Bachelor of Science (Hons)

Paramedic Science

Can you stay clear-headed under pressure? Do you want a job where every day is different? Do you want to help others in their most vulnerable moments?

BNU BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science programme can lead you towards a fulfilling and meaningful role. With this course you’ll learn the skills and knowledge you need to become a frontline healthcare professional, making a difference for patients who require urgent emergency care.

Throughout your time on the course you will be supported by experienced tutors and lecturers. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete placements in supervised urgent and emergency care settings.

Paramedic practice continues to develop, with significant changes seen in recent years leading to paramedics working in a range of clinical settings; providing evidence-based care to patients within their communities.

Studying for a Paramedic Science degree with them will give you the knowledge, skills and competencies to be an effective paramedic in a time when the demand in this profession has never been higher.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

The learning you’ll receive at BNU is special because BNU combine academic theory, simulated patient care and practice-based experience to make sure you’re fully prepared to step into this incredibly important sector.

They work with clinical partners like the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and London Ambulance Service NHS Trust to offer you unique learning experiences that will develop your confidence and show you what being a paramedic is really like.

What’s more, because we give our students the opportunity to delve into the practical world of healthcare, you’ll understand exactly how to provide the best support for a broad range of illnesses and injuries in urgent, emergency and unscheduled care settings.

What facilities can you use?

As a student on BNU BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science programme, you'll have access to their incredible state-of-the-art simulation labs at both the High Wycombe and Uxbridge campuses.

Simulation is an important aspect of BNU's nursing and healthcare programmes. Students regularly spend time in these areas to practice technical skills and use the newest technologies in a safe and supportive environment.

BNU use simulation manikins programmed to act like humans, and ‘moulage’ – the process of applying mock, often gorily realistic injuries for training purposes. We also engage service users in role-play sessions.

What will you study?

Throughout the course you’ll be supported by BNU dedicated and specialist staff who will help you to develop and apply diagnostic skills and evidence-based interventions in a range of healthcare situations.

You’ll develop a solid knowledge and understanding of the core concepts underpinning urgent and emergency healthcare which means you'll be confident to practice as a registered paramedic by the time you graduate.

You’ll study exciting areas like anatomy, physiology and pharmacology, as well as patient assessment, management of medical and trauma emergencies, advanced life support and resuscitation. We'll also teach you important skills like clinical decision making and how to apply clinical research and evidence-based learning in your real-life environment.

You’ll complete a placement in a supervised urgent and emergency care setting each year in which time you’ll be provided with a practice educator and link lecturer to make sure you’re well supported at all times. Placements are an excellent way to network, learn from industry professionals and find out first-hand what the job of a paramedic is really like.

How will you be taught and assessed?

Teaching and learning will take a blended approach with students having theory-based tasks to complete in advance of practical sessions or tutor-led discussions. This is a challenging course, and the team will make available a wide range of resources to ensure students are successful.  

Your learning will always be applied to clinical practice whether in the form of a simulation or scenario, research activity, student presentation or case study. Practice-based education is a critical component and will allow you to hone your clinical knowledge and practical skills when treating actual patients.

Assessments are varied and will include written submissions, presentations, examinations and practical assessments. You'll learn and be assessed on important patient-facing skills like communication, professionalism, clinical knowledge and practical skills. We'll assess your decision-making and reasoning abilities too so can you justify what you did, or why you want to carry out a particular patient intervention.

Throughout the course you'll work on a personal e-portfolio which will demonstrate your competencies in clinical practice. In each year of study, they'll look to see that you've been able to evidence the core capabilities required to progress through the course and to identify areas where we can support your learning further. Your e-portfolio is entirely owned and driven by you and should be something you'd happily share with a prospective employer to better evidence your learning and readiness for practice.

What are your career prospects? 

Throughout your time with Buckinghamshier New University they’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. They will help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders.

BNU encourage their students to apply for work placements during the University holidays, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills in a work background. BNU will also help you find employment after graduation. 

The demand for paramedics has never been higher for the UK Ambulance Services which is why it’s such an important time to consider this challenging yet fulfilling career.

BNU'S BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities. Many of our graduates go on to work with an ambulance service in the public or private sector but there are also increasing opportunities to work elsewhere in health and social care.

You might also consider a career in research, clinical education or even a leadership or management position in healthcare, social care or education – the possibilities are endless.

Completing this course will make you eligible to register as a paramedic with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and provide you with the firm academic understanding and practical experience you’ll need to excel, whatever path you choose.

Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course.