Program Overview

University Foundation in Healthcare Stage1 at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is designed to prepare you for entry to university-level program. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science

• In your first year, you’ll learn about human anatomy and physiology. You will explore what makes up the human body and how everything functions within it. You’ll be introduced to behavioural and social issues that you might encounter when working, as well as how to assess and manage all types of accidents and illnesses. That’s the theory side of things. As practical experience is so important, you’ll be out on placement from your first year of study. This placement is aimed at getting you used to the clinical environment and to develop excellent communication skills.  
• In your second year, you will learn more about patient assessment. By now you will already know what a normal healthy body looks like. In this year, you will learn what can go wrong, how to identify it and most importantly, what to do about it. You will work in clinical settings under the supervision of fully qualified health professionals. You’ll study the latest research and evidence, to ensure your practice is in line with the most recent developments in the field. You will also learn about the legal and ethical considerations of the profession.  
• In your third year you will delve deeper into the foundations of level 4 and 5. You’ll learn about clinical pharmacology, which combines bioscience and pathophysiological knowledge – or in plain English, the knowledge of physical processes that occur with disease or injury. This year emphasises ethical practice, taking all factors into consideration. You’ll learn to reflect on the effects of your choices on the patients and their loved ones. And of course, more placements until you are ready to go out on your own. 

Why choose this course?

• Are you caring and resilient? Do you have good communications skills and the ability to make decisions while remaining calm? If the answer is yes, you could be the first point of contact for people when they are at their most vulnerable, and Paramedic Science may just be the right course for you.  
• Our course leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) straight after graduation. That means that as soon as you leave us, you’ll be fully qualified as a paramedic. As a result, 100% of our graduates went on to work or further study within six months of graduating, according to the latest Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey.
• Many of our students go on to undertake further study, becoming specialist or advanced paramedics, or progress to senior positions within the NHS. Our former students are also very active in the professional body, the College of Paramedics and have helped to further the paramedic profession. By studying at Herts, you will be part of a world-wide family of alumni, who are caring for patients every day of the year.  
• During your course, you will do placements with either the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust (LAS) or the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST). When you’re not on placement, you will practise in our simulation areas. We use innovative technologies to provide an immersive experience, where you can develop and enhance your clinical and communication skills.