BSc Paramedic Science

You will: 

• Complete the 'Managing Complexity in Paramedic Practice module' - a core paramedic module that will prepare you to manage clinical challenges autonomously, safely and effectively in complex, unfamiliar or unpredictable circumstances within the scope of paramedic practice.
• Carry out further practice-based learning within the clinical setting and will enable you to consolidate your knowledge and clinical skills in preparation for autonomous paramedic practice following registration.
• Complete the 'Being a Person-centred Practitioner' module. This will help you in your career as you will be required to support junior and unqualified colleagues and to lead and develop practice. 
• Develop an indepth understanding of approaches to research, to apply knowledge in order to critically appraise evidence and to form reasoned conclusions required for graduate level thinking.

Modules

Managing Complexity in Paramedic Practice: This is the core paramedic module in Year Three and will prepare you to manage clinical challenges autonomously, safely and effectively in complex, unfamiliar or unpredictable circumstances within the scope of paramedic practice. You will learn how to justify effective problem solving, clinical judgement and decision making in paramedic practice in a wide range of contexts in relation to evidence. You will learn how to confidently interpret and prioritise the findings from assessment and to determine the appropriate diagnosis, treatment, referral or discharge of persons requiring care. You will learn how to critically evaluate strategies and responses to manage major incidents and complex situations including trauma and persons with deterioration. We will evaluate together the impact of leadership and team working in paramedic practice and you will learn how to facilitate and promote approaches for supported self- management with people in a holistic and person centred manner.

Paramedic Practice-based Learning 3: This module is undertaken within the clinical setting and will enable you to consolidate your knowledge and clinical skills in preparation for autonomous paramedic practice following registration. This module will give you an opportunity to practice how to modify and adapt clinical assessment and practice to safely meet the needs of persons, minimising risk and promoting shared decision making, while considering the diverse cultural socioeconomic, physical and mental health needs of the population. You will be able to evaluate your own communication and team working skills with paramedic colleagues and other health and care professionals to contribute to effective multidisciplinary practice. You will learn how to practice autonomously and support junior and unqualified staff to work professionally and ethically to promote evidence based, person centred working and to meet the needs of vulnerable persons.

Being a Person-centred Practitioner: Following registration paramedics will be required to support junior and unqualified colleagues and to lead and develop practice. In this module we will help you to critically and creatively learn more about person-centred practice and how you can enhance ‘knowing' and ‘doing' as a person-centred practitioner and leader within the context of health and social care. You will have the opportunity to develop leadership and facilitation skills for person-centred cultures and evidence-informed practice in health and social care contexts.

Skills for Paramedic Practice 3: This module will enable you to extend, build and consolidate the skills developed in Years One and Two help you to prepare for autonomous working at the point of transition to professional paramedic practice. Within the clinical skills facilities at QMU, simulation we will use virtual reality technology which re-create real-life conditions for assessment and care. You will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice and safely practice the paramedic skills and standards of proficiency required for HCPC registration. This module will help you to develop confidence in paramedic skills and give you an opportunity to practice in safe simulated environment.

Understanding and Appraising the Evidence for Practice: The aim of the module is to support you to develop an in-depth understanding of approaches to research, to apply knowledge in order to critically appraise evidence and to form reasoned conclusions requited for graduate level thinking. This skillset will prepare you for lifelong learning and continued professional development required for safe, effective and person-centred paramedic practice.

Practice-based learning forms a major portion of the paramedic course and there will be placement opportunities in each year.

Clinical placements will provide the opportunity to integrate practice with theory by working directly with patients and qualified staff. This includes in care homes and settings providing care for ill adults, children and infants, emergency care, mental health, community and primary care.

QMU manages the sourcing and allocation of full-time placements for each student.

Placements take place within Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders regions.

Placements take place across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders. It is therefore likely that students will have to relocate for at least some of their practice based learning unless they have individual requirements (eg specific health needs or school age children) that mean they must remain in a specific location. The additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the student. Students who receive SAAS funding may be able to claim for some of these expenses to be reimbursed.

The University requires all students to demonstrate sufficient academic English language proficiency to undertake and derive full benefit from their chosen programme of study. This page acts a guide to help you meet the English language requirements for your chosen course.

Students who are not a national of a Majority English Speaking Country, as recognised by the UKVI, must meet the English language requirements of their intended programme of study.

You will learn through face to face sessions and on-line. Learning and teaching approaches include lectures, seminars, practical laboratories and placements. We also use case based approaches, interactive learning, group work, simulation, virtual reality and games. Outside timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through self-study. Assessments will include practical work, written exams and assignments.