Professional/Regulatory
Curriculum and programmes
Curriculum
The 6th Edition Curriculum was published in April 2024 following a fourteen month collaboration between all education providers and employers. Though the content of the curriculum wasn’t altered hugely from earlier issues – there was a re-emphasis on the core capabilities of a paramedic at the point of registration.
This edition of the curriculum includes for the first time, a definition of a paramedic at the point of registration. The attached article from Paramedic Insight in June 2023 describes the journey of development of the 6th Edition.
What is endorsement?
Endorsement is a mark of quality from the Royal College of Paramedics (RCOP). It shows that a university’s paramedic course is designed to prepare graduates for the realities and complexity of modern paramedic practice. Programmes can already be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which checks that courses meet required standards. RCOP endorsement goes a step further by recognising courses that also align closely with the needs and future direction of the paramedic profession.
Why does it matter to students?
If your course is endorsed, it means the curriculum, teaching and assessments have been reviewed by the professional body for paramedics. This signals that your learning experience supports the development of the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours expected at the point of registration. Endorsed programmes also form part of a national community committed to maintaining and improving the quality of paramedic education.
How does a course become endorsed?
The process involves a detailed and collaborative review between RCOP and the university. Programme teams explain not only what they teach, but also why they teach it that way and how their approach helps students become capable, reflective practitioners. The aim is to ensure that teaching methods, placement learning and assessment all support safe, confident practice after graduation.
Who can apply?
All types of pre-registration paramedic programmes can seek endorsement, including apprenticeships and integrated master’s degrees, as long as they align with the current RCOP curriculum.
What does endorsement represent overall?
For universities, endorsement strengthens the credibility of their programme. For students, it offers reassurance that their course aligns with the profession’s standards and future priorities. More broadly, it reflects a shared commitment between education providers and RCOP to develop paramedics who can deliver high-quality care and continue to advance the profession.
Endorsed programmes
Use the button to see list of the Paramedicine courses that are endorsed by the Royal College of Paramedics.