Physician Associate Studies MSc

Program Overview

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The Physician Associate Studies MSc at Ulster University is a two-year intensive program that trains students to deliver first contact medical care under the supervision of a senior doctor. The program combines theoretical and clinical training, with students developing a solid knowledge base in clinical medicine and comprehensive clinical examination skills. Graduates have the potential to work across a broad range of medical specialties after passing the Physician Associate Registration Assessment.

Program Outline

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Physician Associate Studies MSc at Ulster University 2025/26 entry - Full-time Postgraduate Study

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

• Two-year intensive Master's program training Physician Associates to deliver first contact medical care under the supervision of a senior doctor.
• Students work with a medical team to deliver care to patients across a range of specialties in both primary and secondary care.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the required education and training to successfully complete the program and become safe and competent clinicians upon qualification.

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Program Description:

• Year 1 is mainly theoretical and based at the Derry~Londonderry campus with one day of primary or secondary care experience per week from the middle of the year.
• Students develop a solid knowledge base in clinical medicine and comprehensive clinical examination skills to enable them to work in any medical specialty.
• They then develop the specialist knowledge needed to advance their careers and care for patients.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Focus on evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills.
• Develop clinical and professional competence in a variety of healthcare settings.
• Integrate knowledge and skills across the curriculum through problem-based learning and clinical practice.
• Engage in research activities and develop the ability to critically appraise and interpret research findings.

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Program Structure:

• Full-time program delivered over two years.
• Year 1 includes a mixture of classroom teaching, problem-based learning, clinical skills sessions, and one day per week in primary or secondary care.
• Contact the course team for the most up-to-date module list and schedule.

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Individual Modules:

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Year One:

• Clinical & Professional Competence in Physician Associate Studies 1:
Develops personal and professional skills through self-directed study, group work, and reflection.
• Foundations in Clinical Medicine & Pharmacology 1:
Advances knowledge and skills in fundamental elements of clinical medicine, with a focus on diagnosis and management of diseases and health conditions.
• Research Methods & Evidence-based Medicine 1:
Equips students with skills to facilitate, source, appraise, and integrate research evidence into medical decision-making.

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Year Two:

• Developing Professional Practice & Clinical Placements:
Builds on learning from year 1, focusing on personal and professional development through self-directed study, group work, and reflection.
• Foundations in Clinical Medicine & Pharmacology 2:
Further develops knowledge and skills in fundamental elements of clinical medicine, focusing on presentation, diagnosis, and management of diseases and health conditions.
• Clinical & Professional Competence in Physician Associate Studies 2:
Prepares students for practice as a Physician Associate by assessing competencies outlined in the national PA curriculum.
• Research Methods & Evidence-based Medicine 2:
Develops critical thinking skills, provides opportunities to design and deliver presentations, and prepares students for research proposal development.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Essays
• Reflections
• Case histories
• Single best answer questions
• Short answer questions
• OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) examinations

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assesses achievement of module learning outcomes.
• Timely feedback provided for all coursework assessments.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Classroom teaching
• Problem-based learning
• Peer-assisted learning
• Practice-based learning
• Clinical simulations and practice
• Independent study and research

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Faculty:

• Experienced and qualified healthcare professionals with expertise in their fields.
• 60% of academic staff hold PhDs in their field.
• 82% hold Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice.
• Many are recognized as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

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Unique Teaching Approaches:

• Problem-based learning
• Group work
• Patient simulations
• Early access to clinical experience
• Multidisciplinary teamwork opportunities

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Careers:

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Career Options:

• Potential to work across a broad range of medical specialties after passing the Physician Associate Registration Assessment.
• Opportunities in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health.
• Options to pursue education and leadership roles within the PA profession.

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Salary:

• Newly qualified PAs in Northern Ireland typically earn Band 6 salary before progressing to Band 7 positions.
• Specific salary ranges can vary depending on chosen speciality and location.

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Other Career Information:

• Graduates of the Ulster University program work in specialities such as primary care, emergency medicine, pediatrics, mental health, and many more.

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Other:

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Accreditation:

• Accredited by the Faculty of Physician Associates in the UK.

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Start Dates:

• January 2026