Course summary
At a time of significant change in the NHS, Physician Associates (PAs) are playing an increasingly valuable role supporting doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients. The PA is a relatively new role in the NHS, working alongside doctors in hospitals and GP surgeries, supporting the diagnosis and management of patients. This innovative course, designed in partnership with universities in Kent, Surrey and Sussex, provides students with the knowledge, professional and clinical skills to work as a PA. The integrated curriculum borrows from the successful undergraduate course at BSMS with augmentation through intensive discussion of clinical cases in small groups, and includes significant time in local clinical placements and simulation facilities.
Modules
Year one: Biomedical and Clinical Science for PA (30 credits); Case-based learning for PA (Foundation) (45 credits); Clinical Practice for PA (Foundation) (45 credits). Year two: Case-based learning for PA (45 credits); Clinical Practice for PA (Senior) (60 credits); Preparation for Practice (15 credits).
Assessment method
The course is assessed using Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) and Knowledge tests at the end of each year. The latter consist of 120/240 Single Best Answer Questions for Years 1 and 2 respectively, and the OSCEs will adopt a typical multi-station approach. These tests are conducted as ‘Pass/Fail’ assessments; with a resit period available should any student fail their initial attempt. As part of the Clinical Practice – Foundation module, a number of clinical practice placements in local NHS CCGs affiliated with BSMS will be completed by the individual throughout the year. In order to achieve accredited PA status, students will also be required to pass the Physician Associate National Examinations. These take place in January, March and September each year.
Entry requirements
Applicants must have gained a 1st or 2:1 in a Life Sciences degree or other health-related undergraduate degree obtained within the last 5 years. Registered health professionals with more than 5 years' clinical experience may request RPL in exceptional circumstances with appropriate references and a personal statement. In addition, all applicant must have GCSE Maths and English Grade A*-B or equivalent. For EU students, an IELTS score of 7.5 or above is required in addition to the academic requirements.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
Please refer to our website for up to date fee information as some course fees vary: https://www.bsms.ac.uk/postgraduate/index.aspx
Due to visa restrictions, international students requiring a student visa (including EU/EEA who require a student visa) are eligible to apply for BSMS full-time Masters courses only. Part-time Masters courses, all PGDip and all PGCert courses are open to UK and Irish students and international students (including EU/EEA) who have an alternative visa/immigration permission to stay in the UK (such as settled/pre-settled status, Tier 2/work visa, indefinite leave to remain etc).
Sponsorship information
There are a number of scholarships available for postgraduate students from the UK and the EU as well as from the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Please see the Fees and Funding section of our webite for further details.
Provider information
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Medical Teaching Building
University of Sussex
Falmer
BN1 9PX