On our Paramedic Science BSc, you'll learn to meet the diverse needs of patients, families and carers and gain the confidence to excel in this exciting field.
Access our state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Centre, featuring an ambulance bay equipped with a working ambulance, to practise scenarios involving professional actors and interactive manikins.
Spend half of your training in clinical practice placements, to develop your skills in a range of healthcare settings, under the supervision of qualified practitioners.
Learn from a multidisciplinary team of lecturers, who are all healthcare professionals with experience of working in the NHS.
Our Paramedic Science course is designed in collaboration with the local ambulance trust and mapped to the College of Paramedics’ educational guidance.
In your first year, you’ll study topics that are fundamental to paramedic science, including concepts of caring, essential paramedic practice, physical health, and research and evidence-based practice, ensuring you have a solid foundation upon which to build the rest of your degree.
During your second year, you’ll learn about care across the lifespan, management of physical and mental health, patient assessments and public health.
In your third year, you’ll delve deeper into effective decision-making for complex care, clinical leadership and consolidated paramedic practice, and patient management. You’ll also learn how to critically evaluate and appraise research and healthcare literature.
Throughout your time at Surrey, you’ll also explore and develop the values required in modern healthcare, as outlined in the NHS Constitution.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Health and Care Professions Council, the (HCPC) Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a paramedic.
BSc (Hons) - College of Paramedics (CoP) endorse Endorsed by College of Paramedics
This three-year course runs over 43 weeks in your first and second years, and 36 weeks in your third year. You’ll get seven weeks' holiday usually over the winter, spring and summer vacations (subject to change). The length of the course year and the holiday entitlement are requirements of the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC).
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff.
This module is a year-long module for Paramedic Science that integrates theory and practice within university learning blocks and placement learning blocks, sitting alongside and integrating with the three nursing disciplines. It offers a sequential learning experience that enables students to build and develop knowledge skills and behaviours required to deliver evidence-based person-centered care. This will enable the students to start demonstrating professional values, understanding how dignity and respect influence patient interaction in accordance with their code of conduct. It will introduce them to a range of assessment skills within a simulated environment utilising health care equipment and will enable them to explore team working and problem-solving skills using effective professional communication using series of dynamic learning experiences. Paramedic Science students will experience interprofessional learning together with midwifery and all three-nursing field undergraduate students. Throughout the year with distinctive, weekly opportunities in the theory blocks for students to develop professional identity and allow further focus on field specific elements of the programme.
This module provides a sequential and integrated learning experience using theory and practice, by a spiraling of content that supports student development. Students will be supported to apply their knowledge of altered physiology and body functioning to commonly encountered mental, physical, behavioural and cognitive health conditions. There will be a focus on management of increased complexity in patient care, with placement experiences that support and reflect the learning within university learning blocks. Students will have an opportunity to consider the wider scope of leadership innovation and change management and its impact on teams and care provision. Practice within simulation and placement will enable students to further develop clinical competencies and assessment and decision-making skills, focusing on the management of complexity within holistic scenarios.
This final module provides a sequential and integrated learning experience using theory and practice, by a spiraling of content that supports student development. It will prepare students to demonstrate proactive leadership acting as change agents to challenge practice in order to enhance people¿s wellbeing and experience of health care; integrating evidence into their clinical and scholarly practice, becoming an accountable evidence-based professional. Practice within simulation and placement will enable students to draw together learning from university blocks, by consolidating their knowledge and proficencies within clinical practice in preparation for professional registration.
As well as being taught by lecturers from Surrey, you'll be taught by guest lecturers, including doctors, nurses, midwives and other health and social care professionals.
Throughout each year of your placements, you'll be assigned a practice educator, who is a senior clinician. They'll guide you through your placements and document your progress.
Day-to-day learning
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
For some modules, you’ll learn alongside students from other health sciences courses, so you can develop an understanding of inter-professional teamwork.
When you’re on placement
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
Demonstration
Discussion groups
Observation
Practice under supervision
Reflective dialogue
Role modelling
Shadowing.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:
When you’re out on placement, your knowledge, skills and professional behaviour will be assessed by your mentors.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Teaching can take place any time from Monday to Friday between 9am-6pm, with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Due to the practical nature of the course, there may be timetabled sessions on Wednesday afternoons.
Our Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS degree, nursing and midwifery, and health science courses are taught at the Kate Granger Building (30 Priestley Road), on the Surrey Research Park.
You’ll be expected to attend clinical placements off campus. Please see the Placements section for more details.
Some modules on this course will be taught on our Stag Hill campus.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
This course is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means that once you have achieved your Paramedic Science degree, you’ll have the academic requirements needed to join the professional register and to work as a paramedic.
Our alumni can be found working for NHS trusts across the UK, with recent graduates working for the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
The NHS is the largest employer of paramedics in the UK. Throughout your career, you’ll work as a member of a multidisciplinary team, with opportunities to get involved with specialist practice, GP surgeries and community services. A degree in paramedic science can also lead to alternative paths, including education, management, mentoring and research. Visit the NHS careers website for further information.
We encourage our students and graduates to become members of the College of Paramedics (CoP). CoP is the UK’s professional development body for paramedics, promoting and evolving members through educational guidance, learning resources and professional support. It also represents the profession within various working groups and advisory committees, to ensure all its members are heard on a national scale. Membership gives you access to online learning materials, the British Paramedic Journal and a magazine, along with discounts on books, equipment and conferences, during your studies and after.
You’ll learn in our multimillion-pound facilities, including our Clinical Simulation Centre which consists of two large wards, an operating theatre, a community flat and an ambulance bay with a working ambulance. We have invested in kit and equipment that is used by both the ambulance trusts that you will be on placement with. You’ll learn how to perform clinical procedures and thorough clinical assessments, and much more.
Our virtual environment, lifelike manikins and actors will transport you to the centre of emergency situations, so you can practise your trauma skills and develop your confidence and competence to manage any situation you may face during your placements and when you’re fully qualified.
You’ll also have access to our independent clinical learning room, with the necessary equipment required to practise the skills you have been taught.
GCSE or equivalent: English language, Mathematics and a Science at grade 4 (C).
BSc (Hons):
33 overall including 5,5,5 at higher level.
Required subjects: An accepted science HL5/SL6
Recent study within the last 5 years required.
GCSE or equivalent: English A HL4/SL4 or English B HL5/SL6 and Mathematics (either course) HL4/SL4.
BSc (Hons):
78%
Required subjects: A relevant science 7.5.
Recent study within the last 5 years required.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language (1/2) 6 or English Language (3) 7 and Mathematics 6
BSc (Hons):
QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits overall including including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit.
Required subjects: 15 level 3 credits in a science subject.
Recent study within the last 5 years required.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language, Mathematics and a Science at grade 4 (C).
BSc (Hons):
AABBB
Required subjects: A relevant science.
Recent study within the last 5 years required.
GCSE or equivalent: Scottish National 5 Mathematics, English Language and Science C.
BSc (Hons):
Pass overall with ABB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.
Required subjects: A-level in a relevant science subject.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade 4 (C).
Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.
Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
As part of the shortlisting process your personal statement and reference will be reviewed and should outline your insight into the subject area as well as your motivation and commitment to undertake the course. You should have a clear understanding of the profession and be able to demonstrate the personal skills and qualities relevant to the course. Wherever possible, and if offered a place, candidates are encouraged to gain some practical work experience prior to undertaking this course, but this is not essential.
If you are offered and accept a place on the course, admission is subject to occupational health screening* and a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check.
Interviews
If you meet the entry criteria, you will be required to take part in a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) conducted through an online system of pre-recorded questions by our academic staff assisted by staff from our clinical practice areas. You will be sent detailed guidance and support on these selection activities with your invitation to interview.
*The Department of Health requires all Paramedic Science students to be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C during the induction week. Please note that the list of required vaccinations may change, in response to advice from the Department of Health. If you have any concerns with regards to vaccinations, please raise this at the point of application.
Declaration of criminal convictions
This is a regulated course that requires declaration of criminal convictions at the application stage, please visit our criminal convictions web page for more information.
Deferred entry
The course does not accept applications for deferred entry.
Covid-19 vaccinations
On 15 March 2022, regulations revoking the Vaccination as a Condition of Deployment (VCOD) for Healthcare Workers came into force. This means that it will not become a requirement for people to have received a Covid-19 vaccine in order to deliver face-to-face CQC-regulated activities in wider social care settings. Whilst we still encourage everyone to get vaccinated where they can, it is no longer a requirement for this programme.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2025
Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule.
Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices. Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis, cannot pay fees by instalment.
Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
Additional costs
Commuting (local travel expenses): Students are required to pay the upfront cost of travel and accommodation expenses incurred when on placements, these may vary depending on the location. Students starting their studies in 2024/25 will be able to apply for reimbursement of travel and dual accommodation expenses through the Learning Support Fund because of attending practice placements (this model may not apply for the duration of students' studies). Essential expenses incurred over and above a student’s normal daily travel costs to the University are covered. NHS rules on expenses must be followed and the rates applicable are to be confirmed by the NHS Business Services Authority. Students are also able to claim travel and accommodation costs via the NHSLSF if they undertake the additional elective placement.
Personal protective equipment and uniform: You will be provided with a uniform that you will wear in your practice placements as well as in clinical sessions during your time at Surrey. Personal protective equipment, including safety boots, will be provided by the ambulance trust that you are on placement with. All students receive a name badge free of charge before they go out into practice, if a replacement is required (lost/damaged, etc.) there is a small fee to replace it.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: The University will meet the cost of one DBS check, completed at the start of each new student’s programme or earlier where applicants indicate they have a conviction in their application. The DBS check is a programme requirement: it is mandatory that the DBS process is completed, and the student is approved to attend before they can start placement. Applicants offered a place on the programme will be contacted to complete the online process by the deadline specified. The process is not completed until all original documentation has been approved by an appointed DBS approver. This should be completed in advance of applicants starting their programme using the main branches of the Post Office, where there will be an £8.22 administration fee. Following this, students will be required to sign up to the annual online DBS update service which allows you to maintain an updated DBS record. This has an annual cost of £13.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
You’ll spend half of your training in clinical placements, allowing you to develop your knowledge, skills and practice within healthcare settings, under the supervision of qualified practitioners. You’ll complete 30 placement hours a week, for approximately 20 weeks in your first, second and third years of study.
Previous students have completed their placements in the NHS, with private healthcare organisations and with charities. These have been across several settings, including accident and emergency departments, ambulance stations and vehicles, hospital units (e.g. children’s, coronary care, maternity and mental health), minor injury centres, operating theatres and specialist ambulance services.
Students have the opportunity to either participate in a summer programme or complete an elective placement abroad. Use our search tool to find summer opportunities with our partner organisations.
Student
"My placements have been split between the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, hospitals and the wider community. Having such a variety of placements has increased my confidence and knowledge, working with a wide range of clinicians in different environments."
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
First when we make an offer.
Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
