This MSc in Advanced Paramedic Practice is a fantastic opportunity to develop as an advanced paramedic in a variety of clinical settings. For students taking specific modules, the programme incorporates two pathways for the aspiring advanced paramedic:

• Primary and Urgent Care

• Emergency and Critical Care

Each pathway includes core and optional modules, providing the opportunity to develop your knowledge and clinical skills and prepare you for clinical practice as an Advanced Paramedic. There is no obligation to select a pathway and the award titles available are as follows:

MSc Advanced Paramedic Practice

MSc Advanced Paramedic Practice (Primary and Urgent Care)

MSc Advanced Paramedic Practice (Emergency and Critical Care)

Interim awards of PGCert and PGDip are also available within each pathway.

Why should I choose this course?

• Learn from a multi-professional faculty of clinical experts.
• Study flexibly on this part-time programme, whilst maintaining clinical practice.
• Access to a range of clinical settings for practice placement experience, to develop your knowledge and practical skills. 
• Undertake research, supported by our Professor of Paramedic Science, to drive change and improvement in practice.

Indicative Course Structure for Primary and Urgent care Pathway:

Year 1

• Advanced Patient Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (15 credits)
• 15 credit optional module
• Minor Illness and Minor Injury for Advanced Practice (30 credits)

Year 2

• Research Methods (15 credits)
• 45 credits from optional modules
• This could, for some, include AHP Independent Prescribing (30 credits)*

Year 3

• Preparation for Research Project (15 credits)
• 15 credit optional module
• Research Project (30 credits)

Indicative Course Structure - Emergency and Critical Care Pathway:

Year 1

• Advanced Patient Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (15 credits)
• Advanced Airway Management and Ventilation (15 credits)
• Management of the Critically Ill or Injured Patient (30 credits)

Year 2

• Research Methods (15 credits)
• 45 credits from optional modules

Year 3

• Preparation for Research Project (15 credits)
• 15 credit optional module
• Research Project (30 credits)

Optional modules which can be taken in either pathway:

Paramedic Specific Optional Modules are:

• Advanced Airway Management and Ventilation (15)
• Cardiology for Urgent and Emergency Care (15)
• Toxicology for Urgent and Emergency Care (15)
• Paediatric Urgenct and Emergency Care (15)

Allied Health Optional Modules are:

• AHP Independent Prescribing (30) 
• Developing Professional Practice: Independent Study (15 or 30)
• Evidencing Professional Practice (15 or 30)
• Musculoskeletal Trauma: Image Recognition for Healthcare Professionals (15)
• Musculoskeletal Pathologies: Image Recognition for Healthcare Professionals (15)
• Leadership Education and Developing Others (15)
• Leading Service Change (15)
• Coaching Skills for Leading (15)

The normal entry requirements for the programme are:

• That applicants are registered with the HCPC as a paramedic
• A degree (e.g. BSc (Hons)) usually at lower second class or above – those who do not have a degree, or equivalent, are expected to evidence successful completion of at least 30 credits of Level 7 study.
• Meet any pre-requisites identified in the individual DMDs of each module studied.

International students must provide evidence of a first degree (or equivalent) in Pre-hospital Emergency Care; evidence of registration with the Professional Body of their home country; evidence of continuing professional development and IELTS of 7.0 (including 7.0 in writing).   

International students are not permitted to undertake any module which requires clinical placements unless they are registered with the HCPC.  In addition, it should be recognised that International students undertaking elements, or all parts of the programme will not incur eligibility to register with the HCPC as a paramedic.

International students will be required to submit additional information in support of their application.  Candidates with appropriate qualifications will be invited for a telephone interview.

Throughout the programme, students will be supported to access a range of clinical placements relevant to their pathway. This may include observational placements within a critical care team or structured placement in a primary care setting.

Graduates of this programme will typically be eligible to apply for employment as an Advanced Paramedic in primary care, urgent care or emergency care settings. The course content is mapped against the HEE framework for Advanced Clinical Practice and meets a number of the requirements to practice at an advanced level. 

You will be taught be a multi-professional faculty, and subject matter experts; it is a flexible, part-time programme with access to a range of clinical placements, you will be clinically focussed and we will prepare you for advanced paramedic practice.

For further information please contact the Course Leader. 

For current students enrolled on the MSc Paramedic Science programme you can transfer to this new programme and exit with an MSc Advanced Paramedic Practice, or if you chose specific modules you can exit with either of the above pathways.

To make sure you are choosing the correct pathway, please contact the programme lead:

Sarah Jardine, Programme Lead MSc Advanced Paramedic Practice

Email: mscadvpara@herts.ac.uk