University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Physician associates first joined the NHS workforce over ten years ago and are now employed throughout the UK in increasing numbers. Physician associates are permanent members of the medical team, responsible for performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and recommending therapy. The role of physician associates is increasingly important within the healthcare workforce and individuals with this qualification are in demand. Our PGDip/MSc in Physician Associate Studies aims to develop the skills required to become an effective practitioner through a combination of teaching and practical placements. You will be trained according to the medical model and will work in collaboration with doctors and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage a wide range of common and complex diseases. Students registered for the Masters programme will also undertake a clinically relevant research project in their second year of study. A range of benefits are provided by the University to support your career development:
- You may be eligible to receive some financial support during the course;
- Year 2 provides you with an elective period and the opportunity to develop your skills through working abroad;
- Develop your skills with the help of our excellent tutors and state-of-the-art clinical teaching facilities;
- Integrated training in prescribing safety (in anticipation of prescribing rights for physician associates) and communication skills is provided;
- The University will provide iPads with access to a range of online resources, which are essential during placements;
- At the end of the course, our 'preparation for practice' placement allows you to specialise in a specialty of your choice.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- A300
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - Not accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted
Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted
Scottish Higher - Not accepted
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants should hold or be predicted an Upper Second class degree (2:1). This may include the life sciences (e.g. biomedical science, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, healthcare science) or allied health professions (eg pharmacy, audiology, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy). Although we encourage applications from other healthcare professionals, we do not accept applications from candidates with medical degrees or those who have previously studied for, but not completed, a medical or healthcare degree. All applicants should hold GCSE qualifications in Maths and English Language at grade B (6) or equivalent. Applicants with equivalent or non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. From the 2022/23 admissions cycle we will be gradually integrating the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) into our selection process. Applicants who have taken UCAT and achieved a total cognitive test score in the top third of UCAT test takers and Band 1 or 2 in the Situational Judgement test will receive a guaranteed interview, subject to meeting our other criteria for admission. Applicants with a Band 4 SJT will not be considered for admission. Where UCAT has been sat it must be declared on the application. Applications are still encouraged from applicants who did not sit UCAT and these will be shortlisted following our normal process.
Additional entry requirements
Admission tests
Health checks
All offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening. The health screening is based upon the Higher Education Occupational Physicians/Practitioners (HEOPS) standards of medical fitness to train for medical students. A potential student may be concerned that their health or disability may affect their ability to fulfil the competency standards of the course. Any such applicants are encouraged to contact the Occupational Health Service and/or The Disability Advisory and Support Service at an early stage in order to explore the situation in depth and consider the feasibility of making reasonable adjustments. Hopefully the process will prove helpful to the student in deciding whether to pursue an application. The health screening requires the completion of a detailed health questionnaire by the applicant and a possible appointment with the University's Occupational Health Department. In order to be admitted and continue on the programme, students must be deemed as medically fit for both practice and theory by the Occupational Health Department. You will be required to comply with any viral screening as requested by the Department of Health. General enquiries about health screening should be addressed to Student Occupational Health, Tel +44 (0)161 275 2858, Fax +44 (0)161 275 3137.
Interview
The interview will take place in Manchester and follows a multiple mini interview (MMI) format, with each station having an interviewer. Each station will be seven minutes long and there will be a two-minute gap between stations. In the two-minute gap, you will be provided with some information about the next station so that you can begin to prepare your thoughts. There are no rest stations. The station where you start will be allocated at random and you will then pass round the circle from station to station until you have completed them all. More information will be circulated to applicants along with their interview invitation.
Other
You will be required, as part of the non-academic conditions of your offer, to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In the UK, this takes the form of an Enhanced Level search by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and will reveal any criminal convictions, spent or unspent, as well as any police cautions, warnings or reprimands. Regulations and record systems in other countries vary. If you receive an offer from us, you will receive a link to further information. Anyone who considers it possible that a criminal record or other disclosure may reveal any offence must contact the Admissions Team before applying.
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 | 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all components |
International students must demonstrate English proficiency through a secure and approved testing system. We ask for English language proof if you are from non-majority English speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found here). Specifically, we require a minimum of: IELTS - 7.0 overall (with 6.5 in all components)
Requirements for your country
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees for entry in 2025 have not yet been set. For entry in 2024 the tuition fees were £9,250 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2025 entry.
Provider information
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL