Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This programme delivers applied clinical education in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical assessment and decision‑making, patient safety and professional practice. Teaching integrates theoretical modules with practical skills sessions in clinical skills labs and high‑fidelity simulation suites, plus structured practice placements across ambulance services and partner healthcare organisations.

Typical module areas include:

• Foundations of Paramedic Practice: introduction to professional roles, communication, clinical reasoning and legal/ethical frameworks.
• Applied Anatomy and Physiology: body systems relevant to emergency care and how disease and injury affect function.
• Clinical Assessment and Management: history taking, physical examination, recognition and management of acute illness and trauma.
• Pharmacology and Medicines Management: therapeutics, dosing, safe administration and local protocols.
• Emergency and Critical Care: management of major trauma, cardiac emergencies, respiratory failure and resuscitation.
• Long‑term Conditions and Community Care: urgent care in the community, safeguarding, referral pathways and continuity of care.
• Research Methods and Evidence‑Based Practice: study design, data interpretation and applying evidence to improve care.
• Leadership, Service Improvement and Professional Development: team working, clinical governance and pathways to advanced practice.

The course typically progresses from core knowledge and supervised skills development in earlier stages to independent clinical decision‑making and extended practice on placement in later stages. Successful graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the relevant professional regulator to practise as paramedics.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification (for example A‑levels or equivalent) and demonstrate competence in English and mathematics equivalent to GCSE level. Prior study in a biological science is advantageous but not always mandatory. Entry may be available through both school/college leavers and those with relevant vocational experience.

All applicants must meet professional and statutory safeguarding checks and health requirements, including an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and occupational health clearance. Clinical placements require documentary evidence of vaccinations and fitness to practise. A current driving licence may be required by some placement providers; this depends on the placement arrangements rather than the university.

Selection typically includes an interview and may involve scenario‑based assessment or numeracy testing to assess suitability for patient‑facing practice.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify to work as registered paramedics in ambulance services and are equipped to work across a range of urgent and emergency care settings. Common first roles include ambulance clinician/paramedic responding to emergency calls and providing pre‑hospital care.

With experience and further training, career pathways include:

• Specialist Paramedic roles (e.g. urgent care, primary care, critical care)
• Advanced Clinical Practice and non‑medical prescribing
• Critical care transfers, air ambulance and major trauma teams
• Community paramedicine and integrative care pathways
• Education, clinical practice development and management roles within ambulance services and healthcare organisations
• Academic or research careers pursuing postgraduate study (MSc/PhD) in emergency care, health sciences or service evaluation

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes combines practice‑centred paramedic education with access to extensive clinical placement networks across the region, enabling diverse hands‑on experience in ambulance services, emergency departments and community settings. The university provides modern clinical skills facilities and simulation environments that mirror real‑world emergencies, supporting safe skills acquisition before placements.

Teaching is delivered by a mix of experienced paramedics and healthcare academics, with emphasis on interprofessional learning and evidence‑based practice. Students benefit from structured placement support, personal tutoring and a strong focus on employability and continuing professional development to prepare them for a range of clinical and leadership roles after graduation.