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Paramedic Science - Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma

Summary

This Access to HE Diploma give you the opportunity to further study in Para-medicine or to secure a student Paramedic position with an ambulance service trust. This can lead to a career working as a Paramedic, a senior Paramedic or with the Air Ambulance. The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification which will prepare you for study at degree level.

If you would like to go to university but left school without the qualifications you need, then an Access to HE course could be for you. The course is run over 1 academic year and is designed for learners aged 19 years and above. Advanced Learning Loans are available.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
01 Sep 2025
University Centre
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The completion of the Level 3 Access to HE programme is usually acceptable for progression to Higher Education. It is advised that you check with the university you would like to study at to check their.

Successful students can move to Higher Education study, either at Blackpool and the Fylde College or other institutions. This course is ideal if you would like to work in the health professions such as Paramedic, a senior Paramedic or with the Air Ambulance.

Key information

Entry Requirements

Direct Entry:

  • 3 GCSEs Grade 4 (C) or above including maths or English Grade 4 (C) or above. 
  • Relevant Level 2 or 3 qualification plus maths or English Grade 4 (C) or above/ level 2 Functional Skills maths and English.


Not achieved Maths or English GCSE at Grade 4 (C) or above:

  • You will need to complete the one-year Level 2 (GCSE) maths or English alongside your Access to HE qualification.


If you do not meet the entry requirements:

  • Don’t worry – you can apply for our Pre Access course which will prepare you for the Access to Higher Education course. You can also work towards achieving your Level 2 (GCSE) Maths and/or English at the same time.

Qualification obtained

Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science)

Fees and funding

Read our tuition fees guide.

Extra costs and equipment

As well as providing their own stationery, to include pens, notepad and an A4 folder, we recommend that students have access to a laptop and to the internet. In some instances, it may be possible for the College to assist with this.

Replacement ID badges cost £3 or £8 if incorporated with a bus pass. For photocopying, students are provided with the first 80 black and white free of charge. Any additional copies for black and white are charged at 4p per copy.

Although course textbooks are available in the College library, we will provide a list of recommended texts at the beginning of the course which you may wish to purchase.

Laboratory coats and glasses will be provided when required.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: ASCENTIS

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

There is no work placement as part of this course; however you may wish to contact your chosen university and check if work experience or voluntary work in the health progression is a requirement for their degree programme. This would be done in your own time and no time allowance would be allowed as part of our course.

How will I learn?

A variety of teaching and learning strategies and techniques are used to motivate and support students.

Class room time 340 hrs over the year – 10 hours a week. We would expect private study time (Research/Background reading/creation of drafts and final reports) an extra 10hrs a week.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

Subject 1 Subject 2  

Subject Set: Human Physiology (30 credits total)

Subject Set: Social Issues in Healthcare (21 credits total)

Non-Subject Set Units (9 credits total)

Introduction to Cell Biology: Ungraded – 3 credits

Introduction to Issues in Health and Social Care: Ungraded – 3 credits

Study Techniques (Level 2): Ungraded – 3 credits

Planning a Practical Investigation: Graded – 3 credits

Research Project (Social Issues in Health Care): Graded – 6 credits

Study Skills: Ungraded – 3 credits

Carrying out a Practical Investigation: Graded – 3 credits

Health and Social Care Provision (EXAM): Graded – 6 credits

Academic Writing: Ungraded – 3 credits

Aspects of Human Physiology (EXAM): Graded – 6 credits

Health in a Medicalised World: Graded – 6 credits

 

Infectious Disease, Drug and Biological Defences: Graded – 6 credits

   

Macromolecules and Key Biological Principles: Graded – 6 Credits

   

Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Skeleton and Muscles: Graded – 3 Credits

   

The above units are included in your course. This is a 60 credit Diploma. There will be two external exams and also marked assignments throughout the course at either a pass, merit or distinction

The Access to HE course has a range of assessment methods including essays, reports, presentations and exams. There will be formal exams at the end of the programme.

Human Physiology – 7 units, Social Issues in Healthcare – 4 units, Toolkit/Ungraded – 3 units.

Total number of units 14, examined in subject areas x2, so assignments (including seen tests) = 86%, exams 14%.

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