Physician Associate Studies

Our course gives you a solid grounding in the knowledge and skills you'll need to support doctors in ‘first contact’ health care, either in general practices or in hospitals. Our integrated, systems-based approach places the patient at the centre.

Course description

Physicians Associates (PAs) are health professionals who see patients and address their health needs while working under the supervision of doctors. Qualified PAs have direct contact with patients in their assessment: taking histories, performing examination, making diagnoses and considering management plans, supported by the Faculty of Physician Associates.

A career as a Physician Associate is a great option if you're passionate about working in a clinical environment but haven't had the opportunity to do clinical practice during your undergraduate studies.

Students benefit from our world-class facilities and expertise. You will acquire a firm grounding in the knowledge and skills of generalist medical care to equip you to support doctors in ‘first contact’ health care, either in general practices or in hospitals. The course will be delivered in a systems-based, integrated way which places the patient at the centre.

The University is working closely with local Acute Trusts (hospitals) and Clinical Commissioning Groups (primary care) so that our graduates have the right qualities to meet the needs of potential employers and the public as a whole. Students who have sat a postgraduate diploma course in PA studies will have the opportunity to convert their diploma to a masters with the dissertation component undertaken while working in a clinical environment. For more information please contact the course director.

At present, the UK Physician Associate qualification does not allow you to work as a Physician Associate in other countries.