Level 3 Diploma Access to HE - Paramedic Science

This course is suited to individuals who wish to further study in paramedicine and pursue a career working as a paramedic, a senior paramedic, or with the Air Ambulance. This course will also allow access into careers such as physiotherapy, operating department practice, biomedical science and pharmacy. The course has been designed to develop academic skills and instil an understanding of the associated fields, which will prepare you for study at degree level and your chosen career. All of our Access to Higher Education courses have been approved by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). If you have not studied for some time, this course will develop your confidence and academic skills in preparation for university and beyond.

This course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and ability to pursue a career as a paramedic, physiotherapist, operating department practitioner, biomedical scientist and pharmaceutical scientist. Throughout your time on the course, you will be taught and supported by an expert team who are student led and will help you achieve your next steps. At WVR we are committed to supporting your needs and progression from start to finish, including providing support with your UCAS applications and providing information relating to Student Finance England. We have developed partnerships with paramedics and other life-science professionals who will provide you with an insight into your future career.

You will study a variety of units such as:

· Infectious Disease

· Human Physiology

· Biological Molecules

· Ethical Issues in Professional Practice

Please note units may be subject to change.

You will be assessed during the course as each unit is taught and completed through a variety of methods such as essays, presentations, research projects, and examinations. The course is delivered on a blended model, with most sessions being face to face and a small part delivered online.

Students who achieve this qualification go on to university to study degrees in paramedic science and other health and life science professions, such as physiotherapy and biomedical science. Additionally, learners can progress onto careers as an emergency care assistant and ambulance technician. Some Ambulance Trusts offer a Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship Programme. If you study nursing or other allied health professional degree programmes, you may be eligible for the NHS bursary of £5000.

Universities expect adults who apply for some vocational degrees to have previous relevant paid or voluntary experience. If you do not already have this experience, you will be at an advantage if you organise relevant experience before you begin the course. For example, if you are aiming for a paramedic science degree, experience working within healthcare would be an advantage. You will also need to have a clean, full UK driver licence to apply for paramedic science at university.

You will also have the opportunity to meet with staff from local universities to discuss your potential progression.

All HE students receive termly one-to-one tutorials with their programme leader to support them with their progress on programme. You will also have access to an online tutorial programme which provides guidance on a wide range of topics such as mental health, managing finances, support for single parents, and working online. In addition, you can access a programme of workshops throughout the year to support with topics such as study skills, academic writing, and time management.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required, and a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed.

All HE students have access to a designated progress coach who can also provide welfare support.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

During your course your learning will be enhanced by dedicated tutors who have a wide range of industry knowledge and experience. Your diploma has been carefully constructed to maximise the possibility of you obtaining a place for your chosen degree. This diploma contains a large number of science units to ensure you are a desirable candidate to universities. We also use methods of assessment typically seen at university in order to prepare you for the transition into HE, for example, digital timed assessments. Current students comment on the level of support offered within this course and describe how they feel prepared for university. You’ll be part of supportive group of learners, all of whom will have a mature attitude to learning.

The Access to HE team takes the time to know you, and because of this we’re able to provide excellent information, advice, and guidance. We also provide mock interviews to prepare you for any interviews you may be required to attend for university. The Access team routinely adds the latest developments relating to your field, and training opportunities to your virtual learning environment to ensure you are equipped with industrial knowledge.

As an adult student at WVR, you’ll gain access to our electronic library which provides you with online books and journal articles. For those students who like to have hardcopy books, don’t worry, our library is well stocked with the books you may require. At WVR, we recognise that as adults, you may appreciate your own communal space to socialise with other adults studying at the college. We have an adult only zone above the library where you can enjoy a coffee and study.

The college also houses a dedicated Health & Social Care Academy, which contains state-of-the-art facilities including a mock hospital ward. These outstanding facilities will ensure you gain valuable skills in a realistic setting, preparing you for employment in the sector.

Direct Entry Requirement

• GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above in maths and English or equivalent.

However, please be aware that for some degree programmes, such as physiotherapy, universities often do not allow GCSE equivalencies; it is common for universities to only accept English Language and maths at GCSE at grade 4/C or above. If you hold equivalent qualifications to GCSE we strongly advise you to check university entry requirements to confirm they will accept your equivalent qualifications.

If you do not meet the entry requirements

Don’t worry! You can apply for our Level 2 Pre-Access course which will prepare you for the Level 3 Access to Higher Education in your chosen career pathway. You will also work towards achieving your Level 2 (GCSE) Maths or English at the same time.

19+ students studying on a level 3 qualification may be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. For finance support and enquiries please visit: Financial Support | Warrington & Vale Royal College (wvr.ac.uk)

Apart from the course and examination fees, you will need the usual student stationery such as pens, paper, and files. The purchase of textbooks is not compulsory - there is a wide selection of books available in our dedicated Learning Resource Centre. Should you wish to purchase textbooks, your subject tutors will recommend suitable books.