MSc/PG Dip Physician Associate Studies

This intensive two-year clinical course prepares you to work as a Physician Associate (PA) in the NHS and is open to applicants with a first-degree in a health or science-related subject.

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Why study MSc/PG Dip Physician Associate Studies at BU?

PAs are healthcare professionals who work to a medical model alongside doctors in hospitals or GP surgeries
This course will prepare you to take a medical history, examine patients, diagnose common problems, perform procedures, and recommend treatment
The Department of Health is committed to increasing the number of PAs in the NHS, particularly in general practice, so employment is highly likely after graduating
Newly built skills facilities include simulated hospital wards and community home settings, allowing you to learn and practise various procedures safely
With a blend of theory and practice, you’ll spend a minimum of 1,400 hours in a range of clinical placements such as hospitals, general practice and other community services
Assessments will be used to consolidate learning throughout the course and in preparation for the National Examinations for Physician Associates.

Find out more about the content of this course.

The course follows the National Physician Associate Curriculum. It is represented on the National Physician Associate Schools Council and is currently undergoing General Medical Council validation.

For more information about PAs, please see the Faculty of Physician Associate website.

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Next start date:

September 2021, September 2022

Location:

Bournemouth University, Lansdowne Campus

Duration:

PG Dip and MSc: 2 years full-time

Required subjects:

Health or Science subject

Entry requirements:

A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:1 or equivalent in a required subject.

Required subjects: Health or Science related subject, e.g.: Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Biological Science, Microbiology, Anatomical Science, Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiotherapy, Paramedic Science, Audiology, Nursing, Operating Department Practice, Optometry, Biomedicine, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Science, Clinical Psychology, Pharmacy, Sports Science.

If English is not your first language, you will need IELTS (Academic) 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in writing, speaking, listening and reading, or equivalent.

For more information check out our full entry requirements.

Please note that due to Health Education England (HEE) funding, applicants must have UK home status to be eligible to apply for this course.

Course details

Learning Methods & Assessments

The Physician Associate Studies course at BU involves the integration of theory and clinical practice throughout the curriculum. This integration is based upon the key tenet that experience and learning are closely intertwined. Unlike more traditional courses, students gave substantial clinical exposure from the second month of the course. Fundamental examination and assessment skills are learned initially from simulated patients and in the clinical skills laboratory.

As the programme progresses, students will continue to develop and learn more complex skills both in the simulation labs and under the supervision of clinical supervisors in 1400 hours of practice placements. Placements will be within three major hospitals across Dorset, general practice and other community services.

The course is underpinned by problem based learning to develop habits of inquiry and innovation that will promote continued knowledge acquisition throughout a lifetime of learning. Repeated formative assessment will be used to consolidate learning throughout the course and in preparation for the National Examinations for Physician Associates. You must sit and complete this exam successfully upon completition of the course in order to start work as a PA.

There will be a key focus on the formation of professional identity throughout the course, underpinned by the four domains of Good Medical Practice (GMC 2013). Team building, peer support, group learning and mentorship will reinforce professionalism and help students to develop resilience. This has been designed to help students prepare themselves for the challenges that working in healthcare demands and to meet the high expectations commanded by the inter-professional team and patients alike.

Successfully completing the PGDip or MSc will mean you are eligible to sit the National Examination and register on the Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register or the General Medical Council Physician Associate Register that will replace the voluntary register in 2021/22.

Year 1

PG Dip and MSc Physician Associate Studies students will take the following units:

Introduction to General Medicine for the Physician Associate: Explore the role of the Physician Associate. Develop skills in taking a medical history and examination and become competent in performing a wide range of core procedural skills. The pathophysiology of common acute and chronic conditions in General Medicine will be explored using cases and clinical consultations.
Emergency Care for the Physician Associate: Learn to diagnose and manage medical and surgical emergencies, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. You will gain insight into assessing and managing patients with urgent problems and injuries in the Emergency Department, Urgent Care Centres and Out of Hours.
Mental Health for the Physician Associate: Develop skills in taking a psychiatric history, performing a mental state examination and interpreting the findings. You will critically explore common mental health problems and their management using cases and clinical consultations.

Year 2

PG Dip and MSc Physician Associate Studies students will take the following units:

Women’s Health for the Physician Associate: Develop skills in gynaecological and obstetric history and examination. You will critically explore common gynaecological and obstetric problems and their management using cases and clinical consultations.

Paediatrics for the Physician Associate: Learn to assess and examine young people and children of all ages, including babies and infants, and how to recognise the sick child. You will study child development, child safeguarding and common and serious paediatric illnesses.

Primary Care for the Physician Associate: Diagnose and manage unselected patients with any medical problem under the direct supervision of a GP. Develop skills in taking a focused clinical assessment and complex medical decision-making, while learning about the common acute and chronic conditions managed in Primary Care.

On successful completion of the course students will be eligible to sit the National Examination and register on the Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register or from 2021/22 the General Medical Council Physician Associate Register

MSc Physician Associate Studies students will also take the following units:

Exploring and Evaluating Evidence: Critically appraise research evidence, explore various approaches to enquiry and knowledge production, and consider how different philosophical assumptions shape claims to knowledge.

Critically reviewing practice for the Physician Associate (final project): You will write a final project related to one particular aspect of healthcare. Working in small groups, you will work collaboratively to conduct a comprehensive literature review and undertake a critical evaluation of an area of interest relating to your practice.

Programme specification

Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry. If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively please contact us for assistance.

Download the programme specification (pdf 433kb)

How to apply

You can apply for a MSc/PG Dip Physician Associate Studies through UCAS by clicking on the ‘apply now’ button.

How and when to apply

Background and experience

Selection Methods

You will take part in a face to face interview as part of the selection process.

Your interview will take place online, on a free video communication platform.

A member of the Admissions Team will email you with joining instructions and information about what to expect at interview.

Your individual interview is where you will have the opportunity to tell us a little more about yourself and why you would be a great candidate for the course. You will be scored using a common template and offers will be made based on these scores.

If you are invited to interview, you will also be able to access online on-demand information presentations, course talks, virtual campus tours and more which you can watch before your interview.

Find out more about interviews

How and when to apply

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:1, or equivalent, in a required subject.

Required subjects: Health or Science related subject, e.g.: Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Biological Science, Microbiology, Anatomical Science, Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiotherapy, Paramedic Science, Audiology, Nursing, Operating Department Practice, Optometry, Biomedicine, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Science, Clinical Psychology, Pharmacy, Sports Science.

Excluded subjects: Health & Social Care*, Health Sciences*

*unless adequate levels of biology have been covered in these degrees

If you lack the formal academic qualifications needed to enter a postgraduate or post-experience degree, there are several alternative routes to follow - some based on experience. Contact the Future Students Enquiry Team for more information.

Please note: due to Health Education England (HEE) funding, applicants must have UK home status to be eligible to apply for this course.

If English is not your first language, you will need IELTS (Academic) 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in writing, speaking, listening and reading, or equivalent.

Costs and fees

To be eligible for the postgraduate loan and Academic Scholarship you must enroll onto the full MSc route. PG Dip route do not currently qualify for the loan and scholarship.

Health Education England has agreed a single, national funding model for Physician Associates. Both MSc and PG Dip students will receive a training grant of £5000. This payment will be made at £2500 per annum, paid via Bournemouth University. The training grant can be used against course fees, placement travel, or similar costs incurred during the programme.

No hidden extras

What’s included in your tuition fee?

Your tuition fee covers expenses associated with your course including tuition materials, access to facilities, mandatory field trips and the following:

Disclosure and Barring Service Check.
Occupational Health Services and checks. Please note that you will be charged if you do not attend Occupational Health appointments without giving appropriate notice.
Materials for laboratory and field-based teaching activity.
Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement.
A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service.
The Library – access to a wide range of electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books), print and multimedia collections, subject librarians and study spaces.
Access to Brightspace, our virtual learning environment, which offers a responsive and personalised learning experience with powerful learning analytics capabilities, integrated social media and advanced video features.
IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow.
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme.
Disability and additional learning support
The BU Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills.
24 hours a day, 365 days a year security team.

Cost of living and other expenses you may need to consider

Additional costs
We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:

Laptops, tablets and mobile devices.
Students are required to attend at least 1400 hours of compulsory clinical placements. Students will need to pay for travel to these placements, which may be anywhere in Dorset, including West Dorset. Every effort will be made to minimise travel distances for students but due to the availability of clinical placements, travelling to placements is mandatory.
After completion of the course, students will need to sit the Physician Associate National Certification Examination before being able to work as a Physician Associate in the NHS. Students need to cover the examination and certification fee of £550, along with any travel and/or accommodation costs. For more information see www.fparcp.co.uk/examinations
You may choose to take a revision course for the National Examination: these are not compulsory and are not part of the Bournemouth University Physician Associate Studies curriculum. You will need to meet the costs of the revision course yourself; prices for these range from £220-£550 according to the provider.
Optional fieldwork travel, outdoor wear and footwear (where applicable).
Text books, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of text books and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shops stock a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses.
Accommodation and living costs. Our accommodation price guide can be found on our website.
Sport BU membership

Repeat units

Careers

PAs are healthcare professionals who work to a medical model alongside doctors in hospitals or GP surgeries. Their role includes examining patients, diagnosing common problems, performing procedures, and recommending treatment.

The Department of Health is committed to increasing the number of PAs in the NHS, particularly in general practice. In Dorset, there is a need for additional healthcare staff in acute hospitals and GP surgeries and it is expected that PAs will be part of the solution to this workforce shortage, so employment is highly likely after graduating. A typical starting salary for PAs is over £30,000.

Further study

Once you have completed a masters degree and perhaps following some time in practice you may wish to consider returning to BU to further develop your education.

If you are a BU graduate you are eligible for a 20% ‘loyalty’ discount on the published fees for further programmes with us!

Depending on your qualifications and experiences, you could choose to undertake a PhD level research degree. Bournemouth University has a strong research foundation - visit our postgraduate research courses for further details about research degree options with the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences and the funding options available.

Our staff

On this course you will be taught by staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This could include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners and research students, many of whom are actively engaged in research and/or professional practice which is integrated into the teaching of this course. Please note that teaching staff can change.

Professor Chantal Simon

Chantal is a working GP at The Banks and Bearwood Medical Practices in Bournemouth and a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners. She has formal academic training with an MSc from Southampton University in Research in Health and a PhD exploring the effects of community support on the psychological health of informal carers.

View Professor Chantal Simon's staff profile

Course changes

Changes in 2020

Date	Changes to this course
01/12/2020	Where the change was made: entry requirements (removal of 2:2) and required subject. Previous text: - Applicants holding a 2:2 may be considered on an individual basis provided they have evidence of relevant, recent clinical experience. - Required subjects: Health or Science related subject, e.g: Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Biological Science, Microbiology, Anatomical Science, Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiotherapy, Paramedic Science, Audiology, Nursing, ODP, Optometry, Biomedicine, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Chemistry New text: Health or Science related subject, e.g.: Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Biological Science, Microbiology, Anatomical Science, Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiotherapy, Paramedic Science, Audiology, Nursing, Operating Department Practice, Optometry, Biomedicine, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Science, Clinical Psychology, Pharmacy, Sports Science
03/11/2020	Where the change was made: This course has changed it's start date from January to September, from September 2021. The course should now be applied for via UCAS.

Date

Changes to this course

01/12/2020

Where the change was made: entry requirements (removal of 2:2) and required subject.

Previous text:

- Applicants holding a 2:2 may be considered on an individual basis provided they have evidence of relevant, recent clinical experience.

- Required subjects: Health or Science related subject, e.g: Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Biological Science, Microbiology, Anatomical Science, Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiotherapy, Paramedic Science, Audiology, Nursing, ODP, Optometry, Biomedicine, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Chemistry

New text: Health or Science related subject, e.g.: Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Biological Science, Microbiology, Anatomical Science, Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiotherapy, Paramedic Science, Audiology, Nursing, Operating Department Practice, Optometry, Biomedicine, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Science, Clinical Psychology, Pharmacy, Sports Science

03/11/2020

Where the change was made: This course has changed it's start date from January to September, from September 2021. The course should now be applied for via UCAS.

What our students and graduates think

Alexander Marc Smith-Vidal, Physician Associate Student

Physician Associate Studies is a fantastic opportunity for graduates to become healthcare professionals, helping to diagnose and treat patients. Early clinical exposure is what makes this course so unique and allows students to maximise their learning.

Sushila Roka, Physician Associate student

I have always envisioned myself to be a part of the NHS to help contribute towards the society and people in need. The role of Physician Associate allows me to achieve this as I will work as a healthcare professional to help diagnose and manage patients.

Statistics shown throughout this page are taken from Unistats and BU institutional data unless otherwise stated.

MSc/PG Dip Physician Associate Studies

Why study MSc/PG Dip Physician Associate Studies at BU?

Explore our facilities