Paramedic Science for Emergency Medical Technicians, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

To apply for this course you must be a serving member of the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and meet the entry requirements outlined below.**

This degree will give you the essential skills, knowledge, and attributes to begin an exciting and rewarding career as a Registered Paramedic.

You will learn about anatomy and physiology, the major body systems and the conditions that affect them, how to assess patients and identify life-threatening conditions, and administer life support.

You will also develop an understanding of the role and relevance of research, concepts of patient care, and legal and ethical principles relating to healthcare.

You will study core areas such as the physical, life and clinical sciences, social and behavioural sciences, ethics and law, equality and diversity, public health, patient assessment and management, leadership, and evidence‑based practice. These topics are woven through both classroom learning and practical placements, helping you connect theory directly to real‑world patient care.

By the time you graduate, you will be ready to deliver safe, effective, person‑centred care across a range of settings; work inclusively with patients, families and healthcare teams; apply evidence to improve care; and continue developing as a reflective practitioner throughout your career.

If you are a Welsh speaker, you may be able to complete your placements and assessments in Welsh.

Why Paramedic Science for Emergency Medical Technicians at Swansea University?

  • 1st in the UK (Guardian University guide 2026)
  • 8th in the UK for Subjects Allied to Medicine (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 97% of Paramedic Science graduates are in employment and/or study, or doing other activities such as travelling 15 months after leaving Swansea University (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025)

We have over ten years’ experience supporting learner paramedics through their educational journey.

Our course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council, enabling you to apply for registered status on completion of the course. This is a legal requirement for anyone who wishes to practise as a paramedic.

Many of our teaching staff are also registered paramedics who still work in practice, providing an unrivalled combination of academic rigour and professional expertise.

Your Experience

At Swansea University, you’ll learn in outstanding, hands-on environments designed to help you build confidence from day one. Our excellent facilities include the Simulation and Immersive Learning Centre (SUSIM), featuring realistic clinical suites where you can develop practical skills in a safe, supervised setting. You will also benefit from immersive workplace experiences at the Welsh National Ambulance training centre.

Alongside face-to-face teaching, you will use innovative digital tools such as Learning Space for clinical simulations, giving you immediate video feedback to strengthen your learning. Virtual reality further supports your anatomy teaching, helping you understand organs and body systems in a highly interactive way.

You will join a close-knit cohort with a strong sense of community, supported through small-group teaching, placements, and accessible pastoral care. Students also benefit from interprofessional learning and opportunities to get involved in co-created projects and public engagement. Our vibrant Paramedic Society adds to the experience with events such as the annual Summer Ball, fundraising activities, guest speakers, and volunteering at major incident exercises. Students also play an active role in representation, with recent appointments to university and national paramedic bodies.

Half of your course is taught at our Singleton Park campus on the edge of the beautiful Gower Peninsula, with the remainder spent on key NHS and Welsh Ambulance Service placements, including on operational ambulances and in hospital settings such as theatres and emergency departments.

Paramedic Science Careers

Most of our Paramedic Science graduates take up clinical roles, either within the NHS or the private sector. The NHS starting salary for registered paramedics is around £31,409 (www.nhsbands.co.uk) plus up to 25% unsocial hours payment (www.nhsemployers.org). Private sector salaries may be considerably more depending on the setting.

There are opportunities for paramedics with the appropriate clinical experience and educational profile to go on to become Specialist Practitioners, Advanced Paramedic Practitioners, or Consultant Paramedics. There are also opportunities to move into management or education.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Paramedic Science for Emergency Medical Technicians, BSc (Hons)