Description
This qualification is only available until 31 December 2017.
To claim this qualification, you must complete the required 120 credits by this date.
If you have any questions about your eligibility for this qualification, please contact the Centre for Qualifications and Ceremonies on +44 (0)1908 653003 or by email.
The Diploma in Paramedic Science is designed for paramedics who are already HCPC-registered but lack academic qualifications at this level, or whose qualifications are out of date. This diploma course shares the same modules as the Level 2 component of the Foundation Degree and Diploma of Higher Education in Paramedic Sciences, and offers a similar higher education experience. In particular, the combination of theory and work-based learning promotes the underpinning of practice with relevant, up-to-date theory.
Planning your studies
Although some modules in this diploma are available to all students, the diploma is restricted to students who are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a paramedic.
This is a higher education Level 2 qualification and you should not attempt it unless you are comfortable with study at this level. We recommend that you start your studies with Human biology (SK277) (now discontinued).
For further information, employers and individuals can contact us.
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 40 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you. Before being awarded any intermediate qualifications, we advise you to check that you’ll have sufficient new credits to qualify for your diploma.
Career relevance and employability
The needs of experienced staff already employed in paramedic practice are central to the development of the Diploma in Paramedic Science. It values and builds on your existing experience, and will benefit both you and your workplace by enhancing your skills base. This diploma course offers a continuing professional development opportunity for practising paramedics who are already HCPC-registered. It will be especially valuable if you feel that your professionalism would be enhanced by a more thorough knowledge of the science underpinning your practice.
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.
Modules
For this diploma you require:
120 credits from the following compulsory modules:
Level 2 compulsory modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- The discontinued module S211
|
60 |
|
- The discontinued module SK277
|
30 |
|
- The science of the mind: investigating mental health (SDK228)
|
30 |
|
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
For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit for study you have already done elsewhere.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you will be awarded a Diploma in Paramedic Science and will be entitled to use the letters Dip Para Sci (Open) after your name.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
How to register
If you want to study 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
module you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that module.
During the registration procedure you will be asked to declare which qualification you are studying towards.
See a full list of modules available for this qualification