Foundation Degree in Paramedic Sciences
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Foundation Degree
- Code
- G11
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 240 credit points
Description
The Open University’s Foundation Degree in Paramedic Sciences is suitable for staff working in a variety of paramedic support settings such as emergency response units. Through the degree, you will have the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and competencies that underpin practice across the paramedic science field. The approach of the degree is inter-disciplinary, with opportunities for specialisation where appropriate. The degree is attuned to the NHS modernisation agenda, the Knowledge and Skills Framework and the Health Professions Council’s standards of proficiency. The Foundation Degree in Paramedic Sciences has been approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). This means that on successful completion of the award you will be eligible to apply to HPC for professional registration as a Paramedic.
The degree combines work-based and supported open learning. Responsibility for your learning is shared between your employer and the OU. The OU provides study materials and tutorial support and manages the assessment procedures, while your employer substantially manages the practice learning on the programme. The OU is able to offer support in training staff identified as workplace mentors. You’ll remain in employment while you study.
The programme of study for this Foundation degree is also offered as the Diploma of Higher Education in Paramedic Sciences (E52). The Diploma of Higher Education might be of particular interest to those living and working in Scotland.
Planning your studies
Although some courses in the degree are available to all students, the full degree is at present restricted to students who are employed within a paramedic science setting and are being supported in their practice learning by their employer. For further information, employers and individuals are invited initially to contact our Corporate Team, 01908 653449, corporate-enquiries@open.ac.uk.
You can find more detailed information about the degree’s registration requirements on our Science Faculty website.
If you have not studied to at least GCSE level fairly recently, you are advised to study Understanding health (Y178) as preparation for this foundation degree. The points from this course can count towards your optional choices at Level 1.
There is no time limit for obtaining the required credit points for this qualification unless you are including discontinued courses which may cease to be countable five years after their final presentation. You must include at least 80 points from OU courses that have not been counted in an OU diploma or other first degree you have been awarded.
Career relevance and employability
The needs of experienced staff already employed as paramedic support workers in a health care setting are central to the development of this foundation degree. This means it will benefit both you and your work place through enhancing the skill base of the workforce. It values and builds on your experience. Level 1 study is interdisciplinary in approach. At Level 2, you will be able to continue with this general approach, while at the same time tailoring your study to your precise needs. On successful completion of the foundation degree you will be eligible to apply for professional registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) as a ‘Registered Paramedic’.
The foundation degree is a qualification in its own right, but if you wish to progress further there is the opportunity to top-up to a full honours degree by studying a further 120 points at Level 3.
For planning your next career steps, visit the OU Careers Advisory Service.
Courses
For this 240-point foundation degree you require:
100 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Level 1 compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Nov 2010 |
|
30 | Oct 2010 |
|
10 | May 2010 |
And a minimum of 20 points from the following optional courses:
| Level 1 optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Oct 2010 |
|
15 | Nov 2010 |
|
15 | May 2010 |
|
10 | May 2010 |
|
May 2010 | |
|
60 | Oct 2010 |
|
10 | May 2010 |
|
10 | May 2010 |
|
10 | Jun 2010 |
|
15 | May 2010 |
|
15 | Nov 2010 |
|
15 | Jun 2010 |
|
10 | May 2010 |
|
15 | Nov 2010 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued courses K100, KYN100, S103, SMK184, Y158
* 60-point course of which only 30 points count towards this qualification
And 120 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Level 2 compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Nov 2010 |
|
30 | Oct 2010 |
|
30 | Oct 2010 |
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit for this study that you can count towards this Open University qualification. You can find out more on our Credit Transfer site. If you make a successful claim for transferred credit it may affect your choice of courses so you are advised to investigate this option as soon as possible.
Credit transfer details for this qualification:
On completion
On successful completion of the required courses students will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Paramedic Sciences and will be entitled to use the letters FD (Open) after their name.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
- Introduction to the Award Regulations
- General Award Regulations
- Foundation Degree in Paramedic Sciences
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
About this page
An undergraduate qualification in Health and Social Care and Science.
Study explained
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
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