BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science Bachelor's degree at the University of Plymouth
BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science at University of Plymouth. The university holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Plymouth, based in University of Plymouth Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Allied health graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 94% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,500. (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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 80; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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 88% (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 1 7 modules
- Clinical Skills and Application to Practice (1)Core20 credits
Module details
This module introduces the student to basic and intermediate clinical skills required for pre-hospital care and the theory behind them. During the module the student will gain an understanding of the patient journey and the skills required for delivering exceptional patient care within the wider healthcare sector.
Assessment: 100% Clinical exams
- Introduction to Paramedic ScienceCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces paramedic practice. It creates understanding of the profession, regulatory and professional bodies and the contemporary legislation and policy that drives patient care. It delivers strategies for communicating in multi-disciplinary and diverse working environments and will address health and safety in clinical practice. A local ambulance trust orientation is also included.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Special Patient GroupsCore20 credits
Module details
Paramedics must be able to assess and manage anyone presenting healthcare needs. Additional skills and knowledge may be required to assess and manage those from special patient groups. This module introduces the underpinning principles required to safely assess and manage those patients, including those who are at the extremes of age, pregnant, those with chronic ill-health, and those at the end stages of life.
Assessment: 100% Examinations
- Practice Placement (1)Core20 credits
Module details
This module will enable the student to develop a portfolio of skills and competencies relevant to first year paramedic practice. There will be opportunities to apply theory, evidence based knowledge and practical ability within paramedic placement areas and clinical settings.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Preparation for PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
This shared and inter-professional module will introduce students to professional practice and evaluation of the inherent standards expected of them. The characteristics and identity of health and care professionals, as evidence-informed/based practitioners, will underpin learning.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Interprofessional Learning 1Core
- Applied Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology in Paramedic ScienceCore
Module details
This module builds on existing knowledge of human anatomy and physiology whilst introducing pathophysiology & epidemiology relevant to ongoing paramedic practice. Students will be taught via shared learning and seminars, topics covered will expand on knowledge of systems such as endocrinology, cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, neurological, integumentary, gastrointestinal, urological and reproductive.
Year 2 7 modules
- Clinical Skills and Application to Practice 2Core20 credits
Module details
A practically focussed module that will equip students with the knowledge and understanding required to manage a variety of patients, using clinical skills associated with the paramedic role.
Assessment: 100% Clinical exams
- Trauma ManagementCore20 credits
Module details
This module will equip students with the necessary knowledge and understanding of a varying severity of traumatic injuries and the skills required by paramedics for effective assessment, treatment and management of these patients.
Assessment: 100% Practicals
- Medical Conditions and Pathophysiology (1)Core20 credits
Module details
This theoretically focussed module will equip students with the necessary knowledge and understanding of medical conditions related to Paramedic practice. Specific insight will be given to, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, assessment including 12-lead ECG interpretation, pharmacology and management of various medical conditions encountered within pre-hospital care.
Assessment: 100% Examinations
- Practice Placement (2)Core20 credits
Module details
This module will enable the student to develop a portfolio of skills and competencies relevant to second year paramedic practice. There will be opportunities to apply theory, evidence based knowledge and practical ability within paramedic placement areas and clinical settings.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Mental Health in Paramedic PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
This module will improve knowledge of student paramedics working in a pre-hospital setting, required to support individuals experiencing mental health problems. Examining aspects of the external environment and how social, environmental, economic and political factors shape experiences of mental health and distress. It explores theories and concepts that underpin and challenge mental health practice and service provision.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Project StudiesCore20 credits
Module details
This module develops knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. The content is designed to enable the students to understand different research designs, to evaluate the research literature and to prepare them to undertake research at undergraduate level.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Interprofessional Learning 2Core
Year 3 7 modules
- Clinical Skills and Application to Practice (3)Core20 credits
Module details
This module enables students to develop the skills required to manage patients with a range of illnesses and injuries. Students will justify their practice using evidence and contemporary guidelines. Core paramedic skills will be practised, and students will be introduced to minor illness and minor injury. Students will refine their assessment skills, formulate differential diagnoses and manage diagnostic uncertainty.
Assessment: 100% Clinical exams
- Clinical Decision Making in Paramedic PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
This module prepares the student for professional paramedic practice, enabling students to justify their clinical decisions by utilising a contemporary evidence base. This module incorporates professional standards of proficiency with explicit reference to ethical and legal issues, whilst emphasising the importance of systematic thinking and enhanced communication skills.
Assessment: 100% Practicals
- Medical Conditions and Pathophysiology (2)Core20 credits
Module details
This module will further knowledge and understanding related to medical conditions in paramedic practice and build on existing knowledge from the first instalment of this module. Specific insight will be given to anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and assessment and management of various medical conditions encountered within pre-hospital care.
Assessment: 100% Examinations
- Practice Placement (3)Core20 credits
Module details
This module will enable the student to develop a portfolio of skills and competencies relevant to third year paramedic practice. There will be opportunities to apply theory, evidence based knowledge and practical ability within paramedic placement areas and clinical settings.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Facilitating Education in Paramedic PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
This module will equip Paramedic students with the knowledge to facilitate education in preparation for their professional practice. Students will identify self-awareness of leadership and management, to enable safe and competent practice. Critically analysing effective leadership behaviour and the influence of professional dynamics, leading to opportunities to engage in, and develop a professional practice qualification.
Assessment: 100% Practicals
- ProjectCore20 credits
Module details
This module consolidates knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. The content will support the students to undertake research at undergraduate level, to discuss their findings in the context of the contemporary evidence base and to evaluate the implications of their activities on their future practice.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Interprofessional Learning 3Core
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
You'll study the science and practice of paramedic care, progressing from foundations through to advanced clinical decision-making. A course like this normally starts with core clinical skills, anatomy and physiology, and person-centred communication alongside your first placement in supervised practice. In the second year, you'll move into acute and chronic care management, medicines and pharmacology, with placement in broader settings such as community or specialist units. By the third year, you'll focus on complex care, leadership and evidence-based practice, culminating in a final placement that consolidates your competence for professional registration. Placements run throughout, reflecting the hands-on nature of paramedic work. You'll typically encounter specialisations such as adult care, mental health, children's care, community and primary care, and leadership.
Who it's for
This degree suits those committed to emergency healthcare and responding to acute medical need. You'll need to meet entry requirements; most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent (78% of recent entrants), with a typical UCAS tariff of 144–159 points. Beyond academic qualifications, you'll need strong communication skills, resilience, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. A genuine interest in patient care and working within a team is essential.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) is delivered full-time over 3 years at the University of Plymouth, a university founded in 1992 located on its campus. Teaching is in English. The degree is recognised by a UK degree-awarding body, ensuring national recognition. The university holds a Gold rating for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023. Check the university's funding pages for bursaries and scholarships.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
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 | 78% |
| an Access course | 13% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| a previous degree | 4% |
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. 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Plymouth →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
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 | £28,500 | £28,000 – £29,000 | 80 |
| 3 years after | £28,000 | £23,000 – £33,500 | 315 |
| 5 years after | £31,500 | £24,500 – £38,500 | 280 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 80; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 80; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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 · 56% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,902
- Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 32% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
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: 225; response rate: 55%. 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
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,500. 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 8.8 out of 10: NSS 82.6% · in work or study 95% · continued 88%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Plymouth
Subjects allied to medicine across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Plymouth Campus
3,218 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Nursing & Health right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Plymouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £19,200 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 University of Plymouth’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 University of Plymouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Plymouth
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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