Paramedic Science

Your Paramedic Science interview will take place online through our interview platform, Shortlister. 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. Download details of the task

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

Before your interview

Preparation

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.

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.

Pre-interview task

The pre-interview task consists of a hypothetical scenario where you’ll need to develop a plan and verbally present your answer during your interview.

Download details of the task

Your goal is to prioritise the tasks in the scenario in the order you believe they should be addressed. We're looking for your ability to make logical decisions. Your answer should reflect your judgement and critical thinking skills.

Upload documentation

You will need to upload copies of all requested documents, including qualifications and your ID to your ARU Applicant Portal. This must be done before you complete your interview.

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 If found not to be genuine, applicants will be immediately withdrawn and will not be able to reapply.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.

Shortlister interview

• You will receive an invitation from us to access your online interview portal on the Shortlister platform. Once you have been invited, you will have five days to complete the interview task.
• Your interview will be completely virtual, and you won’t meet an interviewer or member of staff in real-time. Instead, you’ll be presented with a series of pre-recorded questions from the ARU community. These questions are designed to assess your understanding and motivations for pursuing a career as a paramedic. Your responses will be reviewed by members of the teaching team.
• Before you start your interview, you should review the scenario question and consider your response. You will also find this question in the welcome hub on Shortlister.
• It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. You can step away between questions and rejoin the interview later; however, we recommend completing in one sitting where possible.
• You can access our Practice Hub at any time, and complete as many practice interviews as you wish before starting your actual interview.
• Please monitor your emails (including any junk/spam folder). If you haven’t done so already, please add @aru.ac.uk to your safe sender list.
• Please make sure you are at a device with a camera and a microphone with a reliable internet connection; we will 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.
• It is essential that you remain visible on camera throughout the entire interview process. If you are not present on camera, or if there are any technical issues with your video or microphone that prevent us from seeing or hearing you clearly, your interview will be considered failed. Please ensure your technology is working properly before starting the interview to avoid any disruptions.
• You will need to have your ID ready before you start your interview. Please ensure that both your name and picture are visible and clear. If we are unable to verify your ID, we may be unable to assess your interview which would lead to an automatic fail.
• 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, you can request this through the Shortlister portal, or by getting in touch with us at [email protected]
• Remember, this is your opportunity to introduce yourself to our Admissions panel. Be yourself and impress us with your understanding of the role of a paramedic, and why you would make a good candidate.
• If you've applied to study with us in Chelmsford, we'll ask you which Ambulance Trust you would prefer to undertake your placements with. This does not guarantee availability at this Trust, it is for planning purposes only.

What happens next?

You’ll be notified via UCAS of the outcome of your interview within ten 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.