Paramedic Science BSc(Hons)

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."

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."

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'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'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'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."