BSc Paramedic Science Bachelor's degree at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
BSc Paramedic Science at QMUE. The university, founded in 1875, is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so your qualification will be nationally recognised.
About this course
Study for a BSc Paramedic Science at QMU. This new course will enable you to work as a paramedic or in a range of healthcare settings in Scotland. From the provider’s course page.
BSc Paramedic Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc) at QMUE. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Health sciences (non-specific) graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Nursing & Health, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 84% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year One 6 modules
- Patient Assessment
Module details
This module will introduce you to some key theories and principles of clinical assessment and decision making in paramedic practice. You will learn how to safely approach the scene and persons requiring care at all stages of the lifespan, and to identify important clinical information to enable you to assess and prioritise needs. This module will link to your learning in the Anatomy and Physiology and Skills modules to prepare you for clinical practice.
- Skills for Paramedic Practice 1
Module details
This module will enable you to develop key paramedic skills which are important for practice-based learning and the paramedic profession. You will be able to apply the theory which you have learned, in the Patient Assessment module. You will learn within our clinical skills facilities at QMU using simulation which re-creates real-life conditions for assessment and care. We will also help you develop effective communication skills as this is a very important part of all health care professionals'
- Paramedic Research 1
Module details
This module will introduce you to key principles of searching, sourcing and using information at university as well as academic writing and critical thinking skills. Paramedics use evidence to guide and inform their practice. The skills you will develop in this module are important for your future professional development and academic work.
- Anatomy and Physiology
Module details
A sound understanding of anatomy and physiology is an important part of paramedic knowledge. This module will introduce you to the human body and its functions to enable you to assess and diagnose in the future. This module links closely with the Patient Assessment Module, skills module as well as with paramedic practice.
- Professional and Personal Development 1
Module details
This module will introduce you to professional, legal and ethical aspects of paramedic practice and will help you explore your personal, professional identity. During this module you will be taught about the impact of psychology and sociology of healthcare and how this influences a patient's decision. You will start to explore your own personal resilience and be given tools to support your future practice. This module provides the foundations for successful paramedic practice and will be built o
- Practice-based Learning 1
Module details
The main learning in this module will take place in clinical settings. This includes the Scottish Ambulance Service and other clinical environments. It will give you the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practice, observe, and learn from clinicians on placement.
Year Two 6 modules
- Pharmacology
Module details
This module will provide you with knowledge about medications and their actions to help you develop an understanding of how and why paramedics use medications in the prehospital environment. We will introduce you to the principles of drug administration, drug action, pharmacological therapy, and the rationale for treatments. In this module you will be able to build on the knowledge of physiological systems gained in Year One and relate this to pharmacological interventions, which is very importa
- Pathophysiology and Clinical Decision Making
Module details
This module will build on knowledge gained in Year One to further develop your approach to clinical assessment and decision making. In Year Two you will learn to use clinical assessment and decision making in paramedic practice and to initiate and document appropriate actions in a wide range of contexts. This module will help you to use knowledge of altered physiology. You will learn about signs, symptoms, diagnostics, and differential diagnoses to inform paramedic assessment. You will draw on r
- Professional and Personal Development 2
Module details
Building on the content from Professional and Personal Development 1, this module will start to explore Public and Global Health challenges and their impact on local paramedic practice. You still start to explore your own philosophical approach to paramedic practice and delve deeper into ethical dilemmas that you may face in your future career.
- Skills for Paramedic Practice 2
Module details
In this module you will enhance and extend your repertoire of skills for paramedic practice introduced in Year One. This module will enable you to develop further confidence and competence in the application of professional skills for safe, effective, and person-centred paramedic practice under minimal supervision. In Year Two we will integrate physiological, pharmacological, psychological, and sociocultural knowledge to inform your safe application of paramedic skills in a wide range of context
- Paramedic Practice-based Learning 2
Module details
This module will take place in clinical settings in Edinburgh, Lothians, and the Borders regions. Practice-based learning opportunities will take place in includes the Scottish Ambulance Service and other clinical environments (including Hospital, care homes and Elective Placement). Building on the practice-based learning experiences gained in Year One you will continue to have the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge to practice, observe and learn from clinicians in practice as well a
- Paramedic Research 2
Module details
This module will help you develop the skills required for a critical and enquiring approach to professional practice and further develop the skills developed in Paramedic Research 1. You will explore concepts of ethics in the context of generating knowledge to inform paramedic practice and how to debate the strengths and limitations of differing types of evidence. We will help you to select and use information from published literature to make and argue a case. You will also learn how to identif
Year Three 6 modules
- Primary & Urgent Care in Paramedic Practice
Module details
A high proportion of paramedic practice is related to primary, urgent and social care presentations and this module aims to expand learners' knowledge on topics related to these areas. This module also includes input from service users from specific patient groups with complex social, mental, and physical needs to help remove biases and develop learner awareness of how to best support these groups.
- Professional and Personal Development 3
Module details
This module introduces you to Human Factors and Leadership in relation to paramedic practice and your own personal development. Building on the content from Professional and Personal Development 1 & 2, this module will ensure that you are fully equipped to graduate and transition into employment.
- Paramedic Practice-based Learning 3
Module details
This module is undertaken within the clinical setting and will enable you to consolidate your knowledge and clinical skills in preparation for autonomous paramedic practice following registration. This module will give you an opportunity to practice how to modify and adapt clinical assessment and practice to safely meet the needs of persons, minimising risk and promoting shared decision making, while considering the diverse cultural socioeconomic, physical and mental health needs of the populati
- Management of the Critically Unwell or Injured Persons
Module details
This module will provide learners with knowledge and understanding of the critically unwell or injured person in the pre-hospital environment. This will include developing autonomy in assessment, treatment and management. This module will also include specialist areas that are key for the paramedic to understand to support their management of this patient group.
- Skills for Paramedic Practice 3
Module details
This module will enable you to extend, build and consolidate the skills developed in Years One and Two and help you to prepare for autonomous work at the point of transition to professional paramedic practice. Within the clinical skills facilities at QMU, we will use simulation to re-create real-life conditions for assessment and care. You will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice and safely practice the paramedic skills and standards of proficiency required for HCPC registration. Thi
- Paramedic Research 3
Module details
The aim of the module is to support you to develop an in-depth understanding of approaches to research, to apply knowledge to critically appraise evidence, and to form reasoned conclusions required for graduate level thinking. This skillset will prepare you for lifelong learning and continued professional development required for safe, effective and person-centered paramedic practice.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course equips you to work as a paramedic or in a range of healthcare settings in Scotland. You'll usually start with foundations in clinical skills, communication and person-centred care, alongside anatomy and physiology. Year 2 moves into acute and long-term care, medicines management, and assessing deteriorating conditions. Throughout, supervised placements run alongside theory, typically around 50% of the course, across community, mental health and specialist settings. Year 3 focuses on complex care, leadership, evidence-based practice and consolidating competence for professional registration. Specialisations may include adult nursing, mental health, children's nursing, community and primary care, and leadership pathways.
Who it's for
This course suits those committed to emergency and acute care. You'll develop clinical and professional skills to work as a paramedic in the pre-hospital environment. The university also offers related specialisations such as Adult Nursing, Mental Health, Child Health, Midwifery, Public Health, Physiotherapy and Social Work, should you wish to explore adjacent healthcare pathways.
University & format
This is a 3-year full-time BSc degree awarded by Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, a university founded in 1875. You'll study in English. The degree is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body qualification, nationally recognised.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 63%.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 50% |
| another higher-education qualification | 23% |
| a previous degree | 18% |
| an Access course | 9% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code B950). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at QMUE →If you normally live in Scotland
For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.
Check the current amounts with SAAS →Paying for it
- SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
- Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
- Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
National funding for this subject
- NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Nursing & Health graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £30,000 – £37,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £24,500 | £18,000 – £28,000 | 30 |
| 5 years after | £30,000 | £18,500 – £33,000 | 30 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Newly Qualified PractitionerPreceptorship / first post · 0–2 yrs
- 2Registered PractitionerAutonomous practice · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / SpecialistSpecialist or team lead · 5–10 yrs
- 4Advanced / Consultant PractitionerAdvanced practice or management · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Nursing & Health nationally
National figures for Nursing & Health graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Nursing & Health courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,506 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Other Health ProfessionalsSOC 2020 225 · 45% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,902
- Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 65; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Nursing & Health graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine documentation and triage support
- Scheduling and records admin
- First-pass risk flags from data
- Standard reference look-ups
More human than ever
- Hands-on, compassionate care
- Clinical judgement and accountability
- Communicating with patients and families
- Ethics and safeguarding decisions
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Nursing & Health graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS trusts
- Private healthcare
- Care providers
- Community & mental-health services
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Nursing & Health graduates.
Nursing Home ManagerJarrodean Healthcare RecruitmentSenior Charge Nurse Uist Community Nursing teamNHS National Services ScotlandCare Assistant - Nursing Home | Flexible Hours, Weekly PayMpa RecruitmentCare Assistant (Nursing) - Nightshift - RatheaneMacklin Care Homes LimitedSenior Support Worker: Meaningful Care & Flexible ShiftsPotens GroupDental NurseBupa Dental CareIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.4 out of 10: NSS 73% · in work or study 95% · continued 84%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Subjects allied to medicine across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is Nursing & Health right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to QMUE from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by QMUE; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check QMUE’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with QMUE and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at QMUE
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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