Physician Associate Studies

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a minimum of a second class honours degree in a relevant subject. This may include the life sciences (eg biomedical science, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, healthcare science) or allied health professions (eg pharmacy, audiology, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy).

All applicants should hold GCSE qualifications in Maths and English at grade B or equivalent. Applicants with equivalent or non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

An understanding of the healthcare environment is essential. Work experience involving adults or children with illness or disability is therefore considered highly desirable.

Months of entry

January

Course content

Physician associates first joined the NHS workforce nearly ten years ago and are now employed throughout the UK in increasing numbers.

Physician associates are permanent members of the medical team, responsible for performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and recommending therapy. The role of physician associates is increasingly important within the healthcare workforce and individuals with this qualification are in demand.

Our PGDip in Physician Associate Studies aims to develop the skills required to become an effective practitioner through a combination of teaching and practical placements.

You will be trained according to the medical model and will work in collaboration with doctors and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage a wide range of common and complex diseases,

A range of benefits are provided by the University to support your career development:

• You may be eligible to receive some financial support during the course;
• Year 2 provides you with an elective period and the opportunity to develop your skills through working abroad;
• Develop your skills with the help of our excellent tutors and state-of-the-art clinical teaching facilities;
• Integrated training in prescribing safety (in anticipation of prescribing rights for physician associates) and communication skills is provided;
• The University will provide iPads with access to a range of online resources, which are essential during placements;
• At the end of the course, our 'preparation for practice' placement allows you to specialise in a specialty of your choice.

On successful completion of the course and having passed the national examinations and fulfilled all required competencies, you will spend a further two years in clinical practice within the NHS by applying for a range of posts with primary and acute care providers.

Information for international students

Where English is not offered as a first language, applicants are required to achieve a minimum IELTS score 7.5 (no less than 7 in any element) or equivalent TOEFL.

Fees and funding

Health Education England North West will fund full course fees for 60 students at The University of Manchester (£9,000 per annum, for 24 months of full-time study towards a PGDip) and provide a travel grant of £5,000 per year to support required travel to clinical placements across the region. This grant will be paid in two instalments in each year of study.

Qualification and course duration

PGDip