Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Critical Care (Intercalated)
Experience nine months working in critical care and gain a degree at the same time.Immersive learning
Gain extensive clinical experience when you undertake a substantial practice placement within a demanding critical care setting that mirrors the full spectrum of critical care services.
Practical experience
Enjoy working alongside experienced healthcare professionals and fellow medical students. A collaborative approach fosters interprofessional learning, enhances clinical decision-making, and prepares you for the complexities of critical care environments.
Shape future healthcare
Develop the skills to effectively lead teams through a dedicated module focused on management and leadership.
About
Develop your clinical skills and specialist competencies with placements in intensive and high dependency care and receive mentorship and support from experienced clinicians. Where possible, placement provision is negotiated to assist with additional living costs and support the development of relationships and networks that add value as you complete your medical degree and begin your early years as a doctor.
Mr Ruari Cassidy
Lecturer in Clinical Intercalation
Lecturer in Clinical Intercalation
This course is for you if...
you want to learn with and from others who represent the multi-professional team caring for the critically ill
you're keen to develop clinical and communication skills
you want to study with the only university to offer an intercalated degree in critical care in the UK
you're a team player, ready to shape your own future
Details
Your Intercalated Year
This programme has a modular design and a flexible ‘blended learning’ approach to delivery. Successful completion of the third or fourth year of your primary medical degree normally means you are eligible to accredit prior learning up to 60 credits via Recognition of Prior Learning – please see the
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
section of our website for further information on this process. The core modules (UEC607, UEC608 and UEC609) represent the 60 credits you are required to study to achieve the BSc (Hons) in Critical Care. RPL will be applied in recognition of experience and skills you have already gained as part of your medical degree for core module HEAD360P.
Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment. The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and the modules associated with this intercalated degree (may be subject to change):
Core modules
UEC608
Evidencing Professional Development in Urgent, Emergency and Critical Care via (e)-Portfolio
20 credits
This module will enable the student to develop their professional practice in the provision of urgent, emergency and critical care. Evidence supporting the students' development will be collated in an electronic portfolio (e-portfolio).
100% Coursework
UEC609
Developing Professional Practice in Critical Care
20 credits
This module will enable the student to develop their professional practice with regard to history taking, clinical examination, diagnostics, decision making and clinical management planning in critical care.
100% Coursework
HEAD360IC
Understanding Evidence to Inform Clinical Decision Making
20 credits
The module is designed to extend students' knowledge around evidence-informed decision making. This will be achieved through students identifying and evaluating a body of research-based evidence relevant to clinical practice.
HEAE306IC
The Fundamentals of Health Assessment and Common Illnesses
UEC607DL
Urgent, Emergency and Critical Care: Leadership and Innovation
This module will enhance the students' confidence and competence to lead and manage quality improvement and innovation in urgent, emergency and critical care.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Placement information
We offer a range of student placements across the UK, including some of the biggest and most dynamic NHS Trusts.
Explore opportunities to set up placements within your locality helping you with the cost of living and development of important relationships in settings where you may like to work in the future.
Experience working in genuinely challenging clinical environments. Real-life experiences mean meaningful education. Candidates are given the opportunity to select their placement preferences following interview.
Real-world experience
The Intensive Care Unit is the main pillar of the modern acute hospital services. By combining clinical treatments with invasive organ support, Intensive Care Medicine has one of the most rapidly developing research portfolios. The Critical Care intercalation programme provides an opportunity to undergraduate students to become members of a dynamic clinical and academic multidisciplinary team and experience the daily clinical practice of intensive care medicine.
Dr Nikitas Nikitas
Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine
I became a much more confident, competent and well-rounded medical student and soon-after doctor with bags more experience than my counterparts.
I intercalated so I could spend a year delving deeper into my passion for emergency care. I also knew the year spent in an emergency department would elevate me up a few levels before I became a foundation doctor. I networked and built plenty of contacts for the future and I got to explore a lot more of the UK from the various conferences I attended.
Mudassar Rashid
BSc (Hons) Urgent and Emergency Care Intercalated graduate
BSc (Hons) Urgent and Emergency Care Intercalated graduate
Meet your academic team
Mr Ruari Cassidy
Lecturer in Clinical Intercalation
Dr Blair Graham
Lecturer in Urgent & Emergency Care
Dr Rachel Pascoe
Lecturer in Acute/Critical Care Nursing (Education)
Life in ²ÝùÊÓƵ
²ÝùÊÓƵ's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what ²ÝùÊÓƵ and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
I chose to intercalate to develop specific skills in Emergency Medicine that I would not have the chance to learn as part of the typical medical curriculum.
I felt like part of the team within weeks of starting and also felt like I was contributing to the department. I would definitely advise anyone considering a career in the ACCS specialities to get in touch and apply.
Rosalind Rashid
BSc (Hons) Urgent and Emergency Care (Intercalated) graduate
BSc (Hons) Urgent and Emergency Care (Intercalated) graduate
Why choose emergency care?
Emergency medicine is a dynamic and rapidly evolving specialty. As the role of emergency departments expands, so too does their impact and influence within the healthcare system. For students, the rewards are both personal and professional.
The profile of emergency care has grown significantly in recent years. Its fast-paced, unpredictable nature attracts individuals who thrive under pressure—those who embrace the challenge of thinking on their feet, adapting quickly, and facing something new every day. If you're someone who seeks variety, intensity, and the chance to make a difference in critical moments, emergency medicine could be the perfect fit.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
N/A per credits
N/A per credits
Tuition fee price changes
Following an , the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the ²ÝùÊÓƵ. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
£18,650 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
This course is delivered by the
Faculty of Health
and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page:
Faculty of Health additional costs
.
Apply
Entry requirements
Given the nature of the placement element, the fact that you will be working in an emergency department environment, and the point of academic entry into the course we are only able to take medical students who have successfully completed their third or fourth year.
The opportunity to intercalate is open to any medical student supported by their medical school – you must have written permission to intercalate from your medical school and show evidence via transcript that you have completed clinical skills and research to the level normally expected of a fourth year undergraduate medical student. If you want to find out more about the opportunity to pursue a BSc (Hons) Critical Care Intercalated course at the ²ÝùÊÓƵ please email the Professional Development Unit at pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Applications for September 2025 are now closed.
UCAS course code
5865
5865
Institution code
NA
NA
Duration
1 year
Course type
Full-time
Study location
²ÝùÊÓƵ
²ÝùÊÓƵ
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the ²ÝùÊÓƵ.
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