Physician Associate Studies - MSc

Program Overview

Keele University's MSc Physician Associate Studies program provides comprehensive training over two years, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills to work as Physician Associates under the supervision of senior doctors. The program emphasizes clinical learning through placements in primary and secondary care, preparing graduates for their national exam and successful careers in healthcare.

Program Outline

Physician Associate Studies - MSc Physician Associates at Keele University

Degree Overview:

This Master of Science (MSc) Physician Associate Studies program offers comprehensive training over two years, equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and professional capabilities required to work within a diverse healthcare team, under the supervision of a senior doctor. It emphasizes clinical learning through placements in primary and secondary care, delivered by experienced practitioners, academics, and researchers. The program prepares graduates for their national exam and successful careers as Physician Associates.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Taught sessions: Held for 29 weeks of the year, with 16 weeks of clinical placements in GP surgeries.
These GP days start within the first few weeks of the program.
• Clinical placements: Focus on areas such as cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, endocrinology, GU and renal, neurology, eyes and ENT, and MSK.
• Modules: Focus on areas such as anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical examination, assessment, procedural skills, and various clinical conditions.

Year 2:

• Taught sessions: Held for 21 weeks of the year.
• Clinical placements: Full-time placements for 22 weeks, focusing on areas such as mental health, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, emergency medicine, haematology, infectious diseases, and dermatology.
• Modules: Focus on areas such as mental health, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, emergency medicine, alongside modules on the dissertation.
• Dissertation: Requires completion of a 15,000-word literature-based dissertation.

Assessment:

• Formative examinations and tests conducted throughout the program.
• Regular group and individual feedback provided.
• Summative assessments at the end of each year are comprised of SBA and OSCE examinations.
• Pharmacology and therapeutics exam required in Year 2.

Teaching:

• Full-time, two-year program.
• Experiential learning approach.
• Clinical teaching with integrated placements in primary and secondary care.
• Taught by specialist academics and clinicians from various backgrounds.
• Joint teaching with Keele Health and Social Care courses.
• Utilizes simulation scenarios for practicing and observing practical skills.

Careers:

• Graduate outcomes include diverse career opportunities as Physician Associates.
• Graduates can pursue further specialization within their area of interest.
• Keele University collaborates with local trusts to facilitate career progression in the region.
• Keele's career and employability team provides support for job search, career advancement, and personal development.

Other:

• Program length: 2 years (Full-time)
• Start date: January
• Location: Keele University campus or Hospital campus
• Fees: £9,250 (UK) per year for the 2024/25 academic year
• Keele University School of Medicine is ranked third in the UK (The Guardian, 2020).
• The program is closely affiliated with the North Staffordshire PA Internship Programme and actively involved in national PA education development.
• Admission requirements and application process are not included in the context and require further research.