Why study paramedic science?

Why study paramedic science at Sunderland?

Our Paramedic Science course is in the top 30 in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025). The degree is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and on successful completion, you'll gain a nationally and internationally recognised qualification.

Throughout the course, you'll gain a variety of skills to help you become a registered paramedic, including lifesaving procedures for both accident and emergency cases. The academic team are highly skilled and has a wealth of personal experience they integrate into their teaching to prepare you for situations you may encounter in your future career.

Participate in simulation days

Our students regularly participate in simulation days and events to allow you to practise your skills in a realistic but safe environment. Our simulations are an integral part of our course, and you'll participate in them from your first week with us.

Our university is unique in offering you the chance to participate in simulations with students from other courses to further emulate real-life procedures, such as law, nursing, and even journalism.

We also have our Patient, Carer and Public Involvement (PCPI) participants who support our courses through their participation in our simulation days. Simulation software is used throughout the course, including simulation manikins and the training ambulance.

Our campus facilities are often used for simulation environments, such as the Living Lab, which features a patient home setting and a mock ward. These excellent facilities offer our students a fully immersive experience which greatly benefits their studying.

"My favourite part of the course had to be the state-of-the-art facilities! These include a mock hospital ward and bespoke training ambulance. The technology and equipment available, especially the SimMan manikins, gave us the opportunity to put theory into practice and prepared us for performing certain clinical skills when on placement." Philippa Nilsen, BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science and Out of Hospital Care graduate.

Enjoy placement experiences

We're also proud to work with local healthcare providers in the north-east and offer our students practice placements, as well as networking opportunities. All students on our Paramedic Science course undertake both ambulance and non-ambulance placements where they're supervised by a practice educator to practise their capabilities in a supportive environment.

"Placements form an integral part of the student experience and we have a wide range of partners who support student to develop an in-depth understanding of their application of knowledge into practice. These placement experiences offer a range of opportunities and will develop students (alongside their education) to become a competent and professional practitioner." Mark Willis, Associate Head of School.

Working as a paramedic offers multiple career opportunities across the national and international stage, as well as being a dynamic profession that challenges and rewards daily. It's a valuable career with guaranteed employment after graduation, whether within the NHS or in other out-of-hospital care services.

We welcome applications from those who feel they possess a strong professional identity and the confidence to work with various professional groups.

Check out our course page or Paramedic Science subject area for more information on how to begin your career.