Entry requirements

Degree:

2.2 Honours degree (or predicted) in a life sciences or health-related subject.

Further entry requirements may apply

Key facts

Study mode:

Full-time

Start dates:

September (Two years full-time)

Fees:

2027/28 tuition fees for UK students: £10,400

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Overview

Physician associates perform an integral and skilled role in healthcare, supporting medical supervisors in performing physical examinations, formulating differential diagnoses, interpreting diagnostic tests, and recommending treatment plans.

Our course is accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC) and is designed and delivered in collaboration with practitioners from local healthcare providers, equipping you with the experience and expertise required to practice as a Physician Associate. You will develop transferable skills that are invaluable in both the healthcare sector and across related industries.

We deliver teaching through tutor-led sessions and clinical placements, reinforcing your knowledge through self-directed study. We will develop your ability to work as part of a multi-professional team and provide contemporary and informed insight thanks to input and guidance from experienced clinical colleagues.

During the course you will cover a range of modules, gaining comprehensive understanding of clinical human anatomy and physiology, diseases and health conditions associated with major organ systems, an in-depth view of community health, and key clinical and professional skills such as history taking, physical examination and ethics. You will also complete an independent supervised practice-related project.

General Medical Council logo
  • This programme is designed and delivered by dedicated academic staff and healthcare professionals who have a wealth of knowledge in the field.
  • Benefit from mandatory placements in general practice, community and acute hospital settings to equip you with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career as a physician associate.
  • Purpose-built clinical skills areas will allow you to apply theory to practice in a safe environmentImprove your critical thinking skills and your ability to design, execute and present findings of practice-based research.
  • Study a range of modules including; Anatomy and Physiology, Community Health, General Medicine and Speciality Medicine.

What you will study

Modules

Anatomy & Physiology (15 credits)

This module will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology. The knowledge gained on anatomical structure will be complemented with functional knowledge through teaching on medical physiology topics.

Community Health (15 credits)

This module provides an in-depth view of community health, with a focus on populations and communities rather than individual patients. Content includes primary care, mental health and public health, with discussion on the impact of significant health issues upon local and national health services. 

Clinical & Professional Skills (30 credits)

In this module, you will develop key clinical and professional skills related to working as a Physician Associate. For example; clinical skills, history taking, physical examination, ethics, communication skills, professional guidelines and regulation, evidence-based medicine and inter-professional education. 

General Medicine (30 credits)

This module provides a systemic approach to learning about organ systems and clinical pharmacology. Content will include diseases and health conditions associated with major organ systems (e.g. muscular, skeletal, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, urinary, and digestive), and how they are treated. The role of the Physician Associate in therapeutics and prescribing.

Specialist Medicine (30 credits)

This module will equip you with a sound knowledge of different areas in the clinical setting, and the role of such specialisms in primary and secondary care. Content includes Dermatology, Ophthalmology, ENT (ears, nose and throat), Haematology, Neurology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Practice-Related Project (60 credits)

This module involves completion of an independent (but supervised) evidence-based, practice-related project. The project will develop your ability to relate research concepts and topics to a clinical setting.

You, in conjunction with a clinical supervisor, will identify a research question or area for development and then design an original project to highlight potential solutions.

You will also complete a clinical portfolio – this module is not credit-bearing, but essential for a qualification which enables eligibility to sit the Physician Associate National Exam administered by the Royal College of Physicians and once passed, allows practice as a Physician Associate. The cost for sitting this exam is borne by the applicant.

How you'll learn

Teaching typically includes lectures, group seminars, practical skills sessions and workshops. You are encouraged to become an independent and proactive learner, and we will recommend reading and electronic resources for independent study to help develop the breadth and depth of your knowledge.

The majority of your studies will take place at the university but we also incorporate hospital and community-based learning experiences on your placement activities.

Learning activities are designed to help you develop your teamwork, presentation and problem-solving skills, plus more traditional academic skills such as synthesis, evaluation and application. We also help you to develop your skills and understanding in professional areas such as ethics and reflective practice.

You will benefit from the support of a personal academic tutor, who you are encouraged to meet with regularly. We also offer a range of additional support services to help you develop the skills required for MSc level study.

Assessments include a variety of forms, including written and practical exams, case study reports and presentations. You will also be expected to undertake formative assessment, such as self-reflection and peer-review of fellow students. Bespoke guidance materials are provided for all forms of assessment on the course.

Year two of the course is largely placement based, however students will still be expected to attend university for revision sessions and engage in personal study

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Why choose DMU?

Your future career

Placements

The first year of this programme will include some short clinical placements. The second year is predominantly placement-based, and you will spend approximately 41 weeks on clinical placement.

Placements will be provided in general practice, community and acute hospital settings; across the east midlands. It will be your responsibility to arrange travel to placements.

How we support you

Unlimited one-to-one careers coaching

Get personalised advice and guidance from expert careers advisors to support your progression into Physician Associate roles.

Professional development programme

Enhance your employability with workshops, training sessions, and healthcare-focused events.

Clinical mentoring

Connect with practising healthcare professionals to gain insight, guidance, and networking opportunities within clinical practice.

24/7 access to digital employability tools

Access LinkedIn Learning, personalised CV feedback, mock interviews, and other resources anytime to prepare for clinical careers.

Job search assistance

Receive support finding clinical placements, internships, and graduate roles in healthcare.

Employability projects and placements

Gain real-world experience through clinical placements, applying theoretical knowledge to patient care while developing the skills required for future employment as a Physician Associate.

Industry-informed teaching

Learn from experienced clinicians, academic staff and guest speakers who share current healthcare practice and professional expertise.

Careers and employability support

Receive guidance on career planning, employability skills and progression into Physician Associate roles.

Employability projects and placements

Develop real-world clinical experience through supervised placements in hospital and community healthcare settings.

Fees and funding

UK and Channel Island students

2027/28 tuition fees for UK students: £10,400

Funding

Postgraduate Master's Loan (Student Loans Company)

A Postgraduate Master’s Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s course.

Funding for postgraduate loans is different if:

  • you normally live in Scotland
  • you normally live in Wales
  • you normally live in Northern Ireland

Find out more about a Master's loan

Additional postgraduate loans and grants

Sir Thomas White Loans Charity

Applicants may be able to borrow up to £10,000 interest-free for 9 years from the Sir Thomas White Loans Charity for postgraduate study. Applicants must be resident in Leicestershire or Rutland for more than three years and be aged over 18 years old and under 45 years old.

Telephone number for Sir Thomas White Loans Charity: +44 (0)116 204 6620

Sir Harry James Riddleston Charity of Leicester

Applicants may be able to borrow up to £10,000 interest-free for five to 10 years for business, vocational or education purposes from the Sir Harry James Riddleston Charity of Leicester. You must be aged over 18 and under 45 and reside in Leicestershire or Rutland.

Telephone number for Sir Harry Riddleston Charity of Leicester: +44 (0)1858 463322

Educational grants, trusts and charities

Some educational trusts and charities provide small grants to help towards books, fees or equipment. There are several searchable online Grants databases such as Turn2us.

Funds for women graduates

Funds for Women Graduates offer grants towards living expenses for the final year of a PhD or DPhil for UK, EU or international students.

Going to university represents a real investment in your future and there is plenty of financial support available to students for both tuition fees and living expenses.

Find out more about funding

Additional costs

The core textbooks for all modules are available in the Kimberlin Library, and journal articles in your reading lists are also mostly available electronically from your myDMU login.

Some students like to purchase their own text books or print course documents and we suggest allowing approximately £200 per year for this.

All students are required to pay for their DBS check if required for your programme or placement.

In addition, students will be required to pay for their travel costs to placements or project locations.

All students are provided the opportunity to participate in DMU Global trips. These trips are subsidised by the University, and the cost and subsidy vary by location.

Entry requirements

Degree:

2.2 Honours degree (or predicted) in a life sciences or health-related subject.

Subjects can include anatomy, biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, healthcare science, medical science, medical engineering, nursing, paramedic, pharmacy, or physiology.

Equivalent international qualifications will be reviewed with the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of at least 7.0 in each domain (speaking, listening, reading, writing), with an overall score of at least 7.5, is essential. This must be achieved in a single sitting and within 24 months of the time of application to this course.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning (CELL), is available both before and during the course.

Interview

If selected for interview, you will be invited to a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).

The MMI will include four stations, covering topics including but not limited to - time management, prioritisation, resilience, communication, motivation for becoming a Physician Associate, current issues in the NHS and current issues facings PAs. All stations are equally weighted.

Please contact the admissions team to discuss any reasonable adjustments for interview, if you have or had a learning agreement in place for your undergraduate degree.

Professional behaviour

Whilst working towards becoming a physician associate, you will be expected to display a high standard of professional behaviour, as you will be joining a soon to be regulated profession.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

You must complete a declaration form and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) application form before starting the course, which needs to be cleared in accordance with DMU’s admission policy.

We strongly advise that you opt for the DBS update service as it is possible that future placement providers may request a recent DBS and not one from the start of the programme. If you decide not to opt for this service, you will have to pay for the DBS again if requested by your placement provided – the university will not cover this cost.

Applicants must also complete a satisfactory health screening.

This course is designed to train Physician Associates to work in the UK. Currently work outside of the UK is limited to New Zealand, where post graduate experience is usually needed prior to application. 

Key facts

Course title

Physician Associates Studies

Award

MSc

Programme code

BB96

Study mode

Full-time

Study level

Postgraduate

Start dates

September

Duration

Two years full-time

How to apply

How to apply

Save these details for your application
Programme title:
Physician Associates Studies MSc
Programme code:
BB96

Applications can be malde through UCAS

1. Register on UCAS Hub (create an account)

2. Fill in your UCAS application form:

  • Personal details (name, contact, residency)
  • More about you (any mental health conditions or long-term illnesses, parenting responsibilities, whether you’ve served in the armed forces)
  • Education history (qualifications taken or pending)
  • Employment history (if applicable)
  • Course choice.

3. Write your personal statement (why you want to study the course, skills, achievements, future goals)

4. Get your reference (usually from a teacher/tutor/employer)

5. Pay the UCAS fee (single choice or multiple choices)

6. Submit the UCAS application before the deadline.

Apply now