Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Physician Associate Studies PGDip Program

The Physician Associate Studies PGDip program is offered by the University of Surrey, with the University of Surrey serving as both the awarding body and teaching institute. This program operates at the FHEQ Level 7 framework.

Final Award and Programme/Pathway Title

The final award for this program is a PGDip in Physician Associate Studies.

Subsidiary Award(s)

A subsidiary award available in this program is the PGCert in Medical Studies.

Professional Recognition

This program is regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC), with the Faculty of Physician Associates at the Royal College of Physicians (FPA at the RCP) acting as the professional body. The FPA at the RCP is responsible for setting the National Examinations for Physician Associates.

Modes of Study

The program is available in a full-time mode, with the route code PTC56001, consisting of 120 credits and 60 ECTS credits.

Faculty and Department/School

The program is housed within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, specifically in the School of Health Sciences.

Programme Leader

The program leader for the Physician Associate Studies PGDip is DOULTON Jia, from the Health Sciences department.

Date of Production/Revision of Spec

The program specification was last revised on 27/01/2026.

Educational Aims of the Programme

The educational aims of this program include:

• Training graduates to function as qualified Physician Associates, capable of delivering holistic medical care and treatment under defined levels of supervision.
• Equipping Physician Associates with the ability to work effectively with patients and multi-disciplinary healthcare teams from diverse backgrounds.
• Ensuring Physician Associates can use a patient-centered approach, are expert communicators, and prioritize patient safety.
• Enabling Physician Associates to promote health and well-being on an individual and population basis.
• Fostering reflective practice, lifelong learning, and professional development among Physician Associates.

Programme Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes are categorized into attributes developed, including:

• C - Cognitive/analytical
• K - Subject knowledge
• T - Transferable skills
• P - Professional/Practical skills

These outcomes encompass a wide range of competencies, including:

• Demonstrating knowledge of core competencies in medical conditions.
• Ability to summarize the structure and function of the normal human body.
• Ability to describe the pathological basis of core medical conditions.
• Demonstrating application of knowledge and skills in a patient-centered manner.
• Demonstrating ability to request and interpret common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• Demonstrating ability to act safely and promptly in acute medical emergencies.
• Demonstrating competence in performing clinical procedural skills.
• Demonstrating professional insight, knowledge of self, and reflective practice.
• Demonstrating knowledge of national guidelines and relevant protocols in clinical medicine.

Programme Structure

The program is studied full-time over two years, consisting of 120 credits at FHEQ level 7. The structure includes:

• Year 1: Modules such as Introduction to Integrated Case-Based Medicine, Integrated Case-Based Medicine 2, 3, and 4.
• Year 2: Modules including Clinical Medical and Surgical Rotations, and General Practice and Elective.

Opportunities for Placements/Work-Related Learning/Collaborative Activity

The program includes clinical placements that are not part of the Professional Training Year (PTY) scheme, providing students with hands-on experience in both primary and secondary care settings.

Other Information

The program is designed to develop graduates with strengths in employability, digital capabilities, global and cultural capabilities, sustainability, and resourcefulness and resilience. Students will have opportunities to develop these capabilities through technology-enhanced learning, clinical placements, and facilitated small group learning activities.

Quality Assurance

The program adheres to the Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programs, which can be found on the University's website. The information provided is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.