Taught course

Paramedic Science (pre-registration)

Institution
University of Hertfordshire · School of Health and Social Work
Qualifications
MSc

Entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree in a science or health-related subject.

GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade 4 / C or above (or equivalent).

All applicants should normally have studied successfully at Level 6 or above in the five years prior to commencement of the programme, or demonstrable equivalent healthcare/scientific experience.

Please check our country-specific international qualification requirements.

An IELTS score of 7.0 (with no less than 6.5 achieved in any one band) or equivalent is required if English is not the first language. If you do not have the required level of English for entry, our academic English courses can help you to achieve this level.

Suitable applicants will be invited to interview.The interview will assess your suitability for the programme, including your motivation to study the course and your insight into the paramedic profession. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate suitable attributes required for the role of a student paramedic, and demonstrate the necessary values and behaviours required of NHS staff, as laid out in the NHS Constitution. Offers are made based on interview performance, and the number of places available on the course.

Applicants are strongly advised to be in possession of a full UK driving licence (with a maximum of 3 penalty points) with category B (car). Applicants are also encouraged to have a provisional/full C1 category on their licence at the earliest opportunity, to maximise employment opportunities on completion of the programme.

Applicants must be fit to undertake clinical placements, which will involve ambulance duties. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • lifting and carrying of equipment
  • climbing flights of stairs
  • moving and handling patients
  • undertaking a variety of shifts, including night-work
  • working in potentially hazardous / volatile situations

If invited to interview, applicants will be asked to disclose any criminal conviction (spent or unspent), caution, reprimand, final warning, ongoing police investigation or driving offence that has led to a criminal conviction. Declaration of any of the activities identified above will NOT automatically rule out an applicant; each applicant is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Successful applicants will be subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and Occupational Health (OH) Screening on commencement of the programme.

Months of entry

January

Course content

This exciting MSc Paramedic Science (pre-registration) degree is for graduates with a degree in a relevant health or scientific field wishing to extend their knowledge, skills and clinical expertise to become a paramedic. Paramedics are highly skilled healthcare practitioners, providing urgent or emergency care in a wide range of pre-hospital and out-of-hospital environments. The course encourages the study of medical, behavioural and sociological sciences, enabling you to understand the holistic aspects of patient care.

Successful completion of this two-year, full-time master's in paramedic science will enable to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a paramedic, to deliver treatment to patients with urgent, emergency and unscheduled healthcare needs.

Why choose this course
  • Develop the knowledge and skills to qualify as a newly registered paramedic.
  • Benefit from our excellent partnership with the London Ambulance Service for placement opportunities.
  • Be inspired by a highly experienced and research-active paramedic teaching team and academic staff.
  • Enjoy practice-based learning, supported by experienced paramedic practice educators.
  • Learn through specialist simulation facilities.
  • Leverage our world-wide family of paramedic science alumni.
  • Eligible to apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund, including a training grant.

Building on your undergraduate experience, you will advance your knowledge and clinical skills to practise as a paramedic, as well as enhancing your teamworking and decision-making skills in complex and high pressure situations.

Year 1 of the MSc Paramedic Science degree focuses on the foundations of being a paramedic and healthcare professional, key clinical skills, and recognising and managing acute medical presentations. You will also learn to manage patients with complex needs, with your clinical placement consolidating these skills.

In Year 2, you will cover resuscitation and critical care, managing minor illnesses and injuries, clinical pharmacology, research methods and will undertake an individual research project and clinical placement to refine your clinical decision-making and prepare for autonomous practice.

Modules of study prepare you for the wide range of patients and medical conditons you will encounter, and co-curricular opportunities are offered to further enhance your learning:

  • Membership of UH Student Paramedic Society
  • Student Membership of the College of Paramedics
  • CPD events offered by College of Paramedics and local NHS Trusts
  • Work with students on our BSc programme, and paramedics on our Advanced Paramedic Practice programme

You will benefit from our strong industry connections, with visiting lecturers providing advanced paramedic practice, and opportunities to take part in research projects run by the UH Centre for Applied Clinical, Health and Care Research (CACHE). You'll also attend local and national conferences.

The MSc Paramedic Science is delivered through a variety of lectures and practical sessions, approximately 18 hours per week. Placement blocks feature throughout both years of the programme. Assessment methods include essays, practicals, presentations, posters and tests.

Based on our College Lane campus, you’ll be inspired through our specialist facilities, including clinical skills laboratories and simulation areas. You’ll have access to a wide range of equipment that will prepare you for your clinical placement. This includes models to help you understand the relevant clinical anatomy; ‘part-task’ trainers to practice skills such as intravenous access and airway management; and high-fidelity manikins that simulate abnormal physiologies. Our lecturing and technical staff will set up simulated scenarios for you to manage, in a range of environments, including our Simulation Ambulance. These can be captured on high-definition video cameras for de-briefing and feedback to develop your learning.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    full time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Phil Withers
Email
p.withers2@herts.ac.uk