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Certificate HE - Pre-hospital Emergency Care

Would you like to become a paramedic? This one-year programme, run in partnership with the South Western Ambulance Service, provides a unique opportunity to enter the ambulance service and will help you gain access to a paramedic career pathway.

On successful completion of the course, you will have completed the first year (120 credits) of a BSc Paramedic Science course and will be offered a role as an emergency care assistant with the South Western Ambulance Service (subject to pre-employment checks). Within 12-18 months of completion of this course, you will be offered a place on the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science Degree Level Apprenticeship, which will complete your paramedic training, enabling you to qualify as a paramedic.

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In Partnership With:

South Western Ambulance Service

Course Overview

This programme has been co-created with ambulance partners to provide an alternative route into the ambulance service, where you will be supported by the university to develop the appropriate skills and knowledge to access employment.

You will be taught by both university staff and experienced paramedics from a range of clinical backgrounds, with teaching delivered both online and face-to-face at Wiltshire Air Ambulance base. This blended learning provides flexibility, allowing you to fit your learning around other responsibilities, such as caring responsibilities.

As part of the course, you will gain real-world experience of pre-hospital emergency care through placements with the South Western Ambulance Service in Bristol, Wiltshire, Somerset, or Dorset.

On this course you will...

Learn online and also through face to face sessions at Wiltshire Air Ambulance Station.
Attend placements located at ambulance stations within Wiltshire, Somerset, or Dorset (SWAST area).
Be provided with blue light training (the emergency driving qualification) as part of this programme designed to prepare you for employment within the ambulance service.
Upon successful completion of the programme and subject to pre-employment checks, you will be offered a role as an emergency care assistant within South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. This opportunity will be based within Wiltshire, Somerset or Dorset.

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Key Details

Recruiting toUK / RoI / Settled in UK
Course LocationBlended Learning
South West England
Institute Institute of Health
UCAS CodeB782
Delivery StyleBlended/work-based learning
Course DurationFull-time: 1 Year
Course Start PointApril
September
AwardCertificate HE
More informationProgramme Specification
Prospectus
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Minimum entry requirements

112-120

UCAS Tariff points

Tuition fees

£9,535

UK | Per year

Tuition Fees Policy

Course Structure

What you will learn

On this programme, you will gain experience both clinically and academically, in pre-hospital care in both the ambulance service and in other clinical settings. As part of the programme, you will be provided with blue light driver training course.

Within 18 months of successful completion of this programme you will be offered a place on the BSc Hons- Paramedic Science (degree level apprenticeship).

Year one

This programme comprises 5 modules that have been directly taken from our BSc Paramedic Science programme. The selection of modules will develop your knowledge and understanding in order to work effectively within the ambulance service.

Developing Person-centred Care in Paramedic Practice 1
This module will enable you to demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of person-centred care, communication and your own wellbeing and mental health.
Physical and Clinical Sciences
This module will enable you to demonstrate foundational knowledge of the structure and function of human anatomy and physiology.
Clinical Practice 1
This module will enable you to undertake a period of development in the clinical practice environment.
Professionalism and Followship
You will develop your understanding of professionalism, leadership and followship.
Introduction to Research and Evidence-based Practice
You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the evidence base for pre-hospital and emergency care.

Overview

112-120 UCAS Tariff Points, You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table. Offers are tailored to the individual applicant and their circumstances and can be across the tariff range. Applicants who meet our contextual information criteria will be offered at the bottom of the range.

GCSE English and Maths or equivalent level 2 qualification

FITNESS TO PRACTISE
All offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening. Further information will be provided following acceptance of an offer (and no earlier than three months before the course start date).
Please note that Professional Bodies, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), have certain requirements regarding the health and good character status of applicants and students. Please read the NMC and HCPC information to find out more.
For more information about core competencies and medical fitness to train please click here.
In some instances, an applicant may be invited to attend a professional practice panel to discuss any recommended reasonable adjustments, and whether or not core professional competencies are achievable.

For information about Medical Clearance and vaccination requirements  click here.

DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE CHECK

If you accept an offer of a place we require you to comply with an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background clearance check. Details on the policy can be found here.
If you think you have a criminal conviction You will need to submit a Criminal Record Self Disclosure Form as part of the process For more information on this and the form itself, please refer to Self-disclosure of criminal record.

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

GCSEs: GCSE English Language and Maths at C/4 or above or equivalent qualification

A-levels: BBC-BBB

T-levels: Merit

Access to HE: 21 Credits at Distinction & 24 at Merit

CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: B

OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: DMM

Scottish Highers: BBBB – AABB

Irish LC Highers: B2x2, A2x2 – A2x4

Other experience: We are unable to accept BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Public Services. Experience in some aspect of the paramedic role. Must have a full UK driving license. A C1 license is not required - the South West Ambulance Service will fund C1 ambulance driver training.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

£9,535 - UK

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..

Student Finance

Additional Costs

There may be some additional costs associated with the course including stationery, textbooks, field trips and membership fees although some of these features are optional.

Books and Journals

Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.

Clothing and Equipment

Students will be provided with a uniform

Other

Students will complete placements within the course, this may incur costs.

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Certificate HE - Pre-hospital Emergency Care