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Paramedic Science at UEA
Find out more about studying Paramedic Science at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Paramedic Science
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- B780
- Typical Offer
- AAB
- Contextual Offer
- BBB
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
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100%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23Course Overview
Why Paramedic Science at UEA?
Gain skills and knowledge required to register as a Paramedic with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Our UEA BSc Paramedic Science degree is endorsed by the Royal College of Paramedics, and led by a highly experienced team of academics, educators and healthcare professionals.
Why choose UEA?
- Top Paramedic Science: Driven to achieve excellence, we're ranked 1st for Paramedic Science (Complete University Guide, 2026)
- Clinical skills: Supportive practice educators closely guide your learning throughout region-based placements
- Unique opportunities: Cross-sector placements, a Resuscitation Council UK course and interprofessional learning workshops can develop your skills even further
What is Paramedic Science?
Study for a Paramedic Science degree and take your first steps towards a career where you can make a real difference where it’s needed most. In this dynamic profession you’ll be tackling difficult and demanding situations, thinking on your feet, using your initiative and making conscientious, patient-centered decisions every day.
Both challenging and exciting, our course will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to assess, treat, diagnose, supply and administer medicines, and to manage, discharge and refer patients in urgent, emergency, critical and non-hospital settings.
After finishing your course, you’ll have all of the training and education needed to register with the Health and Care Professions Council as a paramedic. Upon registration, you’ll be able to enter a number of diverse and challenging career paths in a wide variety of settings or continue your studies with an MSc. or a Doctoral degree.
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Accreditations
Our three-year BSc in Paramedic Science was the very first in the UK to enable students to qualify with a nationally recognised qualification in Advanced Life Support, as accredited by the Resuscitation Council UK.
Designed and delivered in line with Royal College of Paramedics curriculum guidance framework, it’ll provide you with a contemporary and complete paramedic education. As a result, our Paramedic Science degree is Endorsed by the Royal College of Paramedics
Our degree programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means that once you successfully graduate, you’ll be entitled to register as a paramedic.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BSc degree in Paramedic Science, you’ll be prepared for the evolving nature of paramedic practice. You’ll gain the skills and experience to work in:
- NHS ambulance services: Respond to urgent and emergency cases
- Primary care: Support patients in GP surgeries and walk-in centres
- Emergency departments: Work in hospital-based teams to assess and treat patients
- Private healthcare and industry: Event medicine, offshore platforms and repatriation services
- Education and research: Teach the next generation or advancing the profession through clinical research
- Specialist roles: Work in prisons, mental health crisis team or palliative care
Career Support
Our programme prepares you for professional life, exploring leadership roles, approaches, and research to enhance your transition to practice.
As healthcare and education continue to evolve, you’ll have the opportunity to carve your own path into research, quality improvement and evidence-based practice.
In your final year, you’ll have the chance to choose and organise a placement that is unique to you, giving you the opportunity to explore the areas that interest you most and prepare you for future careers.
UEA Career Central will offer support and guidance during your time at UEA and after graduation.
After the Course
Paramedics are highly sought-after, and many of our graduates go on to work in the NHS ambulance service. However, you could also specialise in critical, urgent or primary care, or focus on non-clinical settings. You could work in an emergency department, the private sector, a walk-in centre, or a GP practice. Or you could continue in higher education as a lecturer or clinical researcher.
Study and Modules
Structure
During your first year as a paramedic student, you’ll take modules focusing on themes such as communication, psychological and sociological factors affecting health, evidence-based practice, and leadership, as well as anatomy, physiology and pharmacology.
Throughout the programme, you’ll undertake clinical placements to contextualise your learning -putting theory into practice. You’ll gain a solid foundation on which to build a balanced approach to practice, and a successful career as a paramedic.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In year two, the focus is on developing your paramedic practice. You’ll build on the foundations from year one and be able to demonstrate skills in critical care, resuscitation and advanced life support that are essential to ambulance paramedic practice. You’ll simultaneously deepen and develop your understanding of psychology and sociology, taking an evidence-based approach to mental health and illness, substance misuse, and many other common features of paramedic practice.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your third and final year, you’ll be working to enhance your paramedic practice with technical and non-technical skills in the assessment and management of a wide range of minor injuries and minor illnesses across the lifespan, as well as developing skills in health promotion. This will complement what you already know about the care of the acutely sick and injured, preparing you for the reality of practice.
You’ll undertake an evidence-based research project, refine your skills as an independent learner, and learn about the principles of how to become an effective leader of the future.
You have the option to enhance your studies by taking an elective, self-funded two- to four-week placement in your final year. Your placement can take the form you choose and will enable you to adapt the course to your own interests and strengths.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
We employ a spiral curriculum that each year elevates your understanding of important theories and concepts essential for paramedic practice.
All years have a blended approach to teaching and learning incorporating a mix of online and face-to-face theory, skills and simulation delivered in our high spec simulation centre, and placement experiences that complement and contextualise theory.
Each year of the programme covers themes relating to anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology; the impact of social and psychological factors on paramedic practice; evidence-based practice and skills needed for research; and philosophical questions relating to ethics, reasoning and other aspects of professionalism.
In your first year, we’ll enable your transition into university by enhancing your study skills and giving you an introduction to the complexity you’ll encounter in practice. You’ll learn fundamental clinical skills and techniques in practical workshops, underpinned by academic study. You’ll then learn to begin applying the theory to patient scenarios in simulation-based education and clinical practice.
Assessment
Your progress will be assessed on a regular basis throughout the course, ensuring that your learning and development are on track. We have a range of assessment methods, all of which are designed to support your learning while preparing you for your future as a paramedic.
Our current range of assessments includes examinations, written essays and practical assessments. You’ll also be assessed how well you can put your skills into practice in placement.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK fee-paying students. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements, additional GCSE requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page. The IELTS requirements for this programme are 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
We also require 5 GCSEs at a minimum grade 4 or grade C, including Mathematics and English Language and a science.
If you hold or are working towards Mathematics and English Language GCSEs, but do not hold 5 GCSEs, please contact Admissions.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Biology, Human Biology, PE or Chemistry.
Contextual offer: BBB including Biology, Human Biology, PE or Chemistry.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English exam board require a pass in the practical element.
BTEC
DDD.
Contextual offer: DDM.
See BTEC / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 section below for accepted subjects.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3 in a Health, Care or Science subject, including 12 credits in Biology or Chemistry.
Contextual offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3 in a Health, Care or Science subject, including 12 credits of Biology or Chemistry at Merit.
T levels
Obtain an overall Distinction. We accept: Science.
Health or Healthcare will be accepted for 2027 entry but will not be accepted from the 2028 cycle onwards.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
BTEC / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3
Grade requirements:
• DDD (made up of Extended Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma subjects)
• DD (made up of Extended Certificate or Diploma subjects) plus B at A level
• D (Extended Certificate) plus AB at A level
Subject requirements:
Our subject requirements are:
• Extended Diploma which meets the unit requirements, where specified, in one of the subjects listed below
• A combination of BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 subjects, which includes at least one of the options listed below and meets the unit requirements, where specified
• Any BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 subjects, taken in combination with A level Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or PE
• A combination of one of the BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 subject options below which meets the unit requirements, where specified, alongside A levels in any subject(s)
Not accepted: BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration. The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is also not accepted to meet the subject specific requirements.
Other Typical Entry Requirements
- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Offers will be made to applicants after completion of successful interviews and will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check, including evidence of appropriate immunisations. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Offers are also subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)(opens in a new window) check. Future employment may be subject to these conditions. Where applicable, an Overseas Police Check may be required. We will let you know what you need to do (and when) to meet these conditions if you are successful in gaining an offer.
If you have previously studied at degree level in a health-related subject , we will consider the relevance, level, recentness, and outcome of that study alongside evidence of your academic potential to succeed on the course. Applicants with incomplete or unsuccessful prior study may be required to provide additional information.
- Interviews
The strongest applicants will be invited to interview. Please note that meeting (or being predicted to meet) the minimum academic entry requirements will not guarantee that you will be selected for interview.
Interview invitations will be sent by email. Please keep a close eye on all emails from UEA after you submit your UCAS application. For more information on the application process and what to expect at each step, take a look at our handy Applying to HSC infographic(opens in a new window), which explains the application journey from start to finish.
- Placements
Placement allocation primarily takes place across a variety of settings, which may include hospitals, community services, general practice, social services, and voluntary or private organisations. These placements are located throughout the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire.
Applicants should factor in their ability to access transport from an early stage in their planning. The programme may require travel across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire for various placement opportunities. While a driving license in not a mandatory requirement for admission to the programme, prospective students are strongly advised to consider the nature of shift work (day, night, weekend working) involved and the potential distances to placement locations.
As this course includes patient facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy(opens in a new window) applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- Age on Entry
Applicants for this course need to be aged 18 or over by 31 December 2027. This is owing to the integrated nature of placements within the first year of the course and safeguarding implications. In view of this, applicants who will not be 18 years old or over by this date, should consider applying for deferred entry.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You can find information regarding additional costs associated on our Fees and finance webpages.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started. (opens in a new window)
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: