BSc Paramedic Science
University of the West of Scotland
About this course
BSc in Paramedic Science, a paramedic science degree centred on frontline emergency care and healthcare delivery. Successful completion of the degree makes graduates eligible to apply for registration as a paramedic with the Health and Care Professions Council. Students undertake practice-based education experiences over the three years across ambulance and non-ambulance settings.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Please note that due to the special contractual arrangements between the University and NHS Education for Scotland (NES), we are only permitted to recruit Scottish applicants on the BSc Paramedic Science. if your qualifications are not listed here, we take a range of factors into account when assessing your application and are happy to consider other alternative combinations of qualifications and experience. | Year 1 -- Scottish Highers: Standard Entry Requirements: ABBB (114 UCAS Tariff points) including Biology or Human Biology and English† Minimum Entry Requirements: BBBB (108 UCAS Tariff points) including Biology or Human Biology and English†; A levels: BCC (104 UCAS Tariff Points) including Biology/Human Biology, plus GCSE English Language and English Literature with Grade 5/C or above; Irish Leaving Certificate: H1 H2 H2 H2 including Biology or Human Biology and English; International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 27 points with 3 subjects at Higher level, including Biology and English; SQA HNC / BTEC Level 4 HNC: Health or Science related subject that includes Human Physiology/Biology, plus SQA Higher English (or equivalent†); SQA HND / BTEC Level 5 HND: Sport Therapy, Dental Nursing; Scottish Wider Access Programme: Access to Medicine or Access to Science or Access to Health and Sciences or Access to Life Sciences with Grades AAB achieved within the past two years, plus SQA Higher English† (Grade B, or above).; Entry to the course will be competitive and dependent on the outcome of the selection process and background checks:; Personal interview (which will include numeracy and literacy assessment); Health screening; Membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme; Moving & handling; Access to the programme is dependent on Occupational Health, Protecting Vulnerable Group and Moving & Handling clearance. Failure to attend an occupational health appointment and moving & handling training on two occasions, without prior notice, may result in you being required to pay an administration fee of £60 to cover the cost of non-attendance. Not attending costs the University approximately £120 per appointment. In addition, not completing the Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) application on two occasions may result in you being required to pay the cost to complete the application, you can find a note of the current cost at Disclosure Scotland; † Scottish Higher English Equivalents: GCSE - Both English Language and English Literature (Grade 5/C, or above); SQA NC modules - Communications & Literature 1 (usually offered as part of SWAP or within HNCs) with passes in both modules required; Open University's English for Academic Purposes (Grade Pass); Aberdeen University's Access to English at SCQF Level 6 (Grade Pass) | Alternative qualifications and experience -- Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements but hold relevant qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis. Alternative qualifications include:; Access to Paramedic Science via Distance Learning Centre acceptable Year 1; Academy Online Access to HE Diploma Paramedic Sciences for year 1; Future Qualification Diploma for Ambulance Technicians (usually employed and working for the Scottish Ambulance Service) at L7 for year 1; NPA BTEC L3 Diploma in Pharmacy Technician for year 1; HND Dental Nursing for entry to Year 1 will be considered
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What students say
Based on about 45 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 99%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 95%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 95%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 97%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 70 students who started
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 9%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 17 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Working and studying: 5%
Most common jobs
- Other Health Professionals: 60%
- Quality and Regulatory Professionals: 25%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 100%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 95%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 125 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 2%
- South East: 2%
- South West: 1%
- Scotland: 92%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 70 students who started
- A levels: 39%
- Access course: 3%
- A degree: 17%
- Other HE qualification: 41%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a paramedic.
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Paramedic Science at University of the West of Scotland earn?
The median salary is £37,000 after 15 months, £24,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,500 and £37,000. The £30,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Health sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Paramedic Science at University of the West of Scotland do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Paramedic Science at University of the West of Scotland?
99% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BSc Paramedic Science at University of the West of Scotland?
The typical offer is BCC at A level, or 27 points in the IB. The average entrant had 172 UCAS points.
Is BSc Paramedic Science at University of the West of Scotland accredited?
Yes. Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a paramedic.
How many students continue on BSc Paramedic Science at University of the West of Scotland?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 9% left higher education.