Paramedic Science, BSc

Welcome Week is an important part of your introduction to the course and the University, and attendance is expected. During this week, you will take part in essential induction activities, receive key information about the course, and begin preparing for both university-based learning and practice learning. We look forward to meeting you for your first welcome session.

​As you begin the course, you will also be supported by a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT). Your PAT is an important point of contact throughout your time at university and can support you with general academic progress, signposting, and personal development. Starting university can feel like a big step, so we encourage you to make use of the support available and engage fully from the outset.

Occupational Health, DBS & Placement Preparation

Please ensure that you engage with all Occupational Health, DBS or Placement planning activities required by the Admissions Team. Failure to complete this by the time you register on the course may result in you not being able to proceed with your studies.

We are proud to be an inclusive University that supports a diverse community of students. Please note that if you have a disability or would like to learn more about the support that we can offer to students, please visit the Disability and Mental Health website.

Placement Information

InPlace

Once your first placement has been allocated, you will automatically receive an email with instructions on how to sign in to InPlace and access your placement information.

Occupational Health

Students need to obtain occupational health clearance to ensure they are fit to practice. You will be prompted via your ‘MyRecord’ to complete a clearance check and directed to an online health questionnaire.

Once you have submitted your questionnaire, you are required to attend an occupational health vaccination appointment appropriate to your placement requirements. We use an external company called OH Works for this. Ahead of your appointment, please gather any vaccination documentation (paper or electronic) from your GP or workplace to take to your occupational health appointment.

Your OH vaccination appointment will take place on Thursday 17 September 2026 in RWf07 (Rowan Williams Building, Medway Campus). Please see the below table for the exact time of your appointment:

Surname	Date	Time	Location
A - D	17 September 2026	09.00 - 09.15	RWf07
E - I	17 September 2026	09.15 - 09.30	RWf07
J - L	17 September 2026	09.30 - 09.45	RWf07
M - O	17 September 2026	09.45 - 10.00	RWf07
P - T	17 September 2026	10.00 - 10.15	RWf07
U - Z	17 September 2026	10.15 - 10.30	RWf07

For enquiries about your occupational health clearance please email cccustudents@ohworks.co.uk or phone 01227 286288.

Please note, that if you are an S25 Health Foundation Year student, you are required to attend an occupational health vaccination appointment.

Uniform

On placement, you will be required to wear a uniform as part of your Readiness for Practice. Important information regarding your uniform can be found on the uniform policy.

Your uniform is provided to you free of charge and is expected to last you the duration of your course.

You do not need to order your placement uniform before you start your course.

Uniform ordering is staggered by course. This means that students on different courses will be invited to order their uniform at different times. If you hear that students on another course have already been invited, please don't worry – you will be contacted when it is your course's turn.

The Placement Management Team will email you with instructions on how to order your uniform in plenty of time before your first placement.

These instructions will be sent to your CCCU email account. Towards the end of August, once you have been invited to register for your course, we will email you with information on how to set up your CCCU email account.

Please note that you will not be able to order your uniform until you have completed all of your registration tasks.

Placement Badge

On placement you will be required to wear a placement badge, which will have your course title and preferred first name obtained from your MyRecord account. This placement badge is provided to you free of charge. You will be supplied with your placement badge once you have started your course. Please note, this is not your student ID card. 

Starting Your Course

​​In Semester 1, you will begin by studying Academic Skills, Human Science, and Developing Ambulance Practice. These modules are designed to help you build the core foundations needed for success in paramedic practice, including study skills, applied knowledge of the human body, and the early development of professional and clinical understanding.

Teaching includes a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, practical sessions, simulation, and directed independent study, delivered on campus with support from online learning resources.

​The first few weeks of the course focus on helping you transition into higher education, introducing core professional expectations, beginning essential theory and practical learning, and preparing you for the standards expected of a healthcare student.

You should be ready to engage fully, ask questions, and begin developing the habits of a safe, organised and professional student paramedic.

Blackboard​

You will use Blackboard (our Virtual Learning Environment) regularly throughout the course to access module materials, learning activities, assessment information, and key announcements.

You should check Blackboard and your university email frequently so that you do not miss important updates.

Your timetable will also be an important source of information during the first few weeks, particularly as you begin settling into the structure and expectations of university study. 

Learning Skills Hub

​Before starting, it would be beneficial to complete any relevant study skills resources available through the Learning Skills Hub, particularly those relating to academic writing, referencing, reading strategies, and time management.

It may also be useful to refresh your basic understanding of anatomy and physiology, communication in healthcare, and professional expectations in health and care settings.

Equipment

​In terms of equipment, you will need access to a laptop or suitable device for online learning and independent study. You will also need your university uniform for course and placement requirements. A fob watch is useful for both university and clinical practice.

​​There is no requirement to purchase textbooks before starting the course, but some preparatory reading will help you feel more confident.

• ​Burns, T. and Sinfield, S. Essential Study Skills

• ​Cottrell, S. The Study Skills Handbook

• ​Pilbery, R. and Lethbridge, K. Ambulance Care Essentials

​It would also be helpful to refresh:

• ​basic anatomy and physiology

• ​communication skills in healthcare

• ​professional values and behaviour expected of healthcare students – found on Health Care Professions Council website pages.