Course summary
Physician associates first joined the NHS workforce over ten years ago and are now employed throughout the UK across numerous specialities and in primary care. Physician associates are permanent members of the clinical 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. Our 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 physician associates, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, psychologists and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage a wide range of diseases. The master's research project is undertaken in a clinically relevant area in the 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.
Entry requirements
Applicants should hold or be predicted an Upper Second class degree (2:1). This may include the life sciences (eg biomedical science, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, healthcare science) or allied health professionals (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 6 (B) or equivalent. Applicants with equivalent or non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. From the 2022/23 admissions cycle we will gradually be 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 (SJT) 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.
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
For fees for entry in 2025, please view the course listing on our website.
Sponsorship information
For the latest scholarship and bursary information please visit the fees and funding page.
Provider information
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL