Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science) Level 3 - Evening (2026/27)

A one year Ascentis Access to HE course designed to equip over 19s with the skills, confidence and academic qualification to enable them to progress to a university course to study Paramedic Science.

As a learner on this qualification you will be offered a coherent, integrated and supported year of study through which you will gain the knowledge, awareness, skills and confidence necessary for successful undergraduate study. This is an Academic course and our aim is to equip you with the skills needed to succeed to Higher Education.

If you're concerned about the fees for the course, don't be! Most people can fund the course via the Advanced Learner Loan, which you'll only repay when you earn over a certain threshold. Even better, if you go to university and finish your degree, the Advanced Learner Loan gets completely written off too!

You will complete several study skills units throughout the year these are ungraded and are assessed only as pass or fail.

Main units studied are in Biology and Chemistry are graded units and assessed as Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Biology units include:

• Cell Biology and Anatomy and Physiology
• Genetics
• Pharmacology,  Biomolecules and Biochemistry

Laboratory Research project

Chemistry units include:

• Chemistry basics from GCSE 
• Core Chemistry Principles 
• Organic Chemistry and Organic Analysis Techniques

• An emergency care assistant
• A call handler/emergency medical dispatcher
• A Patient Transport Service (PTS) call handler
• An emergency call handler

Possible HE routes (through UCAS applications)
Degree in Paramedic Science
Higher Degree Apprenticeship - Student Paramedic
After completing a Paramedic science degree or apprenticeship you could have a career in: 
A Paramedic -  Responds to emergency calls, provides medical assistance and assesses the condition of patients.
An Emergency nurse practitioner -  Provides advanced nursing care to patients in emergency settings, such as trauma centres or urgent care clinics.
A Disability assessor - Evaluates the impact of physical or mental impairments on a person's ability to work and live independently.
A Medical representative: Promotes and sells pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals and organisations.
Or other healthcare fields, the military, or other emergency services, such as mental health nurse, care worker, nurse midwife, medical practitioner, police officer, or firefighter.

Formal controlled assessments in some units 

Essays in some units

Written reports in some units

Assignments  in all units

At any one time you will be working on multiple assignments however, deadlines are staggered throughout the year

September 2026

Evening or day time courses are available

6 hours per week over 36 weeks of teaching

6 hours per week independent study