Additional Information for Courses with Required Placements: PVG; Health Clearance; Uniforms; Insurance
An overview of the core requirements are detailed below. All programme specific regulatory pre-placement requirements must be in place before you will be allowed to undertake any placement activities as a student of Ģý.
There will be a dedicated 'Pre-Placement Talk' during Induction week which every student should attend where possible. Students will also be able to discuss any issues or queries with the pre-placement support team during their first few weeks at QMU, through bookable appointments, or via email should they be unable to attend or if they need additional support with completing certain aspects.
Why You Need to Apply
If your course includes placements, you must join the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. This is a legal requirement.
You can only apply once you:
- Are fully enrolled (matriculated) at QMU
- Have a current UK address
How the Application Works
Step 1: Ģý starts your application.
Step 2: You’ll get an email to your Ģý account from Disclosure Scotland with a link. Complete your part within 7 days.
⚠️ Check your junk folder and VIPRE emails.
After You Apply
You’ll get a digital disclosure. You must share this with Ģý. If you don’t you could be withdrawn from your course.
Which PVG Type Do You Need?
- PVG Scheme Disclosure (Join) – First-time applicants or adding a new group Cost:£59
- PVG Scheme Disclosure (Existing) – Already a member, just adding Ģý Cost:£18
Not sure? .
What You Need to Do
Before you matriculate:
- ✅ Check which PVG type applies to you
- ✅ Gather 3 forms of ID (must show your name, date of birth, and UK address)
At least one must have a photo. Accepted ID includes:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Birth certificate
- BRP
- National ID card
- Bank statement (last 3 months)
- Utility bill (last 3 months)
- Lease agreement
📸 Upload clear scans or photos via the Student Portal.
What Happens Next
Once you’re matriculated and have uploaded your ID:
- Ģý creates your application.
- You get an email from Disclosure Scotland.
- You set up a ScotAccount and complete the form within 7 days.
⏰ Miss the deadline? The link expires and we’ll need to restart.
Your Data
Your ID is only used for the PVG application and all documents submitted for this purpose will be deleted in line with Data Protection requirements. For further information, please see our web page.
Keeping Your PVG Up to Date
- If you work with a new group, update your membership.
- If you change jobs, your new employer may ask for an updated disclosure.
- .
- You can leave the scheme if you stop doing regulated work.
FAQs
Can I apply before I matriculate?
No. You must be fully enrolled and have a UK address.
What if I don’t know which PVG type I need?
Contact Disclosure Scotland.
Can I set up my ScotAccount now?
Yes, but you can’t verify your identity until Disclosure Scotland asks.
What do I need for ScotAccount?
An email address and a mobile phone or UK landline number.
What if I miss the 7-day deadline?
The link expires. Contact QMU to restart the process.
Can I use digital ID copies?
Yes. Upload clear scans or photos.
Will I get a paper certificate?
No. You’ll get a digital disclosure.
Do I need to pay?
If you’re an ASSaM student, yes — £59 or £18 depending on the type.
I’m a transgender student. Is there guidance?
Yes. Disclosure Scotland has for you.
Need More Help?
Check the official for full details.
All students undertaking placements must complete the Health Clearance process before starting.
The Government require us to ensure that all students who will have direct clinical contact with patients meet the health clearance requirements as set out in their . This process is managed by NHS Lothian’s Occupational Health team and includes submitting vaccination records and attending at least one face-to-face appointment.
Please follow the steps below carefully and within the required timescales.
Step 1: Watch the Information Video
📅 When: Now
Watch a from Occupational Health explaining the process.
Step 2: Gather Your Vaccination Records
📅 When: Start now – this can take up to 6 weeks
- Contact your GP or check your childhood health records.
- You must provide proof of 2 MMR vaccinations (Measles, Mumps, Rubella).
- If you cannot obtain records, write a short explanation (e.g. records are missing).
👉 You’ll upload this in Step 4.
Step 3: Accept Your Offer
📅 When: As soon as your offer becomes unconditional
- Accept your place at QMU to proceed with health clearance.
- Use your personal email address (not a school, college, or agent email).
⚠️ Using the wrong email may delay your placement.
Step 4: Complete the Online Occupational Health Form
📅 When: From mid-July
- You’ll receive an email from NHS Lothian with a link to the form and login details.
- Check your junk/spam folder if you don’t see it.
👉 Complete the form within 10 working days and upload your vaccination proof or explanation.
⚠️ If not completed by 31 August, you may miss your on-campus appointment, which could delay your placement.
Step 5: Attend Your Health Clearance Appointment
📅 When: Mid-to-late September
- You’ll be given a 30-minute appointment on campus.
👉 If you can’t attend, contact Occupational Health at least 48 hours in advance.
⚠️ Missed appointments without notice may incur a £40 charge. - If further appointments are needed, they’ll contact you directly.
💷 Payment Information
If you are not SAAS-funded, not living in Scotland, and not an undergraduate student, you will need to pay for any vaccines or tests.
- Ģý will invoice you, usually in Semester 2.
- The total cost is likely to be around £250. The cost is decided by Occupational Health. You can ask them for the price list. Ģý can’t tell you what you’ll need, as we don’t have access to your medical records for data protection reasons.
- Payment plans are available.
👉 See our Fees FAQs for more information.
📩 Need Help?
If you have any questions, please contact the Health Clearance Team – we’re here to help!
Uniforms
Information on NHS uniform guidelines can be found here. Please pay particular attention to the requirements regarding sleeve length. A demonstrating how the uniform should look, fit, and feel is also available.
The uniform supplier has provided measuring guides to help you select the most suitable size. Please note that all uniforms are unisex, so these guides are intended to help you choose the best fit for your body shape.
- Measuring guide - men's sizing
- Measuring guide - women's sizing
Students who require a uniform for placement will be issued with four tunics and four pairs of trousers. Please note that all trousers are supplied with a long leg length and will need to be hemmed.
If you are required to pay for your uniform, Registry will issue an invoice at the point of matriculation. If you require an alternative size and/or would like to purchase additional uniform items, these can be purchased directly from the supplier. Information on how to place orders will be provided at the pre-placement welcome talk and will also be available to view on InPlace.
, who are not affiliated with Ģý, offer a variety of footwear, all suitable for placement. You are under no obligation to purchase from them, but it may be of interest to see what types of footwear are acceptable.
Uniform
Paramedic Science students will be issued with a set of core uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE) items required for placement. These will be distributed during a core class in mid-October and are provided free of charge.
The standard allocation is:
- 4 × Polo shirts with the Ģý crest and Paramedic Student embroidery
- 2 × Ambulance trousers
- 1 × Navy softshell jacket with Paramedic Student embroidery
- 1 × High-visibility jacket with Paramedic Student print
- 1 × Green A7A helmet with student transfer (one size)
- 1 × Pair of Magnum safety boots
- 1 × Pair of debris gloves (one size)
- 1 × Pair of chemical gloves (one size)
If you require additional uniform items beyond the standard allocation, these can be purchased directly from the supplier. Information on how to place orders will be provided at the pre-placement welcome talk and will also be available to view on InPlace.
