MSc Paramedic Science at the University of Hertfordshire

The new MSc in Paramedic Science at the University of Hertfordshire will be an
integral part of the School of Health and Emergency Professions' (HEP) new Post Graduate Framework, which meets the current and future needs of practitioners.
The programme provides a flexible and innovative approach to postgraduate
education.

There is now a much greater emphasis on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for all registered professionals in order to maintain registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC). The HPC recognizes a range of CPD activities and indicates that they should be relevant to practice, contribute to the quality of service delivery and benefits the service user.

This new programme, therefore, provides CPD courses and modules and reflects these standards to meet the CPD needs of practitioners within a developing profession.

In recent years, the career opportunities for paramedics have expanded with the development of specialist roles, such as the Emergency Care Practitioner, the Critical Care Paramedic, Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) to name but a few. Paramedics undertaking these roles need to demonstrate a range of well developed managerial, leadership, interpersonal and problem solving skills, in addition
to the more specialist clinical skills, which this programme supports. The various modules within this new programme have been devised and developed to ensure they are able to meet these requirements, as are the inter-professional modules, which are aimed at health professionals who cross professional boundaries in their day-to-day practice, thus ensuring paramedics are equipped to undertake new emerging roles.

Course Structure

The programme is modular in structure. Modules are discreet packages of study, each of which is assigned a credit value. A Master's award requires 180 credits. Students may choose to finish their studies after completing 60 credits (postgraduate certificate) or 120 credits (postgraduate diploma). The programme is available on both a full-time and a part-time basis and can be completed between 1.5 and 6 years. The programme includes a combination of research modules, paramedic specific modules and optional interprofessional modules.

Teaching and Assessment

Modules are facilitated by a variety of experienced lecturers and may involve both University and external lecturers. Delivery of modules will incorporate blended learning which aims to combine e-learning activities with campus based learning. You will therefore need to have
access to a suitable personal computer and a good reliable Internet connection (broadband recommended). Most modern PCs or Macs (less than 3 years old) should be suitable. If you have any queries or need any additional support with IT skills, the School employs an e-learning technologist who will be pleased to help and advise you.

Modules are assessed by a variety of methods for example essays, presentations, reports, posters and practical examinations.

Entrance qualifications

The normal entry requirements for the programme are:

• A registered paramedic or equivalent health professional. Applicants registering for a Masters who do not possess a first degree must provide evidence of appropriate continued professional development and a commitment towards personal and professional development. Applicants with a Foundation Degree in Paramedic Science may also be eligible.

• Applicants who may be eligible for the programme who are not registered with the HPC should note that successfully completing the MSc Paramedic Science or achieving an interim award will not confer eligibility for registration as a paramedic with the HPC.

• For students undertaking stand-alone modules, a first degree or equivalent, with evidence of appropriate continued professional development and a commitment towards personal and professional development is required.

• To find out more please contact: Programme Leader: John Donaghy, Programme
Tutor Tel: 01707 284538, E-mail: j.donaghy@herts.ac.uk