Program Overview

Overview

The Physician Associate Studies MSc is a postgraduate program designed to prepare students for the National Physician Associate entrance exam. This program is suitable for individuals with a minimum of an upper second-class degree from a bioscience discipline or a healthcare background.

Program Structure

The program is taught over two years, with the first year consisting of 46 weeks of training in clinical, communication, and diagnostic skills, as well as core clinical knowledge. The second year comprises 32 weeks of essential rotations in various clinical settings, including emergency medicine, mental health, primary care, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, general medicine, and surgery. Students will also undertake an eight-week apprenticeship in a specialty of their choice.

Teaching and Learning

The program uses a combination of teaching methods, including:

• Case-based self-directed learning
• Clinical skills laboratory teaching
• Hands-on experience in clinical settings
• Simulation labs
• Consultation rooms
• A virtual learning environment (Medical Learning Environment – MLE)
• Access to high-quality online learning resources and lecture material

Assessment

Assessments will include:

• A 7,500-word dissertation
• Written exams
• Clinical exams (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations - OSCEs)
• Written skills exams
• Professionalism assessments
• Self-directed diary of learning/portfolio of evidence
• Skills assessments in the workplace

Facilities

Students will have access to:

• Clinical skills laboratory
• Simulation labs
• Consultation rooms
• Virtual learning environment (Medical Learning Environment – MLE)
• High-quality online learning resources and lecture material
• Regional healthcare trusts and primary care settings

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2026 entry: £11,200 (Home students), £27,500 (International students)
• Education bursary: £2,653 (for eligible students enrolled onto the MSc Physician Associate Studies course)
• Scholarships: Available for EU and international students

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a bioscience or related subject
• English language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or other qualifications
• Admissions policy: Applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University

How to Apply

• Applications are made via UCAS
• UCAS code: BB96
• Interviews: 25-minute interviews to assess aptitude, motivation, and personal qualities
• Deposit: £1,500 (for international students or students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who need a visa to study in the UK)

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• Global Top 140 University (QS World University Rankings 2026)
• Global Top 160 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024)

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

• General Medical Council (GMC)
• Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

Your Development

The program will teach students a broad range of skills, including:

• Consulting with patients effectively
• Taking medical histories
• Performing physical examinations
• Requesting and interpreting tests
• Diagnosing illness or injuries
• Developing treatment and management plans
• Counselling on preventative healthcare

Your Future

On completion of the course, students will be able to take the Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA) entrance exam. Successful completion of the PARA allows students to register with the GMC and begin work as a PA within the NHS. Graduates from this course have undertaken various roles, including primary care, emergency care, obstetrics and gynaecology, mental health, older peoples medicine, respiratory medicine, neurology and stroke medicine, breast surgery, and musculo-skeletal care.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overall Aim:

The program prepares students for the National Physician Associate entrance exam and equips them with the knowledge and skills to work as Physician Associates (PAs) within the NHS.

Objectives:

• Developing Core Knowledge: Students gain a strong foundation in medical science, clinical reasoning, communication, and clinical examination skills.
• Clinical Experience: The program provides extensive clinical placements in various healthcare settings, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
• Professional Development: Students develop the necessary professional skills and attributes, including ethical practice, teamwork, and communication, to thrive in a clinical environment.

Program Description:

This two-year MSc program is designed for individuals with a bioscience or healthcare background who are passionate about pursuing a career as a Physician Associate. The program combines intensive theoretical learning with extensive clinical placements, ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience required for success in this dynamic and rewarding field.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Focus: Building a strong foundation in medical knowledge and skills, with a significant emphasis on clinical practice.
• Structure:
• First 5 weeks:
Training in clinical, communication, and diagnostic skills using mannequins and role-play simulations.
• Next 27 weeks: Introduction to core clinical knowledge through clinical case studies and lectures.
• One day per week: Developing history taking and examination skills in a primary care setting.
• Five weeks: Introduction to the PA role through a hospital-based placement.
• Additional: Introduction to research methodologies and preparation for the dissertation.
• Modules:
• Clinical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Medical Knowledge
• Research Methods
• Introduction to the PA role

Year 2:

• Focus: Deepening clinical knowledge and developing professional skills through extensive practical experience.
• Structure:
• 32 weeks:
Rotations in various healthcare specialties, including:
• Emergency Medicine
• Mental Health
• Community Medicine/Primary Care
• Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Paediatrics
• General Medicine
• General Surgery
• Two weeks:
Assessment period
• Eight weeks:
Apprenticeship as a PA under clinical supervision.
• Modules:
• Emergency Medicine
• Mental Health
• Community Medicine/Primary Care
• Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Paediatrics
• General Medicine
• General Surgery
• Apprenticeship

Assessment:

• Dissertation: 7,500-word dissertation focusing on patient safety, quality improvement, or a literature review.
• Written Exam: Single best answer questions testing knowledge across various medical specialties.
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs): Assessing clinical skills and competence in examination and diagnosis.
• Written Skills Exam: Evaluating the ability to request diagnostic tests and interpret data.
• Professionalism Assessment: Continuous evaluation of professional conduct and development throughout the program.
• Self-Directed Learning Diary/Portfolio: Demonstrating engagement with learning and reflection on clinical practice.
• Workplace Skills Assessments: Evaluating skills demonstra