Paramedic Practice BSc (Hons)

Our paramedic practice degree provides a high-quality start to your career. In Year 1 we’ll provide the fundamentals in bioscience, clinical practice and the principles of assessment and management in paramedic practice to develop a solid academic base. This theoretical content complements practical experience, introduced in simulated scenarios. Much of your learning will happen through exposure to, and reflection on, these practical exercises. You’ll also develop a solid academic base and build professional competence.

Can you make informed decisions under pressure? Simulations will teach you how to gather and analyse relevant information. We’ll also challenge your subject specific skills, such as the ability to identify, assess, implement and evaluate patients’ healthcare needs. Learn how to recognise signs of deteriorating disease and when you need to step in with a timely intervention. The weeks you spend out on placement will pull your new skills and knowledge into shape.

In Year 3 of your paramedic practice course, you’ll spend your time on placement, enhancing your skills, reflecting on your experiences, and building your first hand understanding of the broader clinical environment in which paramedics work. You will develop a deeper insight into the role of the paramedic and the professional requirements across a wide spectrum of clinical settings. All the while working towards becoming an autonomous practitioner with strong leadership and mentoring skills.

How you'll study

The course is delivered in weekly blocks of theory and practice placements throughout each year. While the majority of classes will take place at St James’, a small number of taught sessions, assessments and learning opportunities will take place at the Ormskirk campus of Edge Hill University. Some modules may also involve studying at other sites where you will be responsible for travel and parking costs.

Theory

To ensure that you are competent both academically and professionally, a wide range of learning experiences, teaching and assessment methods will be used, including: keynote lectures, group discussion and debate, student-led seminars, structured reflection, directed study, enquiry-based learning, skills teaching, and learning in practice. You will need to be responsible for your practice, be able to recognise the limits of your expertise and be capable of challenging practices and initiating care, which is patient-focused and based upon appropriate evidence.

Placement

Hospital placement areas are located across Greater Manchester while ambulance placements are located across the North West of England, with a main hub placement being with emergency ambulance crews. Practice learning will meet your learning needs and give you supportive and diverse experiences across the health and social care provision. These include main hub placements at ambulance stations and bespoke placements in NHS hospitals, community trusts, social care services and the independent sector. Placements will include weekends, early mornings, evenings and night work to ensure a full range of practice experiences. You will be responsible for travel and parking costs while on placement.

You are expected to be flexible during placement weeks to ensure that you can experience the full range of learning opportunities and shift patterns in clinical practice.

Placement Structure: Hub and Spoke Model

Your placement will follow a Hub and Spoke model, offering a broad and enriching experience across emergency and non-emergency care settings.

Hub Placements

– Located across the North West of England

– Delivered with emergency ambulance crews

– You will be assigned to a group of stations, with shifts scheduled across all locations within that group

– You are expected to travel to each station during your placement weeks

Spoke Placements (Specialist Placement Opportunities for Knowledge Exchange)

– Bespoke experiences across Greater Manchester

– Hosted in NHS hospitals, community trusts, social care services, and the independent sector

Learning Opportunities

Both Hub and Spoke placements are designed to:

– Provide supportive and diverse practice learning

– Expose you to a wide range of health and social care environments

– Help you meet your individual learning needs and develop professional competence

Placement Expectations and Responsibilities

During your placement, you will be scheduled for a variety of shifts—including weekends, early mornings, evenings, and overnight work—to ensure exposure to the full spectrum of clinical practice. This diverse scheduling is designed to provide comprehensive learning experiences across different care settings and patient needs.

Please note:

– Travel and Parking: You are responsible for covering your own travel and parking expenses throughout the placement period.

– Flexibility: You are expected to remain flexible during placement weeks to accommodate the range of shift patterns and learning opportunities available. This flexibility is essential for gaining a well-rounded understanding of clinical practice.

How you'll be assessed

The assessment process includes written essays, case studies, written assignments, practical examinations (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations), student presentations and practice assessment documentation.

Who will be teaching you

The main teaching team for this programme are registered paramedics. In addition, nurses, allied health and medical professionals, and other academic members will be involved in elements of teaching and assessment. In the workplace you will be supported by paramedic mentors, practice supervisors and qualified paramedics who will guide and supervise you during your placement. The programme team will support you through the provision of a module leader, personal tutor and link teacher who are able to offer academic and pastoral support as required.