Paramedic Science FdSc: Course programme

Here you can find some frequently asked questions about the course programme, both in terms of timetable and delivery.

Timetabling

• How many hours a week will I be studying?
  Students are expected to work approximately 30 hours per week. In practice placements shift work will be undertaken and students will work the same hours as qualified ambulance personnel: 39 hours per week.
• Do I have to follow a strict timetable?
  Students are expected to follow the course timetable planned by the Faculty and the NHS Ambulance Trusts. The e-learning component of the course is more flexible in terms of when and for how long students study.
• What is the maximum amount of time I can take to complete the course?
  Six years.
• Will I be able to take a break from the course?
  There are planned stepping off points on the course which could facilitate a break from the course.
• How will I be studying?
  The foundation degree is an innovative structure of blended learning, comprising of online learning, classroom and training centre-based teaching, and practice-based activities.
  
  Year 1 will be academically based at the University as this when you will be required to gain the core units required for progression onto the following years of the programme. Year 2 will incorporate employment with the ambulance service alongside studying. Below is an outline of how your modules will be delivered.

Delivery method

• University modules
  The average length of a University module can last anything between four and ten weeks. As this is predominantly an online course, a substantial amount of study for University modules will be done via the use of the internet. However, throughout the duration of a University module there will be times when you will be required to physically attend face to face days at the University. The number and pattern of theses days is at the discretion of the module leader.
  
  As the course is flexible in nature, there are no set days each week that you will be required to attend. Instead, prior to the start of each module, the module team will notify you, in good time, of the dates you will be required in the University. It is vitally important and expected that you are available to attend the face-to-face days due to their importance and infrequency.
  
  When you are not attending a face to face day, students are expected to study on average of 30 hours per week using the material that will be made available online supplemented by self directed research and study.
• Ambulance service elements
  Some elements of the modules that you study will be taught by the ambulance service. They will deliver these at their respective ambulance training centres outside of the University and you will be expected to make your own way to the respective training centres.
  
  These tend to be shorter in length than the University modules, on average between one and four weeks, but your attendance will be much more frequent in that you may be required to attend for a full day each day for the duration of the module. The ambulance training personnel will inform you, in good time, of the details regarding attendance at their centres. Again, it is vitally important and expected that you are available to attend the face-to-face days due to their importance.
  
  You will be given a timetable when you start the programme, but it is important to understand that both the University modules and ambulance service elements are timetabled to be mixed in delivery throughout the year, so your attendance frequencies may differ for each following module (as described above). You should also be aware that due to the structure of the programme, level of content, and the amount of self directed study time expected by each student, having a full-time or part-time job whilst studying the programme is not recommended.