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2023/24
2024/25

MPAS Physician Associate Studies

  • UCAS code
    BB96
  • Typical offer
    AAB including Biology and Chemistry
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

Train to become a fully qualified physician associate with our MPAS Physician Associate Studies programme.

Gain the skills and knowledge to become a physician associate: a healthcare professional trained in the medical model, being developed across the NHS.

As a member of a medical team, work alongside doctors in hospitals and GP practices, supporting the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Taught by experts from the School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy and the School of Biological Sciences, this course offers:

  • industry-specific training.Designed in partnership with our local NHS partners to respond to career needs within the NHS, our course offers you the most relevant, practical content.
  • teaching from medical experts. You will be taught by NHS staff and academics whose research prevents disease, improves diagnoses, develops new therapies and advances clinical practice. Everyone who teaches you has on-the-ground experience.
  • clinical placements. Take part in placements within both primary and secondary healthcare settings throughout your degree.

Learning structure of the MPAS Physician Associate Studies

The first two years will equip you with a strong biological science base, and the ability to apply this learning to inform medical practice. These two years align with our BSc Medical Science degree.

Alongside your scientific learning, you will also acquire:

  • one-day placements in different healthcare environments
  • professional skills training, including reflective practice and communication
  • knowledge of public health and nutrition, with reference to patient care and clinical practice.

During the final two years of the programme, your learning will mirror our established MSc Physician Associate Studies.

Real-world experience and training

Complete placements within many areas of medical practice, across a variety of hospital and community settings.

In the first two years, you will undertake mini work-shadowing placements to understand the working environment of the NHS. In your third year, you will work on rotation with around 350 hours of clinical placements in both primary and secondary healthcare settings. In your final year this will increase to 1,350 hours, ensuring that you are well prepared to practice as a physician associate upon graduation.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £27,650

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers for MPAS Physician Associate Studies graduates

As a physician associate, you will be able to work in a wide variety of workplaces including GP practices, community health services and all types of hospital care.

Supporting doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients, you will:

  • take medical histories
  • perform examinations
  • diagnose illnesses
  • analyse test results
  • develop management plans.

A lack of trained physician associates in the UK means that career prospects for graduates are excellent. The predicted growth of this role across the NHS, to fill an important resource gap, indicates strong continued employment prospects.