Welcome to your Paramedic Science course

Welcome to the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science programme at the University of Staffordshire. We are delighted to welcome all students to our three-year, spiral curriculum, which has been carefully designed to support progressive learning and development throughout your academic journey.

Throughout the duration of the programme, you will engage with both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of paramedic science. The curriculum is structured to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required for contemporary paramedic practice. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a registered paramedic.

First activity

Your first two weeks on the programme mark an exciting and important introduction to your journey as a future paramedic. During this period, you will begin to develop a foundational understanding of paramedic practice. Key areas of focus will include clinical skills, safe manual handling techniques, communication theory, conflict resolution and an introduction to human biology—all essential components that underpin effective and compassionate patient care. 

Course Delivery

Students will engage in a diverse and inclusive learning experience that incorporates formal lectures, online learning, simulation-based education, practical skills sessions, and a variety of practice placement opportunities.

Teaching and facilitation are delivered by a highly experienced team comprising registered paramedics and other healthcare professionals, all of whom bring a wealth of clinical and educational expertise to support student development.

Student Uniform

During welcome week, you will be asked to order all the personal protection kit and uniform that you are required to wear when undertaking practical sessions during the course and when on placement.

You can also purchase hoodies and a variety of other merch from Staffordshire University Clothing Store

For further details please click here

Occupational Health

Paramedic Students require occupational health clearance on the following: -

• MMR - Written evidence of having received x2 MMRs, Commencement of MMR immunisation xl vaccine, serological evidence that they are immune.

• Varicella - Verbal history of chickenpox virus in the past, or serological evidence that they are immune or written evidence of x2 Varicella vaccinations. If serological evidence provided stating nonimmune then commencement of x2 varicella vaccinations 4 - 8 weeks apart.

• BCG - Scar seen, or written evidence of a BCG vaccination. IGRA test for those with no evidence. Those students whose country of origin is a high-risk country for TB will require IGRA testing despite evidence of scar or previous vaccination.

• Pertussis - Booster if no evidence of having received a booster in the past 5 years.

• Hepatitis B - x3 doses of Hepatitis B (Accelerated Course) AND serological evidence that they have an antibody response of over 10 iu/ML (at least) .

• EPP Clearance: - Hep C - Negative blood result - Hep B surface antigen - Negative blood result - HIV - Negative blood result Students will be permitted to attend placement drop-in/familiarisation/induction sessions prior to clearance but no clinical activities are to be undertaken. Immunisation clearance should not be completed until a// of the above is complete.

It is essential that you attend all appointments allocated to you. Please be aware that without occupational health clearance, you will not be able to attend your placement.

For further details please click here

Pre-learning

While pre-learning is not a mandatory requirement, students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics. This document outlines the professional expectations and responsibilities of registered paramedics and serves as a valuable foundation for your studies and future practice. 

Trips and activities

Alongside placement, alternative and virtual placements you will also be participating in simulations.

Five Simulations in year one:

  • Escape Room
  • Interprofessional Simulation with policing students
  • Extrication Simulation
  • Linked up Challenge
  • Major Incident

Each of these build on your knowledge and put your skills into practice.

Groups and Societies

There are so many clubs available to students across a range of areas of interest. Check the students' union website for further information. 

Students' Union

Frequently asked questions

How many days will we need to be on campus?

You will be on campus an average of 1 and half days, one day of online teaching and 2 and half days of self-directed study.

What modules will we do in 1st 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 by 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 placement do we get?

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 University of Staffordshire. Student support - Current students - University of Staffordshire

Meet the team

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

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

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 in Paramedic Science

With nearly 20 years in clinical and educational roles, I’m passionate about shaping skilled, reflective paramedics and inspiring lifelong learning through quality education.

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

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

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

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

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

We look forward to welcoming you in September.

If you have any questions, please send them to your Course Leader: Sarah Postles - sarah.postles@staffs.ac.uk

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