Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme combines theoretical study, clinical skills teaching and structured placements to develop safe, autonomous paramedic practitioners. Core themes include anatomy and physiology, clinical assessment and decision making, pharmacology, patient management in medical and trauma emergencies, mental health and long-term conditions, and professional practice and ethics.

• Year 1: Foundations in human biology and pathophysiology; basic clinical assessment and communication skills; introduction to pre-hospital care and professional standards; supervised skills practice in simulation laboratories.
• Year 2: Advanced clinical assessment, pharmacology and interventions; management of acute medical and traumatic presentations; paediatric and obstetric emergencies; mental health awareness; beginning of extended practice placements with ambulance services and other healthcare settings.
• Year 3: Consolidation of autonomous practice on extended placements, complex decision making, leadership and interprofessional working; preparation for professional registration; a research methods module and an independent project or dissertation focused on a clinical or service-improvement question.

Throughout the programme you will use high-fidelity simulation, scenario-based learning and reflective practice to build competence. Clinical placements are an integral component, increasing in duration and complexity across the degree to ensure you are practice-ready on graduation.

Entry requirements

Typical academic requirements reflect the clinical and scientific nature of the programme. Applicants are normally expected to have a combination of the following (equivalents considered):

• A-levels: three A-levels at grades typically in the mid-range (including a science or health-related subject is advantageous).
• BTEC Extended Diploma: Merit profile with relevance to health and science subjects.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma with substantial health or science content.
• GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4 (or equivalent) are usually required; a science GCSE is desirable.

Applicants must also meet professional requirements for placement, which commonly include an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, satisfactory occupational health screening (including immunisations), and fitness to practice. A full driving licence is often recommended because many placements are with ambulance services; if you do not hold a driving licence, discuss alternatives during application. International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency and provide recognised academic equivalence.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to enter the register for paramedic practice and work in a variety of pre-hospital and urgent care settings. Common career pathways include:

• Frontline ambulance paramedic roles in NHS ambulance trusts or private ambulance providers.
• Roles in urgent care, primary care or community paramedicine providing home-based assessment, referral and treatment.
• Specialist pathways such as critical care paramedic, advanced practice, tactical or hazardous environment paramedicine.
• Opportunities in education, clinical leadership, service development, research and management following postgraduate study or on-the-job progression.
• Employment in non-NHS sectors such as event medical cover, occupational health services, or international emergency response organisations.

Many graduates continue to postgraduate study (for example advanced clinical practice, MSc-level qualifications or professional development courses) to specialise or move into advanced clinical or leadership roles.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers a clinically focused, practice-led Paramedic Science degree that emphasises simulation-based learning and strong links with regional ambulance services. You will train in modern clinical skills facilities and high-fidelity simulation suites, supported by academic staff with clinical and research experience in pre-hospital care.

• Structured placement relationships with local ambulance trusts and healthcare providers give varied real-world experience across urban, rural and urgent care settings.
• Interprofessional learning opportunities allow you to work alongside nursing, physiotherapy and other health professional students, reflecting contemporary team-based practice.
• Support for transition into professional practice, with focused preparation for the standards required for professional registration and ongoing career development.

The programme is designed to produce safe, reflective and evidence-informed practitioners who are ready to meet the demands of modern pre-hospital and urgent care services.