Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
CONTENTS
- What is paramedic science?
- Paramedic entry requirements
- What qualifications do you need to be a paramedic?
- Best universities for paramedic science UK
- How to compare paramedic courses
- How to compare paramedic courses in Clearing
- What if you can't find a paramedic degree in Clearing?
What is paramedic science?
Paramedic science is the study of emergency care and how to help those at the scene of an accident. When an accident occurs, causing injury or distress, paramedics are the first responders. Typically working in a team of two, they treat patients at the scene or act as transport to a medical support facility.
Studying paramedic science will equip students with the ability to think quickly, respond to situations in an informed manner and provide urgent assistance. Paramedic science courses can cover the fundamentals of paramedic practice, using paramedic equipment, how to treat, diagnose and administer healthcare, and will involve a placement opportunity.
Paramedic entry requirements
The minimum UCAS points required to study a paramedic science degree ranges from 81 points (BCC at A-Level; MPP-MM at BTEC level) to 128 points (ABB at A-Level; DDM at BTEC level).
| Type | Minimum grades/points required (with Foundation Year) | Minimum grades/points required | Maximum grades/points required | Average grades/points required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCAS Points | - | 104 | 128 | 112 |
| A-levels | - | BCC | ABB | BBC |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | - | MPP-MM | DDM | DMM-D*D |
| International Baccalaureate | - | 24 | 36 | 30 |
What qualifications do you need to be a paramedic?
A-levels
For most universities, you’ll need to have three A-levels, with one being a science-based A-level. Typically, general studies or critical thinking subjects are not accepted.
BTECs
You can be accepted onto most paramedic science courses with a BTEC qualification. You’ll need a DDM for the top universities, though you could find a place elsewhere with as little as MPP-MM.
GCSEs
You’ll need to have a minimum of five GCSE grades at grade C or higher, with most universities requiring English, mathematics and science.
Be aware that paramedic entry requirements will differ based on the university and the course being offered. Ensure you check this carefully before you apply.
If your UCAS points total doesn’t meet the minimum entry requirements, then you could consider studying a paramedic science degree integrated with a foundation year. Foundation years help prepare students without the necessary qualifications for degree-level learning in their chosen subject. Once you’ve completed the foundation year, you’ll go into year one of the degree programme.
Entry requirements for a paramedic science degree with an integrated foundation don’t require you to have sat your A-levels. You'll need to have passed GCSE English and mathematics with a grade C or higher. Courses with foundation years are however more expensive. The foundation year will be charged at the same rate as a year on the degree.
Best universities for paramedic science UK
Our sister site, the Complete University Guide, publishes university league tables every year ranking UK unis nationally and in 70+ subject areas. Check out the latest rankings to see the best UK unis for paramedic science.
How to compare paramedic courses
You can compare paramedic science courses easily using Whatuni. The first step is to enter 'Paramedic Science' into Whatuni’s course search tool, which will give you a list of all the paramedic science courses available in the UK. To personalise your search, click ‘YOUR GRADES’ and fill out your grades in the onscreen form.
You can then use the other filters to further personalise the results by the things that might be important to you. Once you’ve narrowed down the results, you can browse through them, clicking on the course name to see the full course information, including course outline, module choices, entry requirements, fee information and key course stats.
Here are some factors to consider when comparing paramedic science courses:
Module choices
Not all paramedic science courses are created equal. Module choices can vary between courses so make sure to check that the modules on offer interest you and fit in with the career path you want to take.
Course accreditation
Be sure to check that your course, upon completion, will make you eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Placement year opportunities
All paramedic science degrees offer a professional placement year as part of their course, where you can gain experience working in a real-life clinical setting. This experience will help boost your chances of finding work after you’ve graduated.
How to compare paramedic courses in Clearing
When Clearing opens this year, you'll be able to see what paramedic science courses are available, and compare them, using Whatuni’s Clearing tool.
Some universities lower course entry requirements during Clearing. You might find that you're eligible for courses you'd previously dismissed. You can see up to date entry requirements on the individual paramedic science course pages for each university right here on Whatuni.
In the meantime, pre-register for Clearing this year. You’ll receive regular advice leading up to Clearing, have access to Whatuni’s Clearing guide and be able to save and compare paramedic courses once Clearing begins.
What if you can’t find a paramedic science course in Clearing?
If you can’t find a paramedic science course through Clearing, there are alternative options available:
- Apply for a paramedic foundation degree or HND/HNC: there are paramedic foundation degrees and paramedic HND/HNC courses that might have different entry requirements or levels of uptake that could mean you'll be able to get a place on them.
- Apply for a paramedic apprenticeship: you could apply for a paramedic apprenticeship as an alternative to doing a bachelor’s. This will offer you the chance to study while also working and earning income. You'll need to apply with an ambulance service trust, and vacancies can be found on either the NHS job website or the Find an apprenticeship website.
- Apply to be a student paramedic: become a student paramedic with an ambulance service and study. The entry requirements are set by each service but typically require you to have at least five GCSEs, with a grade C or higher, including English, mathematics and science, or an equivalent qualification containing a health or science-related component. Student paramedic vacancies can be found on the NHS job website.
- Take a gap year and resit your exams: if you have your heart set on a specific course, consider taking a year out to study more and resit your exams in autumn or next year. You could even gain relevant work experience to boost your UCAS application.
