Studying Paramedic Science

Introducing your course leader - Amy Halck

Thank you for applying to Paramedic Science, we look forward to making you feel part of the University of Staffordshire family.

My name is Amy Halck and I am a South African Paramedic, with over 12 years’ experience in both pre-hospital care (road and Critical Care HEMS) and teaching in higher education.

I have been teaching at University of Staffordshire since 2021 and I am the course leader for BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science. I have a passion for all things critical care and trauma.

View my profile

5 exciting simulations you’ll do in your first year

Explore the possibilities that next-level teaching will have on your future. Read more about five of the exciting simulations you’ll do in your first year to help you grow both your clinical and communication skills.

Skills tick list:

  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Triage
  • Clinical skills
  • Clinical Decision Making
  • Working under pressure

Read more

Student Connect Podcast - Paramedics

Get immersed in hands-on, hyper-real learning experiences for the real-world.

At University of Staffordshire, collaboration is at the heart of learning. In this episode of our Student Connect podcast, we explore how students from different disciplines come together for interprofessional learning, gaining hands-on experience in real-world scenarios.

From large-scale emergency simulations to forensic investigations, we highlight the incredible facilities and opportunities available to all students. Plus, we hear Paramedic Science students, Hermione and Sophie, on how these experiences help build networks and shape future careers.

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Virtual tour - Centre for Health Innovation

Discover our simulation and immersive facilities at our £5.8m Centre for Health Innovation.

You'll grow your skills in a safe environment before going out on placement and working with real patients. We simulate life-like scenarios so you can practise processes and procedures and familiarise yourself with some of the equipment you'll find in your placement settings.

Explore our facilities

Frequently asked questions

What modules will we do in first year?

Here is a link to the website with includes the modules for year 1 - Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) - University of Staffordshire

Do we need to buy any uniform?

We provide the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for you to be safe while in skills practice and out on placement. We will provide you with shirts, trousers, boots, jacket, a high viz and a helmet.

What do we need to buy before the course starts?

Stationery that you feel you learn best with. This can be pen, paper and highlighters or even a tablet if you prefer a more digital approach.

We do have a library that you can access both online and on campus, however having an anatomy and physiology book that can refer back to could be something you invest in if you choose to.

From a skills and placement perspective, buying a stethoscope and a pupil torch, however as these are often misplaced or can break, please don’t get the most expensive stethoscope.

These are all non-essential prior to the course and the tutors are happy to give you guidance on these.

Do we need vaccinations and how do we get these?

You will be required to attend vaccination appointments, especially in the first semester prior to your first placement. Delaying this can impact this placement block. You may also be required to attend additional boosters if needed.

What placements will we go on?

You have 2 mandatory and 1 optional placements each year.

The mandatory placements are ambulance and alternative placement.

We strive to place you in a location that is within 1 hour from term time address for ambulance and alternative placements.

The elective placement is an optional period that allows you to arrange your own placement whether that be nationally or internationally.

What are the DBS and occupational health checks?

You have to have a DBS to join the course – the university pays for this for the duration of your course, any alternations are at your own cost. You will be sent a link prior to enrolment for this to be processed. Please do not delay with this as this can have an impact on your placement. It is recommended that you register for the DBS Update service. This small annual fee will allow the placement providers to access your DBS and confirm your status.

You will be sent an occupational health questionnaire prior to enrolment. This helps us to understand if you have any health or educational adjustment needs and what support we can offer you.

What support is on offer at the university?

Here is a link to all the support on offer at the University of Staffordshire. Student support - Current students - University of Staffordshire

Teaching staff

Gavin Johnson

Course Director

Course Director and HCPC registered Paramedic. Areas of interest include Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors within the pre-hospital emergency environment.

Gavin's profile

Amy Halck

Senior Lecturer

I am the Course Lead for Paramedic Science who trained and worked in South Africa for over 10 years before moving to the UK in 2021.

Amy's profile

Tina Spittle

Senior Lecturer

Tina is the paramedic placement lead for the UG degree. Tina is a operational paramedic and is passionate about providing students with the best placement experience consolidating theoretical knowledge with clinical skills to provide holistic care.

Tina's profile

Rachael Grant-Smith

Lecturer

Rachael is a HCPC registered Paramedic and is a Paramedic Lecturer.

Rachael's profile

Samuel O'Brien

Senior Lecturer

I am a Lecturer in Paramedic Science with an interest in research and student engagement. I am currently the module lead of a research module and assist teaching on pathophysiology and advancing assessment at undergraduate level.

Samuel's profile

Benjamin Hallam

Senior Lecturer

Following a traumatic accident and a deeply unsatisfactory experience with pre-hospital clinicians, I was inspired to pursue a career as a paramedic.

Benjamin's profile

Laura Birkett

Lecturer In Paramedic Science

Laura is a practising paramedic and new to Higher Education. She is passionate about people and provided good quality care and educating others around the subject of pre-hospital emergency medicine.

Laura's profile

Elizabeth Isaacson

Senior Lecturer

The shift from the chaotic and busy emergency department to a higher educational setting has enabled me to combine my past clinical experiences with educational knowledge to create real world learning environments.

Elizabeth's profile

John Durham

Lecturer

John is a registered Paramedic as well as a lecturer and active researcher. His main area of interest is continuing professional development and inclusivity with a focus on ADHD.

John's profile

Rebecca Colthup

Lecturer

I joined the university in December 2021 as a full-time lecturer on the Paramedic Science team. I have 15 years’ experience working for the NHS for both the West Midlands and East of England Ambulance Trusts.

Rebecca's profile

Tina Spittle

Senior Lecturer

Tina is the paramedic placement lead for the UG degree. Tina is a operational paramedic and is passionate about providing students with the best placement experience consolidating theoretical knowledge with clinical skills to provide holistic care.

Tina's profile

Rebecca Jenkins

Lecturer

I am a Lecturer in Paramedic Science and a Level 4 Practice Placement Lead. An HCPC-registered paramedic, I specialise in clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and student support in practice-based learning.

Rebecca's profile

Keith Vallance

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Paramedic Science

Keith started working for Staffordshire Ambulance Service in 1999, as a Care Assistant within the non-emergency patient transport services at Goodhope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield.

Keith's profile

Aron Cook

Lecturer

I am a Paramedic Science lecturer with a keen focus on Clinical Skills, Resuscitation and Trauma.

Aron's profile

Sarah Postles

Course Director

I am a Lecturer in Paramedic Science with an interest in Advanced Practice and the evolving role of the Paramedic in the wider health service.

Sarah's profile

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

    Accept your offer

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

    Enquire about finance

  3. Apply for your accommodation

    We have a range of accommodation to choose from to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including en-suite and accessible rooms. Browse rooms and find out how to apply.

    Browse University accommodation
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