Why is the degree three years?
Becoming a paramedic requires developing a wide range of clinical, practical, and decision-making skills. A three-year programme ensures you can build this knowledge safely and thoroughly through:
- Academic study in emergency care, anatomy, physiology, and clinical practice
- Skills labs, simulation, and scenario-based training
- Extensive placements with ambulance services and healthcare partners
- Progressive development from supervised learner to confident, independent practitioner
This structure meets the standards required for HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registration.
What’s different about the programme at Hull?
At Hull, the Paramedic Science degree is still three years long. But the trimester model creates several benefits:
1. Three trimesters = more focused learning
Instead of spreading content over two long semesters, we space teaching more evenly across the year. This helps you:
- Take in information in manageable blocks
- Maintain momentum and build skills more steadily
- Reduce long gaps between learning and practice
2. More placement opportunities
The trimester system gives you:
- Additional clinical placement time
- More chances to experience different settings (ambulance, community, hospital)
- Better preparation for real-world practice
- Stronger confidence when entering your newly qualified role
3. Lower fees
Because of the way we structure the programme, you’ll enjoy:
- Reduced costs compared with extended or four-year routes at other institutions
- The opportunity to gain the same qualification and registration in the standard three-year timeframe
4. A smoother transition into the ambulance service
With consistent blocks of theory and practice, you build clinical competence continuously. So you’ll be workplace-ready the moment you graduate.
Want to understand the wider training routes?
Comparing the university route with other pathways into paramedicine? You can read more in our 'Can I become a paramedic without going to university' FAQ
