Access to Higher Education Diploma (Paramedic Science)
The accredited online course that qualifies you for a paramedic science degree — study at your pace with instant study support and expert tutor guidance.
or £599.99/year (save 17%)
Is this course right for you?
This course is for you if…
- ✓ You want to study paramedic science at university
- ✓ You don't have A-levels or left education early
- ✓ You want to study online, around work or family
- ✓ You're looking for a career in emergency healthcare
After this course, you can…
- → Apply to paramedic science degrees at UK universities
- → Your Access to HE loan is written off on graduation
- → Start a career as a Paramedic (Band 5, from £28,407)
You'll need…
- • To be 19 or over (no upper age limit)
- • Access to a computer or tablet with internet
- • No formal qualifications required
- • We'll assess your readiness to start
What you'll study
The Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science) covers key subjects to prepare you for your degree.
Study the structure and function of the human body's major systems — cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, and more. This module provides essential knowledge for understanding how the body responds in emergency situations and clinical practice.
Explore the core principles of paramedic practice, including patient assessment frameworks, clinical decision-making, and the role of the paramedic within the UK healthcare system. You'll develop the foundational knowledge needed for your degree.
Learn the principles of emergency and trauma care, including triage, primary and secondary surveys, and the management of acute medical emergencies. This module prepares you for the clinical challenges of paramedic practice.
Understand the principles of health and social care delivery in the UK, including person-centred care, safeguarding, equality, diversity, and the ethical frameworks that guide healthcare professionals.
Develop the academic skills you need for university — essay writing, research methods, critical analysis, referencing, and time management. This module prepares you for the demands of degree-level study.
Explore psychological theories and their application to healthcare, including mental health, patient behaviour, communication, stress response, and therapeutic relationships in clinical settings.
6 modules · 18 units · Approximately 15 hours per week study time
How you'll learn
Online Materials
Study at your pace with interactive content
Instant Study Support
Ask a question any time — get a clear answer in seconds, 24/7
Expert Tutors
Qualified humans mark your work within 5 days
Flexible Schedule
Learn around your life, work, and family
Mobile Friendly
Study anywhere on any device
Regular Feedback
Know exactly where you stand at all times
Where this course takes you
The Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science) is your first step to a rewarding career.
Starting salary for a Band 5 NHS Paramedic
UK universities accept Access to HE for paramedic science degree entry
Per month — everything included, no hidden fees
Your next step: university
This Access to HE Diploma is your pathway into a paramedic degree — here's what awaits you.
Now: Access to HE Diploma
Study online with Qualvera for £69.99/month. No A-levels needed — this Level 3 qualification is the equivalent of three A-levels and is accepted by universities across the UK.
Next: Paramedic Science Degree at University
Apply to paramedic science degrees using your Access to HE Diploma (up to 144 UCAS points). At this stage, you become eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund — a non-repayable training grant of £5,000 per year. Parents can receive up to £8,000/year total.
Then: Registered Paramedic
Graduate, register with the HCPC, and start your paramedic career. Band 5 NHS starting salary: £28,407.
About the NHS Learning Support Fund
The NHS LSF is a government-funded grant for eligible nursing, midwifery, and allied health students at university in England. It's non-repayable and paid on top of your student loan. It does not apply to Access to HE courses — it becomes available at the university stage.
Read our full NHS LSF guide →Support included with your subscription
Ask a question at midnight, get a clear answer in seconds. And if you ever need deeper help, your named human tutor is never more than a business day away.
| What you need | How it works | Response time |
|---|---|---|
| Quick question about your coursework | Intelligent study assistant | Instant — 24/7 |
| Feedback on practice work | Instant review with detailed notes | Instant — 24/7 |
| Stuck on a complex concept | Step-by-step explanation with examples | Instant — 24/7 |
| Need human guidance or reassurance | Your named, qualified tutor | Within 1 business day |
| Formal assessment marking | Human tutor reviews and grades | Within 3 business days |
Frequently asked questions
You don't need any formal qualifications. This course is designed for adult learners aged 19 and over who want to progress to a paramedic science degree.
The course is designed to be completed in 12 months studying around 15 hours per week. You can study at your own pace and start anytime.
Yes. The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification accepted by UK universities for entry onto paramedic science degree programmes.
After completing the Access to HE Diploma and a paramedic science degree, you can register as a Paramedic with the HCPC. Band 5 NHS starting salary is £28,407.
Start your paramedic journey today
You've already made the hardest decision — to start. Let us help you get there.