Paramedic Practice

Year 1

You will undertake theory modules and develop your core skills through simulated learning before you go onto placement.  This allows you to experience real-life situations but in a safe environment, and reflect on your response.  Interprofessional learning will also build your communication skills.

Whilst on placement you will develop risk management skills preparing you for the urgent and emergency care environments in Year 2.

Year 2

Year 2 will build on theories and concepts, introducing more complexity relating to paramedic practice. Placements within ambulance and non-ambulance environments will focus on developing the student’s history taking and assessment skills building on exposure to the urgent and emergency care environment.

Theory modules will consolidate learning and prepare the student to become a registered paramedic (HCPC). It will address theories and concepts such as pharmacology; advanced assessment and consultation skills; resilience and disaster preparedness; leadership and quality improvement. You may have the opportunity of an elective placement in this year.

Learning Methods

This course is delivered through a variety of online and face-to-face methods in an environment that fosters student-centred learning where responsibility is shared between the student, lecturers and practice supervisors. 

Your theoretical learning will be supported by lectures, a virtual learning environment, online activities, group work, virtual reality, clinical simulation and reflection on practice. In our purpose-built Clinical Skills Centre you will be able to develop your skills and confidence in a safe environment using real-life high-fidelity simulations with volunteer patients before going out on placement.  

Activity Summary

• Lectures - maximum 70 students per group, on campus or online, approximately 6 hours per week
• Seminars - maximum 70 students per group, approximately 6 hours per week
• Placement / Work Based Learning - number of students varies by placement 37.5 hours per week

How long is a BSc Paramedic Practice course?

A Paramedic Practice course can be successfully completed in 3 years.

Independent Study

Self-study time is an important part of your success, including learning in practice settings. The course is delivered face to face in lectures and tutorials as well as online and you will be required to access and complete all elements.

The online delivery, through RGU’s virtual learning environment CampusMoodle, is highly interactive.  This flexibility allows you to study at your own pace with support from peers and lecturing staff within the School of Nursing & Midwifery.

Staff Delivering on This Course

This course is delivered by appropriately experienced lecturing staff and placement educators from a variety of specialist backgrounds. Our collaboration with the Scottish Ambulance Service will also ensure you’re learning the necessary skills that are in demand now and in the future.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 1 written exam, typically for 2.5 hours
• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 project output
• 1 practical skills assessment

Year 2

• 1 written exams, typically for 2.5 hours
• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 project output
• 1 practical skills assessment

Year 3

• 1 written exams, typically for 2.5 hours
• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 project output
• 1 practical skills assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

Practice placements equate to 50% of your course and will be located over Grampian, Highland, Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles regions. Your placement will comprise of an equal balance between ambulance settings, where you will be linked to one area for the full duration of the course, and a variety of non-ambulance health and social care settings. These will include emergency ambulances, advanced paramedic placements, emergency departments; minor injuries units; GP practices; care homes; operating theatres; children’s hospital; coronary care; maternity; or mental health units.  Students will be supported on placement by experienced Practice Educators.

We will aim to place students within their area of preference for placements however this may not always be possible and will depend on the requirements of the placement provider and their availability within that preferred area.

Job Prospects

Is Paramedic Practice a good career choice?

RGU Paramedic graduates with HCPC registration will be able to apply directly to the Scottish Ambulance Service for employment.

What is needed for a Paramedic Practice course?

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBBB to include a science subject. Higher English is recommended.  English, Maths or Applications of Maths are required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: BCC to include a science subject. A Level English is recommended. English & Maths are required at GCSE grade 5/C or above if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H2H3H3 to include a science subject. Higher English is recommended. English & Maths are required at grade O3 or above if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 28 to include a science subject. Higher Level English is recommended. English & Maths required at Standard Level grade 3 if not held at Higher.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC to include a science subject. Higher English is recommended. English & Maths are required at National 5 grade C if not held at Higher.

Alternative Qualifications

• HNC/D in a related subject e.g. Healthcare Practice, Social Services, Applied Science, Social Sciences accepted on its own
• Advanced (SCQF Level 6) Healthcare (NESCOL) or NC Level 6 in Health and Social Care (other college providers) accepted in combination with other qualifications
• SVQs/NVQs (level 3 and above) accepted in combination with other qualifications
• QQI/FETAC level 5 – at required grade and in relevant subject area accepted in combination with other qualifications
• Equivalent overseas qualifications

You do not need to have a driving licence for entry to this course.

English Language Requirements

All applicants whose first language is not English are required to have an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of 7.0 with a score of 7.0 in all elements apart from writing where minimum score is 6.5. Appropriate equivalents will be considered.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

This program is funded by the Scottish Government and therefore it is available, at present, to Scottish students only. Eligible students should claim tuition fees via the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) in line with all standard guidance and timescales.

The Scottish Government have confirmed expenses for Scottish domiciled students undertaking the paramedic science degrees. In line with AHP student expense policy, students can claim placement expense costs for additional travel and accommodation from SAAS.

Tuition fees for this Paramedic Practice course are as follows:

For Academic Year 2023/2024

• Scottish Students: £1,820 per academic year

For Academic Year 2022/2023

• Scottish Students: £1,820 per academic year

Additional Costs

• Uniform - At the beginning of your course and during all practice placements you are required to wear an official uniform and personal protective equipment. If you are a student from Scotland, this will be paid for by the Scottish Government.  Where uniforms become damaged or for any other reason unsuitable, you are responsible for the cost of the replacement.
• Specialist clothing for clinical skills teaching.

Student Funding

If you are a Scottish resident you can apply to SAAS for funding.

Paramedic Practice students who meet the criteria are entitled to a non-income-assessed bursary which is administered through the Student Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS).

Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website: