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.

Course review: in order to take advantage of new approaches to learning and teaching, as well as developments in industry to benefit our students, we regularly review all of our courses. This course is currently going through this process and we will update this page to give you full information about what we will be offering once the review process has concluded. These changes will come into effect for all new students from September 2024. Applicants will be notified by our Admissions Team of any changes.

Physician Associate National Examination

This course is registered and approved by the Faculty of Physician Associates of the Royal College of Physicians and the General Medical Council. Successfully completing the PGDip or MSc will mean you are eligible to sit the Physician Associate National Examination (also known as the Physician Associate Registration Assessment) and join the General Medical Council Physician Associate Register. For more information about PAs, please visit the Faculty of Physician Associates website.

Key information

Next start date:

September 2024, September 2025

Location:

Bournemouth University, Lansdowne Campus

Duration:

MSc and PG Dip: 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.

Please note, from September 2024 entry onwards we cannot accept applications from those who hold a medical degree. 

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 Applicants with any fitness to practice concerns recorded on the GMC register cannot be considered for this course as you will be unable to graduate, register and practice as a Physician Associate. At present, graduates of UK Physician Associate Studies programmes are not eligible to work as Physician Associates in other countries.