Student partners Marek and Ness blaze trail in Paramedic Science

A man studying Paramedic Science alongside his partner at the University of Bradford has encouraged others to follow in their footsteps through Clearing.  

Marek Jurkowski and partner Ness Peacock met six years ago while volunteering as Community First Responders. Marek had moved to the UK from Poland, where he worked in the ambulance service, while Ness was beginning to focus on her career after years of caring for her two children.  

Determined to qualify as paramedics, they both enrolled on the Access to Health Science course at Leeds City College.  

The couple are both preparing to start the third year of four studying BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science at Bradford, which has places available through Clearing for this September. 

Marek, 40, said: “We both really enjoy the course. We are not just passionate about Paramedic Science, but also the University of Bradford.  

“We have already gained so much experience, it’s amazing. The sandwich year that is part of the programme is great as there is no better preparation for doing the job after you have finished studying.  

“It’s challenging, as we have two teenage daughters, but Ness and I support each other. It involves quite a lot of planning.  

“If someone wants to be a paramedic, there is no better place to start than at the University of Bradford. 

“We chose the University of Bradford as it’s welcoming and inclusive and the tutors really know their stuff.” 

More about the course 

The four-year BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science programme includes a sandwich year where students work in a paid position as a technician for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS). Students will also participate in clinical placements with a range of healthcare providers.  

Bradford’s Paramedic Science programme is ranked first in Yorkshire and the Humber and eighth in the UK, according to the Complete University Guide Subject League Table 2026.  

Clearing call    

Clearing 2025 runs until October 20, offering prospective students the chance to secure a place at University. Prospective students may include those taking all Level 3 qualifications (this year or last), or mature students who want to return to education. 

The University of Bradford is offering a range of services this year, including its Clearing Community Pass, which includes webinars, a dedicated phone line and SMS and email updates.  

Its call-lines – 08081 969129 – and self-apply form are open now. The self-apply link is also available on the Clearing website 

You can use Clearing if you have changed your mind about what or where you want to study, received higher or lower grades than you expected or haven’t yet applied to study at University for September 2025.   

Undergraduate Bursary Scheme

The University of Bradford is committed to helping students from all backgrounds access higher education. 

In the 2025/2026 academic year, the University will be offering a cash bursary to all home undergraduate students whose family incomes are under £40,000 a year. 

The University will automatically identify eligible students using information from the Student Loans Company, there is no need for prospective students to apply to the University directly. 

Students who are studying for a second degree are not eligible, unless the course is health-based and eligible for additional student finance funding. 

Go to bradford.ac.uk/scholarships/undergraduate-bursary-scheme-2025-26 for more information.