Master en Physician Associate Studies - Máster en Estudios de Médico Asociado

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.

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.

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.

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 programme students will be eligible to sit the National Examination and register on the Physician Associate Managed Voluntary 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.

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.