Course facts

Course facts

Qualification: Paramedic Science Foundation Degree
UCAS code: B780
UCAS deadline: 15 January 2012
Duration: Two years full-time, graduate route one year full-time
Location: St George’s, University of London; Kingston University; London Ambulance Service

Unfortunately non-EU students may not apply

Course overview

This course explores the educational foundation of the paramedic profession. It is an evidence-based degree that combines diverse academic, interpersonal and physical skills to produce well-rounded practitioners. You may join us as soon as you’ve completed your A Levels or appropriate further education courses.This course enables you to train as a paramedic, providing immediate assistance to patients in the emergency pre-hospital care environment. The degree combines learning in the workplace with academic study and is delivered by St George's, University of London, and Kingston University in conjunction with NHS Ambulance Trusts.This course is based at St George’s and offered by the joint Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences. Visit Kingston’s Centre for Paramedic Science webpages for more information.

Paramedics assist individuals, families and groups to meet their healthcare needs, most often in an emergency or crisis. Their work involves assisting people whose autonomy and/or capacity is impaired, who may present with a range of disabilities or health-related problems, sometimes acting for, or on behalf of, the patient.

Paramedics work prinicipally in an emergency, out of hospital care setting with patients and their families. Work is most often unscheduled and highly variable. The defining features of paramedic care are that it is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and focuses on meeting immediate emergency care needs. Paramedics also provide critical care transportation services, often as part of a team of health professionals. While the NHS employs the majority of paramedics some work in the private sector.

Paramedics embrace the concepts of inclusion, equal opportunities, individual rights, and empowerment of patients. Professional and patient/client autonomy is a key feature of the paramedic’s role.

Our graduates often join ambulance teams, assessing, treating and transporting sick and injured people. Increasingly they take on roles helping individuals, families and groups meet their healthcare needs in an emergency or crisis. With further study, graduates may specialise in extended care, critical care, management or research.

Health and social care work experience is essential to your application and needs to be detailed in your personal statement. This will be used as part of the selection process.