and ways of thinking.
On this course you will...
Have a coherent post-graduate progression route, which recognises and values your prior experience and learning
Be provided with a transformative learning experience for you to advance your academic and professional development through critical self-reflection and reflexivity
Develop a mastery of complex and specialised knowledge and a critical awareness of issues at the forefront of paramedic practice
Develop conceptual knowledge and advanced understanding of how techniques of enquiry enable the critical and objective analysis, interpretation and application of research and evidence within your sphere of influence.
In the case of the PGCert Practice Development: Paramedic, you will study the core module of Preparing to Expand Paramedic Practice (PREPP), and then you will be required to select from the list of optional modules to a total of 60 credits. The dedicated list of optional modules reflects the diverse settings paramedics can opt to work and the College of Paramedics (2018) four pillars of the Paramedic Career Framework (Clinical Practice, Leadership and Management, Education and Research and Development). All modules must be relevant to your area of practice and target award and agreed in your personal development plan with your personal tutor.
Our flexible online programme was developed initially in collaboration with local ambulance services and employers to meet the educational needs of paramedics, it will see you gain the qualities and knowledge you need to become a high-calibre professional able to confidently deal with the changing dynamics of the health care economy. With paramedics taking on more in-depth roles in the care of patients, both in and out of the community, taking your knowledge and skills to a higher level will help you deal with the changing challenges whilst improving your career prospects. Our aim is to help you enhance your professional prospects and enable you to play an active role in developing your own practice. Following completion of the PGCert Practice Development: Paramedic programme, the Practice Development framework facilitates seamless progression to the MSc Practice Development to further support your continuing professional development.
Modules
Negotiated Learning (CORE: HCPD 7202)
Work Based Learning
Advancing Mental Health Across The Healthcare Spectrum (Advanced Level)
Leadership Through Transformational Learning
Advanced Electrocardiograms in Clinical Practice
Negotiated Learning (HCPD 7205)
Planning Remote Environmental, Health, Community and Disaster Response
Research Methods
Clinical Reasoning and Assessment Skills in Healthcare (CRASH)
Emergency Care of Women and Children
Clinical Decision Making
Disaster Response
Humanitarian Action
Dementia: Advanced Care
Foundations of End-of-Life Care for All Healthcare Professionals
Holistic Assessment and Case Management of the Complex Patient with Long Term Conditions
Professional Paramedic Advocate
Professional Advocate for Allied Health Professionals
Consultation and Physical Examination: Health Assessment Skills
Care of Minor Illness and Minor Injuries
Management of Major Illness and Major Trauma
Managing Within a Strategic and Organisational Context
Coaching and Mentoring
Acute and Critical Care: Foundations for Practice
Critical or Acute Care: Independent Study
Acute Care: Initial Assessment and Management of the Acutely Ill Adult
Patient Safety in Acute and Critical Care
Advanced Pathophysiology and Diseases in Practice
Clinical Supervision
Preparing to expand Paramedic Practice
Advanced Diabetes Care and Management
Pain: Advanced Assessment and Management
Health Assessment in Common Childhood Illness
Advanced Assessment of the Acutely Ill Child
Independent/ Supplementary Prescribing for Allied Health Professionals
Introduction to Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Researching Academic Practice
Curriculum Design and Development
Teaching & Assessment
How you will learn
The benefits of this programme are that the majority of your study will be asynchronous and accessible in a time and place convenient to you. Your module descriptor for the modules available to study will reflect the specific hours around each learning and teaching activity, as well as the expectations for guided independent study. These hours may differ between modules.
How you will be assessed
A range of assessment methods appropriate to the specific module of study are used including;
Written Assignment
Oral Assessment/Presentation
Portfolio
Set Exercise
Practical Skills Assessment
Overview
Applicants must be a qualified Paramedic, registered with the Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC) or an equivalent regulator, they may be presently working or looking to work in an emergency ambulance service or similar accident and emergency/first contact health care practice environment, or appropriate setting.
Admission criteria are outlined in the University Admissions Policy. Normally applicants will be required to hold an honours degree classification second-class honours, lower division or above in a related subject. For applicants who do not meet this requirement, non-standard entry criteria will apply. In such cases, applicants will be interviewed. This decision will be at the discretion of the programme leader. It is expected that such candidates will have evidence of successful study at level 6 (or equivalent) within the preceding 5 years.
Fees & Funding
Tuition Fees
UK Tuition fees
£2925 Entry in 2025/6 Academic Year
£3075 Entry in 2026/7 Academic Year
International Tuition fees
£4,890 Entry in 2025/6 Academic Year
£5,130 Entry in 2026/7 Academic Year
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
More Information
We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..
The following course-related costs are not included in the fees:
Books and Journals
Books and Journals: You will be able to access essential reading materials in hard or electronic copy, via the University’s library or the module reading list; however, you may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This may cost between £50 - £100 per year.
Stationery
Stationery: You should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field, as well as budgeting for the purchase of USB pen drives.
Other
Printing: You should also budget for any occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need; there is an estimated cost of 10p per sheet which may cost around £15 - £40 per year.
Stationery, printing and digital storage
Approximately £30 to £40 per year
Required
·
Per year
·
Stationery
You should budget for stationery and consumables for personal use. These may include notebooks, pens and pencils, digital storage devices, printing and photocopying. The amount you spend will depend on your study preferences.
Required
·
One-off
·
Checks, clearances and health requirements
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required before you start placements. The Entry requirements section for your course shows which barred lists the check covers.
Approximately £50 to £300 over the course of your studies
Optional
·
Throughout the course
·
Books and journals
Most core textbooks and journals are available through the University library. You may choose to purchase personal copies of books or other resources used to support your studies.
Some courses recommend particular books or provide an estimated annual budget for purchasing personal copies. Search for your course below for details.
Technology requirements
Cost depends on the equipment and internet service you choose
Required
·
Throughout the course
·
Digital learning and IT
You will need regular access to a laptop or computer capable of accessing the internet and running software such as a word processor and Microsoft Teams. Microsoft 365 is provided as part of your studies. You will also need a reliable internet connection. The amount you spend will depend on the equipment and internet service you choose.
You will need to pay for travel to and from your placements. Placement locations vary, and a placement arranged by the University may require additional travelling time. The amount you spend will depend on the placement location and your chosen method of transport.
You may be eligible for financial assistance towards some placement travel or subsistence costs. Any assistance available will depend on the scheme and eligibility criteria in place at the time of your placement.
Cost varies depending on the placement location and your chosen method of transport
Required
·
Per placement
·
Travel and accommodation
You will spend a substantial part of your course on practice placements. Placements may be located across a wide geographical area, and you may need to travel for up to 90 minutes by public transport or car. You are responsible for the cost of travelling to and from placements, including any parking charges. The amount you spend will depend on the placement location and your chosen method of transport.
Required
·
Throughout the course
·
Travel and accommodation
You are responsible for travel costs associated with community-based activities and placements. The amount you spend will depend on the location and your chosen method of transport.
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Travel and accommodation for placements
Costs can be several hundred pounds and may occasionally exceed £1,000 per year
Required
·
Per year
·
Travel and accommodation
You are responsible for paying the initial costs of travelling to and from placements. Depending on the placement location, you may also need to pay for temporary accommodation. Costs vary according to the location, distance travelled, duration of the placement and your chosen travel and accommodation arrangements. Placement costs can be several hundred pounds and may occasionally exceed £1,000 per year.
Support and reimbursement
You may be able to claim reimbursement for eligible placement travel and accommodation costs. Reimbursement arrangements and eligibility criteria may change, and reimbursement may not cover the full amount you spend. You should be prepared to pay placement costs before receiving any eligible reimbursement.
Travel and accommodation for campus attendance and placements
Cost varies depending on where you live and how often you need to attend
Required
·
Throughout the course
·
Travel and accommodation
Part-time students are usually employed by their sponsoring placement. You will need to pay for travel to and from the University and, if required, accommodation for academic blocks and required campus attendance.
Support and reimbursement
Students on these courses are usually employed by a sponsoring placement. Check with your employer or sponsoring organisation whether any travel or accommodation support is available.
Remote placements may require additional arrangements for placement visits or assessment. Any potential charges should be confirmed with the course team before publication.
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Travel and accommodation for placements
Costs vary and may be up to approximately £300
Required
·
Per placement
·
Travel and accommodation
You need to complete at least 400 hours of vocational placement for BASRaT accreditation. Where possible, term-time placements are local and within reach by public transport, but some may be further away, not reachable by public transport, or need overnight accommodation. Your Placement Coordinator will discuss these with you.
Required
·
Throughout the course
·
Clothing and uniform
You'll spend a lot of time in the field, so you'll need weatherproof clothing, including a waterproof coat and trousers, sturdy walking boots, a rucksack (ideally with a waterproof cover) and plenty of warm outdoor layers. You may also want a flask and lunchbox for days out in the field.
Required
·
Throughout the course
·
Clothing and uniform
Essential kit includes a waterproof jacket and trousers, walking boots, well-fitted wellington boots, a warm hat and gloves, a day rucksack (ideally with a waterproof cover) and other outdoor clothing such as thermals, fleeces, walking trousers and socks. You may also want a flask, water bottle, lunchbox and your own binoculars for field trips. Many outdoor shops in Ambleside offer student discounts, so you may prefer to buy some items after you arrive.
Cost varies depending on your placement and attendance requirements
Conditional
·
Variable
·
Travel and accommodation
You may need to pay for travel to placement and to the University campus, including parking, and for accommodation at placement or on campus if required.
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Replacement or repeat DBS checks
Cost of a new enhanced DBS check
Conditional
·
Variable
·
Checks, clearances and health requirements
You will need to pay for any additional DBS checks, for example if you lose your certificate, if you suspend your studies for a year or more, or if a placement provider asks for a new check because your certificate is more than a year old.
Approximately £120 to £300, depending on your course
Required
·
One-off
·
Clothing and uniform
You will need appropriate trainers and University sports kit for practical sessions and placement. Kit includes a polo shirt, Dri-FIT t-shirt, long-sleeve top, shorts and straight or slim-fit tracksuit bottoms. You will receive information about buying it before your course starts. On some courses this budget also covers equipment such as a model skeleton or portable massage plinth.
You will practise clinical skills on each other in university sessions, so you will need loose, comfortable clothing that keeps you covered, such as tracksuit or jogging bottoms or shorts, a plain polo shirt, t-shirt or vest top, and trainers or shoes with non-slip soles.
Your placement uniform is provided. If you need additional or replacement items, you may have to pay for them, depending on the reason they are needed.
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Placement footwear
Approximately £20 to £40 or more
Required
·
Throughout the course
·
Clothing and uniform
You need to buy your own placement footwear. Sensible, plain black, comfortable and supportive flat shoes are suggested, and your placement Trust's uniform policy will give further guidance. You may need to replace them during your course, and you may want separate footwear for the theatre environment.
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Clothing and equipment for clinical practice
Approximately £200 to £300
Required
·
Throughout the course
·
Clothing and uniform
Uniform tunics and trousers are provided by the University. You will need plain black socks, plain black cardigans or jackets, plain black flat shoes and a fob watch for clinical practice.
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Laboratory coat
Approximately £15
Required
·
One-off
·
Clothing and uniform
A laboratory coat is required for practical activities.
Optional
·
Variable
·
Professional membership and registration
You may wish to subscribe to nursing journals such as Nursing Times or Nursing Standard. You will need to fund any monthly or annual subscription yourself.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) student membership
£92 per year (2025/26 fee)
Required
·
Per year
·
Professional membership and registration
Student membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is needed for your course. The fee is subject to an annual increase.
Optional field trips
Cost varies
Conditional
·
Per trip
·
Field trips
Some optional field trips may involve additional costs.
Society membership
Cost varies
Optional
·
Variable
·
Professional membership and registration
You may choose to join relevant societies or professional organisations.
Travel to radiography placements
Cost varies depending on your placement location and travel arrangements
Required
·
Per placement
·
Travel and accommodation
You are responsible for costs associated with travelling to and from your allocated placement base. You may also need to travel between different sites within the NHS Trust where you are placed. The amount you spend will depend on the placement location, the sites you attend and your chosen method of transport.
Support and reimbursement
Some eligible placement travel costs may be reimbursed under the placement expenses policy. Reimbursement arrangements and eligibility criteria may change, and reimbursement may not cover the full amount you spend. You should be prepared to pay travel costs before receiving any eligible reimbursement.
Location
Distance Learning
We are Cumbria’s University – enriching people and place. A place of and for our community. A place of possibility. A place where amazing journeys happen. With guidance and support. Where it’s safe to be brave, to be boldly you.
Online learning at the University of Cumbria is an interactive experience that makes use of a range of technologies and media types to provide a rich learning environment.
An Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.
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