Physician Associate Studies

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally have:

• a 2:1 honours degree or above (or accepted equivalent) in life/health sciences, e.g. Medical Science, Biomedical Science, Nursing or one of the Allied Health Professions (Radiography, Radiotherapy, Physiotherapy, etc.).
• a lower second class honours (2:2) degree will only be considered if you have patient facing experience at a professional level (minimum of 1 year).
• successfully passed a minimum of 1 module in human anatomy/physiology at Level 4 (first year undergraduate) or above (a transcript may be requested).
• Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency to IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any band or equivalent.
• Applicants must apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and Occupational Health check, and register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
• Applicants will normally need to demonstrate that they have completed a minimum of 70hrs work experience in a health or social care setting. This experience can be paid employment, voluntary work or job shadowing.
• Acceptance on the course is subject to an assessment interview. Details of our interview dates will be released online soon.

Months of entry

February, October

Course content

This course aims to inform and equip the practitioner with the necessary knowledge and skills to function in a modern clinical environment as a Physician Associate.

The physician associate is a type of health professional whose development has been led by the Department of Health and has involved the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Royal College of General Practitioners (RGCP), as well as the profession itself through the faculty of physician associates (FPA). This course aims to holistically develop you as a clinician, leader and pioneer of the profession.

This course is delivered by Physician Associates and other health care professionals, supplemented by a variety of Clinicians and Biomedical Scientists from local Hospital Departments and general practices.

You will be trained using an integrated model of theory and practice. You will have the opportunity to hone your clinical skills and knowledge in simulation. You will have contact with our simulated patients from the first week of the course. We have an up-to-date simulation suite which allows you to learn and develop in a safe environment prior to conducting clinical placements.

Information for international students

This course is not available to international students.

Fees and funding