Paramedic Science - BSc(Hons)

Evidence-based Paramedic Practice and Advancing Paramedic Practice are important modules of the course. As a new profession, it is recognised that the paramedic and the field of paramedic science suffers from a paucity of practitioner-based enquiry and research. This is seen as essential for the future professional development of the individual paramedic and for the paramedic profession. It will be important for you to learn not only what to do and when to do it, but also understand why you would apply a specific treatment.

Each year of the course has a practice module in which you will apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired at UWE Bristol to clinical practice with the emergency ambulance service.

The course is delivered over 40 weeks per year, of which 20 weeks are in placement. The course is underpinned by the 2014 College of Paramedics Curriculum Guidelines.

Year one

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Interpersonal skills for Paramedics
• Principles of Pre-hospital Emergency Care
• Life Sciences for Paramedics
• Medical Conditions Emergency Care
• Trauma Emergency Care
• Foundations of Paramedic Practice

Year two

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Psycho-Social Aspects of Paramedic Practice
• Evidence-based Paramedic Practice
• Pre-hospital Emergency Care of the Child
• Emergency Care of the Elderly
• Advanced Life Support Skills
• Paramedic Practice 1

Final year

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Contemporary Paramedic Practice
• Major Incident Clinical Care
• Applied Paramedic Pharmacology
• Advancing Paramedic Practice Dissertation
• Paramedic Practice 2

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

In addition to lectures, a blended variety of teaching and learning methods are involved in the course delivery, including discussion groups, seminars, workshops and skills teaching with demonstration and instruction. Problem-based learning will be developed through the use of simulations and role play in prepared medical and trauma scenarios.

Independent reading and learning will be encouraged and there will also be some student-led activities. You will be expected to discuss and evaluate cases seen in practice, reflecting on your own and others' management of a given situation. These case studies will be the focus of discussion, in which differing clinical interventions will be analysed.

The course will be taught within a evidence and/or research-based framework utilising current clinical guidelines and best practice where appropriate. Your learning will be supported in practice by qualified placement educators. As your mentors, they will encourage you to reflect upon practice and will supervise your clinical practice.

For more details, see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

You will be provided with a wide range of opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills; these include coursework, case studies, online exams and group work, along with placement assessment, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) and structured oral and practical examinations (SOPE).

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.