Paramedic Science Access to HE, P00514

About this Course

This Level 3 qualification is aimed at adult learners who are looking to return to education to gain the qualifications they need to enter higher education. Our students typically go on to study a broad range of subjects at university, such as nursing (adult, child, mental health), midwifery, ODP (operating department practice), physiotherapy, radiography, occupational therapy, biomedical science, paramedic practice, health and community development and science education. Many students go on to work for the NHS or in the healthcare sector.

Key Units

This qualification is run over three days per week and prepares students for university degrees in paramedic science or paramedic practice.

Around one quarter of the qualification is devoted to essential study skills which will help you to prepare for university study, particularly if you have been out of education for a while. The remainder of the qualification is devoted to the study of fundamental scientific principles, with a strong focus on human biology, making it perfect for students wishing to enter careers in nursing, midwifery, paramedic science or other health care occupations.

You will receive approximately 15 hours contact per week with our small, supportive team of lecturers, including time with your Tutorial Mentor, who will support you with you university application, along with any personal issues you may have. In addition to this, we expect students to carry out an equivalent amount of personal study, for example reading around the subject, writing up notes and completing assignments.

There will also be opportunities for collaborative working with your fellow students and you will be signposted to live and virtual events in the city which will enrich your learning experience.

The Diploma is composed of 5 study strands:

Study skills

Academic writing
Presentation skills

Numeracy

Statistics

Chemistry

Fundamental concepts
Chemistry of drugs and medicines

Biology

Genetics
Infection and immunity
Cellular biology and biochemistry
Human systems physiology

Health

Health care communications
Mental health
Exploring concepts and determinants of health

Entry Requirements

Students should already hold (or be in the process of obtaining):

Grade 4/C or above in GCSE English Language
Grade 4/C or above in GCSE Maths

It is also desirable for you to have some previous science education and work experience relevant to the career you wish to pursue.

If you have qualifications from outside of the UK you must establish the equivalency of these using, for instance, NARIC, and provide proof at enrolment.

For students who do not currently meet the requirements, the college offers a pre-access qualification which is a one year study programme designed to help students develop their skills and knowledge in preparation for study on an Access to HE Diploma.

Assessment

Assessment will take place continuously throughout the year, on a module-by-module basis.

There are approximately 35 assessments in total, these will take a variety of forms, including (but not limited to):

essays, reports, presentations, posters, time–constrained assessments.

Most assessments are undertaken individually, but some may involve pair or group work.

There is no terminal examination.

Where does this Lead

Many of our students go straight to university once they complete this Diploma, often studying the BSc Paramedic Science at Sheffield Hallam University.

Access to Health Science students who progress to university often choose to study subjects such as:

Physiotherapy
Nursing
Midwifery
Paramedic Science
Nutrition
Operating Department Practice
Radiography

Future Opportunities

Key progression routes are into areas of health and well-being at university, and then into professional careers in the care/health sector, as well as broader scientific study such as biomedicine and education.

Many of our students go on to work for the NHS.

Tell Me More

Funding

Most students fund this course by applying for a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan from the government, although it is also possible to self-fund either as a lump sum or in installments.

Extra Costs

There are no additional fees associated with this Diploma, as all practical equipment required is provided.

Students will need to supply their own stationery, and some choose to buy their own textbooks, although physical and electronic copies of key texts are available from the college's Learning Resource Centre.

Paramedic Science Access to HE