Intro

As a paramedic you'll work in fast-paced environments which can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. You'll assess patient’s conditions and make potentially lifesaving decisions about treatment and hospital transfer.

Our accredited Paramedic Science degree gives you the skills and knowledge to qualify.

You'll practise in our specialist facilities and further develop your clinical skills through placements. Around 50% of the degree is spent on placement with our local ambulance service and in other healthcare settings.

You'll share some of your learning with other health students enabling you to benefit from sharing and collaborating.

Key facts

Location Brighton: Falmer

UCAS code B780

Full-time 3 years

Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and endorsed by the College of Paramedics

To be considered for this course you must submit your application by 29 January 2025.

What are my next steps?

Open days are the best way to find out about your course, the campus where you'll be based, and get a feel for the University of Brighton.

Book your place: Falmer campus open day 27 and 28 June

Or if you're ready, apply now with UCAS for 2025

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

A-levels
ABB, must include a science or social science subject at grade B. A-level general studies is not accepted.

BTEC
DDM in a health or science subject.

International Baccalaureate
32 overall with three subjects at Higher level.

Access to HE Diploma
pass with 60 credits overall. Health studies, nursing or science. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 30 credits at distinction and 15 credits at merit or above.

T-level
Distinction in the Health, Healthcare Science or Science T-level. Health T-level specialisms must include supporting the adult nursing team, supporting the midwifery team, and supporting the care of children and young people. Other T-levels are not accepted.

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)

  • with Access course – GCSE maths and English.
  • with A-levels, BTEC, K101 or K102 – at least three GCSEs including maths, English and science.

If you do not have the required GCSEs, find out which equivalent qualifications we accept instead.

Foundation degree/HND
acceptable.

Age requirement
Applicants must be aged 18 or over on the day the course begins.

Other qualifications
We accept a range of other qualifications but they must be  equivalent to Level 3 and contain the appropriate amount of science content.

You must also be able to demonstrate the following:

  • completion of 10 years' general education
  • evidence of study within the last five years is desirable
  • evidence of commitment to the profession
  • passing of occupational health and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Applicants must be resident in the UK, EU or the Channel Islands in order to meet NHS eligibility requirements.

Admission to the programme is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) Section 4 (2) (Exemptions) Order 1975 and DHSS Circular HC (88)9 guidelines regarding police checks and child protection

Interviews will be conducted jointly by the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and university staff. A preliminary telephone interview may be used to aid shortlisting.

Occupational health screening and vaccinations
You will need to complete an occupational health screening and we strongly encourage that you get all of the required vaccinations. Particular vaccinations are a requirement of certain NHS placement providers and are in place to protect you and the patients. Without the appropriate vaccinations you will not be able to undertake some placements – and this may impact on your ability to complete your course. The list of required vaccinations is updated by the NHS and may change over the course of your studies.

Deferred applications
We are not able to accept applications for deferred entry onto this course. If you wish to apply for a later year of entry, we recommend waiting until the admissions cycle for that year opens – this is usually in October of each year.

We embrace diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those who form part of minority groups.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3. 

Interviews

If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend an interview.

Interview dates for courses starting in September 2025 will be published soon.

Contextual admissions

When you apply to Brighton, we want to get to know the real you. Grades matter of course but we also value creativity, persistence, resourcefulness and big ideas. We know that some students face challenges beyond their control when it comes to meeting grade requirements. That’s why we look at every person who applies to Brighton as an individual, and consider a many qualifications, achievements and experiences. Find out about our admissions policies.

You may also qualify for extra financial support from us through our Brighton Boost cost of living package. Find out about the Brighton Boost.

Graphic with the text 'Potential + possibility'

Course content

Top reasons to choose this course

  • Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and endorsed by the College of Paramedics.
  • Apply theory to practice on placement with opportunities in areas such as mental health, the emergency department, operating theatres, paediatrics, maternity and primary care.
  • Specialist facilities including a community flat, and clinical skills and simulation suites.  
  • Collaborate with other health students as you would in the real world.
  • Non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each academic year.
  • 95% of our graduates in work or further study 15 months after their degree, 100% of working graduates in highly skilled work as health professionals – Graduate Outcomes Survey.
  • Brighton is in the UK top 25% for graduate earnings in allied health, three years after graduating – Longitudinal Education Outcomes 2022.
paramedic students putting a mannequin on a trolley

Course structure

The syllabus covers the core areas necessary for a career as a paramedic, including physical, social and behavioural sciences, pharmacology and research methods.

The course is divided evenly between theory and practice, focusing on the development of clinical skills through placements with working paramedics. Placements are designed to build progressively and to link up with the rest of your studies. The hours spent in clinical practice will increase in your final year as you make final preparations for the workplace.

You will share some of your learning with other health specialities, enabling you to benefit from sharing and collaborating with fellow students (eg midwives).

As well as through essays, exams and poster presentations, we monitor your progress using practical assessments. Our Flexible Learning Environment is equipped with video cameras and microphones to record and replay your responses to simulated emergency scenarios, and we place a huge emphasis on your performance in these tests.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Recognising that patients are at the heart of everything the NHS does, we have embedded the core values of the NHS Constitution — respect, dignity, compassion and collaboration — into our curriculum.

Year 1 

In year 1, you will get weekly experience with ambulance crews alongside classroom-based study of the foundations of paramedic practice and introductions to the physical, social and behavioural sciences. You will learn essential clinical skills before and during your practice placement, and across the year. 

Modules

  • Foundations of Paramedic Practice

    This module introduces you to human anatomy and physiology, principles of pharmacology and pathophysiology in relation to paramedic science.

  • Introduction to Clinical Skills for Paramedics

    Theoretical and practical sessions enable you to develop an understanding of basic patient assessment and observations including how and why these are important for the paramedic. You will develop knowledge and understanding of adult basic life support in line with current ERC guidelines. You'll become competent and confident in assessing a patient’s basic clinical observations and in performing adult basic life support through practice sessions using clinical equipment and manikins.

  • The Professional and Academic Nature of Paramedic Science

    This module enables you to develop your practice from the perspectives of law, ethics and professional identity. It will develop your understanding of, and competence in using, published research as evidence on which to base practice.

  • Social and Behavioural Sciences for Paramedics

    This module allows you to explore theoretical knowledge of social and behavioural theories. You'll apply this knowledge to your own practice experience and understanding of health policy within the NHS and its impact on paramedic science.

  • Applied Paramedic Science (Year 1)

    This module will immerse you in clinical practice, providing opportunities for supervised practice of clinical skills in an ambulance trust, in non-ambulance healthcare environments and at the university.

student paramedic practising injection

Year 2 

Year 2 focuses on physical assessment, care delivery, and the role of evidence and research. You will learn more advanced clinical skills and patient management, particularly in relation to trauma, and have the chance to apply your knowledge in both practice settings and your continued work placements.

Modules

  • Patient Assessment for Paramedics

    As a paramedic you will be required to undertake systematic patient assessments; this module prepares you to assess patients and gather subjective and objective data which can be used to inform appropriate clinical decision-making. You will learn assessment strategies and skills for a range of body systems including respiratory, cardiovascular, abdominal, neurological, musculoskeletal and mental health, as well as the practical, legal and ethical aspects of patient assessment.

  • Research Appreciation

    During this module, you will analyse research methods in order to consider the implications of an evidence-based approach to your practice. The research process will be broken down so you can appreciate its individual components. Topics include sources of knowledge; evidence-based practice; quantitative and qualitative research methodology; methods of collecting data; and ethics and law in research.

  • Assessment and Management of the High Acuity Patient

    This module focuses on the assessment, treatment and management of serious and severe diseases, with a focus on traumatically injured patients. You will study the principles of evaluating and critically appraising the need for further assessment, intervention or referral to specialist or advanced paramedics or clinicians and other services. You’ll also learn to apply safe, appropriate and effective basic and advanced life support across the ages.

  • Paramedic Care Delivery: Common Presentations

    This module addresses out of hospital assessment, treatment, care and management of common minor illnesses and injuries and will enhance your knowledge of applied pathophysiology and associated pharmacology. You will develop and analyse your clinical decisions, examine national and local policies and guidance and explore relevant referral pathways outside of hospital.

  • Applied Paramedic Science (Year 2)

    In this module, you will be learning in ambulance and non-ambulance clinical placements through participation, observation, support and feedback from your practice educator. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage an advanced life support resuscitation for adults and children. Module topics include scene safety; clinical decision-making; theory and practice of airway management; and advanced life support.

Paramedics Brighton

Final year 

In the final year, you will further develop your clinical skills and prepare to become a registered paramedic.

Modules

  • Collaborative Paramedic Practice in Contemporary Healthcare

    Paramedic practice operates in a rapidly expanding and diversifying healthcare environment and this module will equip you with the knowledge and understanding required to function effectively within the inter-professional nature of healthcare both now and in the future. You will explore the importance of inter-agency and inter-professional working and develop a systematic understanding of the changing and developing role of the paramedic within the ambulance setting.

  • Applied Paramedic Science (Year 3)

    This module will immerse you in clinical practice and provide opportunities for supervised practice of clinical skills, both in an ambulance trust and university, and assessment of that practice. You will demonstrate a safe and appropriate level of knowledge and understanding to comply with the standards of proficiency for paramedics.

  • Leadership, Management and Human Factors for Paramedic Science

    This module will develop your understanding of the role of paramedic in a working environment. You will explore the leadership, managerial and organisational expertise and attributes required for the role, and develop the knowledge and skills needed to take on the clinical lead role within emergency, time critical and pre-hospital incidents.

  • Dissertation: Paramedic Science

    In this key module you will complete either a comprehensive literature review or design a research proposal related to an area of paramedic science. By working in a thorough and systematic manner you will ensure that the results, conclusions or proposals are reliable to support an evidence-based approach to practice.

Paramedic students during an exercise

Placements

To ensure you can confidently apply theory to practice, you’ll spend 50% of your studies out on placement.

The majority of your time on placement will be spent with South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust - our local ambulance service.

Other placement opportunities include working in areas such as mental health, the emergency department, operating theatres, paediatrics, maternity and primary care to ensure you gain a wide range of experiences. Placements are likely to include school holidays, some weekends and some nights.

Throughout your placements you will be supported by a mentor. 

As a student on this course you’ll also get to participate in Schwartz Rounds – hour-long sessions where students come together to listen to stories and share reflections in a supportive and confidential environment. The sessions offer the opportunity to reflect on the emotional aspects of clinical practice and are designed to support students and recent graduates working in complex settings.

two female student paramedics laughing

Facilities

Community flat

The community flat is a replica home environment where you’ll be able to practice skills and learn from other students while taking part in realistic training scenarios.

Every room is fitted with cameras and microphones, so that you can be directed and monitored from the control room, while the observation room provides the opportunity to review, playback and debrief.

Clinical Skills and Simulation Suite
Our Clinical Skills and Simulation Suite is an invaluable tool for assessment and monitoring students' progress throughout the course. 

You will benefit from practising skills in an environment that simulates real-life professional experiences. 

Learning by simulation means you will be confident in your ability to apply your knowledge and skills in your day-to-day professional life.

student paramedics with a mannequin

Course leader

Chris, course leader

I am an experienced Advanced Clinician and educationalist. Having started my ambulance career in 2008 as an Ambulance Technician, I progressed to become a Critical Care Paramedic Manager. I have held this role since 2016 and have worked at the University of Brighton since 2014. I continue to work part-time in clinical practice, as I not only enjoy the role, but it ensures I am able to keep clinically competent and up to date.

I take great joy and pride in supporting students on their learning journey through our course and I am honoured to be able to head the Paramedic Science BSc(Hons). Our students complete the course as highly competent and professional registered Paramedics. This is due to their hard work and to the dedication, experience and clinical seniority of our paramedic team.

I have always continued my own development, for example with an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice to become an Advanced Critical Care Practitioner and have been involved with publishing several paramedic books. I have been honoured with receiving various accolades throughout my career, including being awarded a decoration from The Royal Humane Society and two Association of Ambulance Chief Executives commendation awards.

I have a passion for all things paramedicine, with a particular interest in human factors. I strive to use my clinical, educational and managerial experience and expertise to support all our students as they progress through our course to become the leading paramedics of the future.

Meet the team

Adam Davis

I am currently the Joint Inter-Professional Lead for the Paramedic Program, which entails me working with non-traditional placement providers to provide clinical experience for students outside an ambulance environment. I joined the ambulance service in London and worked there for 16 years. 

I undertook a variety of roles, mostly around liaising and working with allied agencies such as the police and the fire service. This experience has enabled me to bring the joint working to Brighton, and to share this with the students, providing them with experience days alongside these agencies. 

Chris Storey

As an ex-student of the paramedic course at the University of Brighton I was flattered to be offered a role as a senior lecturer on the course team in 2015. Since then I have retained contact with the ambulance service through voluntary work and most recently by taking on the role of Ambulance Placements Lead. Additionally, in 2023 I took on the role of Admissions Tutor and have a key part to play in the selection of new students for the course each year.

I have contributed to the paramedic publications: Foundations of Paramedic Practice and The Student Paramedic Survival Guide (both edited by A.Y. Blaber) as well as writing The Good Student Paramedic’s Guide to Patient Assessment and Ouch! The Good Student Paramedic’s Guide to PAIN.

Claire Fox-Wilson

Teaching has always been a big part of my career: as a paramedic mentoring staff and teaching on annual updates, following this as a Resuscitation Officer and currently as a Transfusion Practitioner and Lecturer.

I've always taken great pride in the progress made by the students that I have assisted with their development. It is satisfying seeing them become more competent and knowledgeable practitioners, knowing you have been integral to their journey.

James Hoyles

I have been a registered paramedic for the past 13 years. I began my career with SECAmb in 2011, and since then have been fortunate to work in various clinical role across the Trust. I spent three years working as a Hazardous Area Response Team paramedic at both Ashford and Gatwick sites, until progressing on to the Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) course in 2016.

I have a keen interest in major trauma, which led me to take a career detour to work as a Major Trauma Advanced Clinical Practitioner in the regional Major Trauma Centre. I spent a year in this role, integrating with resuscitation and surgical teams before returning to the ambulance service as a CCP in the Brighton area and joining the team at University of Brighton.

Rich Borrett

With over a decade of experience as a paramedic, I have developed a broad skill set and a passion for patient care. I began my career at South East Coast Ambulance Service, where I obtained my Diploma in Primary and Urgent Care. As my career progressed, I took on the role of an advanced clinical practitioner where I assess a wide range of patients across majors, resuscitation and paediatric areas of the emergency department.

Beyond my clinical work, I’m also an advanced life support instructor for the Resuscitation Council UK. This role complements my passion for education, particularly in working with students. As a lecturer at the University of Brighton, I find immense satisfaction in helping to shape the next generation of paramedics. By drawing on my practical experiences, I aim to create engaging, real-world learning opportunities that inspire and prepare my students for the challenges they will face in their careers.

Tatiana Leszczynski

I am an experienced Critical Care Paramedic with a strong background in both clinical practice and education. My career began in 2013 when I started as a student paramedic in Australia, completing my degree and becoming a qualified paramedic in 2015. I have been working in the UK since then, where I became a qualified Critical Care Paramedic in 2019. My role has provided me with extensive hands-on experience in managing and treating critically unwell patients in out-of-hospital settings, including trauma, cardiac, and medical emergencies.

Beyond clinical practice, I am committed to education and professional development, both for myself and others. My teaching approach is flexible, using different techniques to cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring that everyone from students to senior staff members can develop their skills.

Vicky Logan

I was a member of the first ever paramedic degree cohort at the University of Brighton in 2009. I now have over 15 years frontline NHS ambulance experience and my lived experience of being a student paramedic has made me compassionate and proactive in helping students succeed.

As part of my continued professional development, I undertook a PGDip in Delivering Quality Healthcare and have since been working as an Advanced Paramedic Practitioner (APP) for South East Coast Ambulance (SECamb). I now continue to practice clinically part-time alongside lecturing at the University of Brighton which ensures that I am teaching from the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge base. 

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Careers

No two days are the same when working as a paramedic. You’ll operate in different locations and need to think on your feet to deal with the diverse challenges that you will face. Paramedics work with patients, families and communities in primary care, acute and critical care settings.

95% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after this degree – Graduate Outcomes Survey. 100% of our working graduates were in highly skilled work as health professionals. 

Many of our graduates leave university with a firm offer of employment from their sponsoring trust and there is a wealth of opportunity to progress up the career ladder. Qualified paramedics are increasingly found at the heart of multidisciplinary NHS teams. Career paths include specialist practice, teaching, management and research.

This Paramedic Science degree has been approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and endorsed by the College of Paramedics.

Want to know more about being an allied health professional?

The Springpod virtual work experience programme offers the opportunity for anyone aged 14-25 to learn more about a career as an allied health professional. You’ll develop key skills for the profession, hear from NHS professionals about their day-to-day work, complete assignments and join live workshops. Find out more about the Springpod virtual work experience programme.

College of Paramedics logo HCPC logo

Fees and costs

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,535 GBP

Additional funding support

UK students studying nursing, midwifery and some allied health professions subjects receive a non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each academic year. Find out more on the NHS website.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

What's included

Here you’ll find details of specific resources and services that are included in the tuition fee for our allied health professions students. To help you to budget for your studies, there is also information on any additional costs that you may have to pay or can choose to pay in addition to your tuition fee.

Find out how tuition fees enable us to support all of our students with important services, facilities and resources across the university and check out our finance pages for info about fees, funding and scholarships along with advice on international and island fee-paying status.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information.

What's included in your tuition fee

  • An initial set of specialist uniforms where appropriate.
  • DBS checks and occupational health checks.
  • Where health course includes a placement: UK students – travel costs which are over and above your daily journey to university and dual accommodation costs may be reimbursed by the NHS learning support fund.
  • Course books, magazines and journals are available in the university libraries. You do not need to have your own copies. See the subject area in the library for an up-to-date list of key subject journals and databases.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software on campus – and can borrow a laptop from us if yours is broken or you don’t have a computer at home. Specialist equipment is provided to cover essential learning.

Additional course costs

  • Where health course includes a placement: Overseas students are not covered by the NHS learning support fund. This means that any additional travel or accommodation costs for this course will be your responsibility. Travel to placement may be up to 90 mins each way/travel on public transport at peak time cost, and you may incur additional accommodation and living costs if staying away from your usual home base for the length of your placement.
  • You’ll need to budget for printing and stationery for personal study, and books if you decide to buy your own.   
  • In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost.   
  • Many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices, but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Falmer campus

Set in the South Downs, our Falmer campus is around four miles from Brighton city centre. Students based here study a range of subjects including education studies, teaching, sport and exercise, nursing and midwifery, allied health professions and medicine. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes and the Students’ Union shop and bar.

The campus has extensive sport and leisure facilities including a fitness suite, swimming pool, outdoor grass football and rugby pitches, sports hall, tennis and badminton courts, and dance and spin studios.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources, clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students, and labs and a strength and conditioning suite used by sport students. We’ve recently redeveloped the Falmer campus – learn more about the many facilities our students have access to.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre. There are regular bus services to the city centre and other campuses. Falmer train station is right next to campus and a nine-minute journey to central Brighton.

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Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you apply for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence.

Brighton: Falmer

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

  • Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls offer a range of rooms on our Falmer campus, minutes from your classes, and on the edge of the South Downs.
  • Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Falmer campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

student outside the sport and health complex at Falmer

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Students dining at Westlain

Students dining at Westlain

Local area

One of Time Out's 50 best cities in the world

“Brighton has… all the important parts of a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis (connections to London in under an hour, an array of properly excellent restaurants, energetic late-night spots) … with the easy-breezy beachy attitude to life that makes you feel welcome in an instant.”
Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World, 2025

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city's reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year to the local economy, as much as tourism.

Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

You can also get involved with city festivals and events such as the Brighton Festival, the Fringe, Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Science Festival, the London to Brighton bike ride, and the Great Escape festival of new music to name but a few. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and there are daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Falmer campus

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more about how we support your wellbeing.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

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Take a tour of sport facilities on our Falmer campus

Student views  

Mia Collins

"It felt so right for me to study to become a paramedic as the requirement to be a people person, to be passionate, excited to make a difference and one on one patient care was absolutely my cup of tea. 

"At uni, we have clinical days where we practise practical skills. We have equipment such as manikins, life packs, fake arms and cannulating needles. These reflect the best they can to the real world in placement. 

"We are on the ambulance twice a week, so we get to experience our future job right now! It also means that we can practise things we learn in both theory and clinical uni sessions which is really good for reinforcing our learning.  

"My first day on placement I’ll be honest I was really nervous!! However, once I was on base and had met my mentor, I felt a lot calmer. The paramedics on the road are genuinely so kind and have all been in your position once so know how you feel! 

"I learnt very quickly not to be afraid to ask questions about what is going on. Most paramedics are happy to explain things as they do it, and it’s much easier to learn as you go asking what equipment is, what someone is doing than try and ask later on when it’s not in front of you. 

"My fellow students on the course are amazing. We support each other after difficult shifts, have great nights out and study together too. We have created a really supportive, friendly environment."

Mia Collins student paramedic

Nick Worman

"I wanted to study a degree that would provide me with a rewarding career. Paramedics came to mind as it would be hugely fulfilling to help others.

"All of our lecturers used to be paramedics which adds to the teaching experience. You know you can ask them anything and they can give you specific examples to help with any questions. 

"In the first few weeks we covered basic CPR, took ops, spent a week at SECAmb education centre, and I had booked my first two ambulance shifts! I really like that we had practical learning to look forward to from the very beginning. 

"Theatre was my favourite placements as you join the anaesthetists when looking after patient airways. I also got to enjoy observing various surgeries including femur fractures and surgery performed by robots! 

"We have our own mentor each year who we work on shift with. They help us develop our essential skills whilst also learning on the job. Ambulance placement is two shifts a week and during my first year I worked on a mental health ward for a week. Placements change to different specialist wards each study year."

Nick Worman paramedic science student

Jason Roberts

"I chose Brighton because of the placement structure. The university has been able to bridge the gap between theory and practice through encouraging continuous placement throughout the degree.

"Having this approach creates a good balance of practical and theoretical teaching as well as giving continuous exposure to the pre-hospital clinical environment. I was able to put skills learnt at university into practice out on the road, as well as having gradual exposure to real life emergencies.

I really enjoyed my theatres and anaesthetics placement. It allowed me to put my theoretical knowledge into practice and hone my stepwise airway management techniques with the supervision and guidance of a consultant anaesthetist.

"The pre-hospital paramedic placement is invaluable for gaining first-hand experience of the workings of the ambulance service and the wider NHS. The interprofessional placements allow a student to become a well-rounded clinician at the point of becoming a Newly Qualified Paramedic.

"Brighton have a passion for teaching and wanting the best for their students; staff include experienced nurses/paramedics as well as critical care clinicians. Brighton have a range of simulation suites with iSimulate and lifecast technology which creates a realistic experience.

"Having my degree has set me up with a good foundation to paramedicine. The knowledge, experience and exposure I acquired will put me in good stead to practice as a Newly Qualified Paramedic, as well as developing my career to eventually become a Consultant Paramedic."

Jason Roberts paramedic science student

Jason's tip: "Before you apply, get an understanding of what being a paramedic involves. Being aware of the high-paced environment with range of shift patterns, and current demands working frontline for the NHS in the ambulance service is essential."

Chloe Lashmar

"From a very young age, I knew that I always wanted to help people. I looked at many different universities and made the decision that Brighton would be the best university for me and my growth.

"The course offers the fundamental areas of knowledge that I needed in order to become a paramedic. I love it. Everyone is very friendly and approachable. 

"I have enjoyed the practical elements of the course which began from the start of my first year. The most important skill within the NHS is teamwork; the teaching staff enabled this to occur during practical sessions by allowing us to work together during scenarios.

"All the teaching staff are consistent and want you to succeed to become a paramedic - they bring expert knowledge and experiences. The staff are very helpful to contact through email. If I had any concerns or questions, the staff replied promptly. 

"My ambulance placement was outstanding. It is real life and there are hurdles that we must overcome each day and only by overcoming these, learn for next time. We get to meet and communicate with real patients who can tell us what their concerns are. I felt like I was a well-respected colleague in a team. I was told to be a sponge and just absorb every call we attended. 

"My paramedic mentors have been incredible and I know that without their support, encouragement and constructive-criticism they have given me, I would not be in the position I am today. The university also arrange non-ambulance placements otherwise known as interprofessional placements. These include: A&E, theatres for airway management and cannulation skills, paediatrics, cardiology, maternity and also a GP placement."

Chloe Lashmar paramedic science student

Chloe's tip: "Do it!!! It does not matter what age you are or how little experience in the healthcare setting you may have."

Autumn White-Moore

"I had wanted to start a career that was on the go and constantly changing, with new challenges, so Paramedicine was a great fit. I chose Brighton because of recommendations from family friends, the structure of continuous placement and university lectures throughout the year really appealed to me.

"University of Brighton is a great place to study. It has many study facilities and practical rooms as well as a great support network for any academic or personal struggles. Rooms provided are spacious with a range of equipment and the simulation rooms were fantastic when working alongside the midwife students when doing collaborative work. During the hotter months we were able to work outside adding environmental factors to our simulations.

"The staff and students at Brighton University are very welcoming, relaxed and supportive. I received great academic support and guidance for my future career directions from the head of course.

"Placement provided an area to practise skills talked about during lectures and helps solidify knowledge developed in lectures. Also, placement has allowed the application of my knowledge and skills onto real life situations and scenarios.

"My mentors and colleagues in the ambulance service have been very supportive - they have been very beneficial in developing my understanding of the wider NHS and furthering my clinical skills.

"This degree is provided me a direct line into a paramedic career and provided me the resources to grow and develop into other careers, with employers recognising its high value.

"I would highly recommend this course to anyone considering becoming a paramedic. It's a fantastic way to start your career providing both practical and academic skills for your future.

"The university has many societies to join and I would highly recommend finding one or two; the networking and friends that you can develop is very beneficial, allowing a relaxed space to unwind from studying."

Autumn White-Moore paramedic science student

Autumn's tip: "The university has many societies to join and I would highly recommend finding one or two; the networking and friends that you can develop is very beneficial, allowing a relaxed space to unwind from studying."

Charli Dean-Grainger

"The paramedic course at Brighton is slightly different to some in the way that the run their ambulance placements. Many unis I considered ran block placements where you spend a couple of months on the road and then return to uni for a couple of months, however I was drawn to Brighton because they run weekly placements all the way through the year with us in university learning the theory and clinical skills one or two days a week and then doing 24 hours worth of ambulance shifts each week.

"I prefer this method as I can learn a skill and have it fresh in my mind to practice it on the road that week.

"The course also offers a range of non-ambulance placements such as a week in the Emergency Department working alongside doctors and nurses, Paediatric wards, Maternity and Operating theatre to help develop your learning by learning from specialists in each field.

"Brighton is a beautiful city with loads to do, I mean who wouldn’t want the beach right on your doorstep especially in summer! There are also loads of amazing cafes and restaurants especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan you’ll have no trouble finding something you like.

"I feel like I’ve changed a lot since being at university, I feel more confident in myself and have really grown into my own skin a lot in the past year and a half and I really think that is influenced by the freedom of self-expression in Brighton."

Student Charlie Dean Grainger

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Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked below). You can find out also about the support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Course and module descriptions on this page were accurate when first published and are the basis of the course. Detailed information on any changes we make to modules and learning and assessment activities will be sent to all students by email before enrolment so that you have all the information before you come to Brighton.

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