Swansea University

What you'll study

The programme builds clinical and professional competence through integrated modules covering anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical assessment, airway and resuscitation skills, mental health in emergency care, and management of medical, trauma and paediatric emergencies. Teaching blends lectures, small-group learning, practical skills sessions and simulation-based training using realistic clinical scenarios.

Typical degree structure progresses from foundational bioscience and communication skills in the early stages to more complex clinical decision-making, patient management and leadership in later stages. You will spend substantial time on assessed clinical placements with ambulance services and other emergency care providers, consolidating skills in real-world practice and meeting the requirements for professional registration where applicable.

• Core clinical topics: patient assessment, advanced life support, trauma care, medical emergencies, paediatrics, mental health and safeguarding.
• Sciences underpinning practice: anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology tailored to paramedic practice.
• Professional practice: ethics, legal frameworks, communication, cultural competence and inter‑professional working.
• Skills and simulation: high-fidelity simulation, procedural skills, clinical reasoning and reflective practice.
• Research and evidence-based practice: applied research methods, audit and a final-year project or dissertation focused on pre-hospital care.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a combination of academic achievement and relevant vocational experience. Typical academic routes include A levels (preferably including a science subject), a BTEC/Applied Diploma in Health and Social Care, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma with health-related units. Alternative qualifications and prior learning from professional practice as an Emergency Medical Technician will be considered.

Applicants must normally hold GCSE (or equivalent) English and maths at a standard pass level. Current employment or experience as an EMT, ambulance technician or similar pre-hospital role is usually required for the EMT route into this programme. Successful applicants will be required to complete occupational health screening, an enhanced DBS (criminal record) check and provide evidence of professional fitness to practise where relevant.

Selection typically involves academic review and may include an interview or practical assessment to evaluate clinical potential, communication skills and suitability for pre-hospital practice.

Career prospects

Graduates practise as Registered Paramedics working with ambulance services, NHS urgent care and emergency departments. Career pathways include advanced and specialist paramedic roles, critical care and retrieval teams, paediatric or major trauma specialisms, and leadership or management positions within ambulance trusts.

Other career options include roles in primary care, urgent care centres, occupational health, patient transport services, education and training for pre-hospital staff, and applied clinical research. The programme also prepares graduates for further study, such as postgraduate clinical practice, advanced clinical practitioner qualifications or healthcare management programmes.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University offers strong links with regional ambulance services and health boards, providing a range of clinical placement opportunities across urban and rural settings. Students benefit from dedicated clinical skills and simulation facilities that replicate real-world pre-hospital environments, enabling safe practice and the development of decision-making under pressure.

The university emphasises inter-professional learning, evidence-based practice and research-informed teaching. Support services for health students include occupational health, academic skills support and placement coordination, ensuring you are prepared for the demands of contemporary paramedic practice.

Studying in Swansea also gives access to a supportive campus community and close connections with the wider NHS network in Wales, helping to build the practical experience and professional networks needed for a career in emergency and urgent care.