Paramedic Science

Your Paramedic Science interview will take place online through Microsoft Teams. As your interview is online, we highly recommend visiting us at an Open Day or Taster Day to get to know ARU.

Your interview will consist of a pre-interview task and individual questions. We’ll be interested in your knowledge and understanding of the role of a paramedic. Instructions for the task will be provided to candidates who are invited to interview.

Below, you'll find some helpful information about your interview and some of the things we'll be discussing. 

Before your interview

Preparation and interview task

Prior to the interview, you’ll be required to prepare a short verbal presentation. You won't be required to use any presentation software, and you can refer to any notes you have prepared.

You can prepare by researching the role of the paramedic (nationally and internationally). We'll be interested to hear why you want to join the profession and what your career aspirations are. In the video below, Paramedic Science Senior Lecturer Richard Nicholson and current student Becca share their top tips to help you get the most from your interview.

The NHS will support your placements and is likely to be your first employer. Think carefully about how you can evidence the NHS Constitution, in particular, the 6Cs.

The Health and Care Professions Council regulates the paramedic profession, so take a look at their website for useful information on 'professionalism'. Other publications to consider include the PEEP report, the Francis report, and publications from the College of Paramedics, such as the Career Framework and the evolving role of paramedics in the wider care system.

Upload documentation

You will need to upload copies of your qualifications and ID documents you have declared on your application, which must be done prior to the interview.

If your name is now different to that listed on your certificates, you must also provide proof of this eg marriage certificate, deed poll.

If you cannot find any of your certificates, we will check your Government Personal Learning Record (PLR) to verify these. The Personal Learning Record service is a permanent online record of your qualifications and achievements. It’s held by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE).

If we are unable to verify your qualifications via the PLR and you do not have the certificates, you must apply for a replacement(s) immediately. This process can take in excess of six weeks and a charge is involved. It is your responsibility to ensure all this information is provided as Admissions will not follow this up for you.

Before you can register as a student, all documentation will be checked for authenticity. If found not to be genuine, applicants will be immediately withdrawn and will not be able to reapply. All relevant authorities, funding bodies and professional bodies will be informed accordingly.

Teams interview

• Please ensure you have selected a suitable date and time on your Applicant Portal.
• If you are unable to attend the date you have chosen, up to two days prior you may cancel your current selection on e-Vision and choose another date. If your interview date is less than two days away, please email us at [email protected].
• We’ll send you a link to access the interview on Teams, usually two days prior to your interview taking place.
• Please ensure you monitor your emails (including any junk/spam folder) and have both your camera and microphone enabled. You do not need to download Microsoft Teams to your device, the link the interviewer will send you can be opened in your internet browser. We will contact you via the email address provided on your application form.
• Please note your interview may be recorded.
• Please ensure you are at a device with a camera (ability to share screen will be needed for your presentation) and a microphone with a reliable internet connection; the interviewers need to be able to see and hear you clearly. We recommend accessing the interview from a laptop rather than a mobile phone or tablet if you can.
• This is an interview for a professional course leading to a professional qualification. Please dress and conduct yourself in a professional way.
• The interview is your chance to impress our panel with your understanding of the role of a paramedic, and why you would make a good candidate. You'll be asked a few questions by our academic staff and during the interview you will present your prepared admissions task.
• Please have available some photo ID to show on screen when asked by the interviewer. This is a standard check that would normally be undertaken in a face-to-face interview. This will be checked by the interviewing team. This can be a passport, driving licence or ID badge from your current employer or college.
• Telling us about any learning support needs you may have is a positive step and will help us to provide the support you need. Due to the online nature of the interview, we hope that you will have the resources you need to complete your interview. However, if you do feel that there are other learning support needs, please do get in touch via email to [email protected].

Interview format

This is a panel interview and it will have two parts to it.

1. Pre-interview task: the task consists of a hypothetical scenario where you’ll need to develop a plan and verbally present your answer to the panel at the start of your interview. 

Your goal is to prioritise the tasks in the scenario in the order you believe they should be addressed.

We are looking for your ability to make logical decisions.

Your answer should reflect your judgement and critical thinking skills.

2. Individual questions: we’ll be interested in your knowledge of the role of the paramedic, your communication skills, and your values as well as your understanding of the requirements and responsibility of the course. This includes your commitments to travel to and from placement.

We are looking for your understanding of the role of the paramedic, course commitments (placement, travel), NHS Constitution, resilience and transferable skills. We are interested in your approach to your answers, interpersonal communication skills, as well as your values.

What happens next?

You’ll be notified via UCAS of the outcome of your interview within five working days.

What next if I am offered a place?

• Accept your offer via UCAS Hub.
• Arrange your accommodation.
• Complete your DBS and Occupational Health information.
• Notify the Admissions team of any changes to your circumstances.

What next if I am unsuccessful at interview?

• Please consider the areas which need improvement and ask for written feedback to prepare for future interviews.
• You will not be able to reapply to our University for the same course until the next application cycle.

Above all, you need to be certain that this is the profession you want to join. Consider visiting us at an Open Day, if you haven't already. Then commit yourself to learning as much as you can before your interview day.