Physician Associate StudiesMSc

Our MSc in Physician Associate Studies integrates theory and practice to support your clinical learning. You’ll gain the skills needed to work in a wide range of specialties across primary and secondary care. 

Course Structure

This course will run over two years in a full-time-mode. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each year.

Simulation plays a crucial role in our course. You’ll work with simulated patients to develop your communication and examination skills, including specialised exams like gynaecological and breast examinations. Our clinical skills team supports high-fidelity simulations across various specialties, preparing you for real-world settings.

In addition to problem-based learning, you'll benefit from lectures, interactive workshops, and dedicated anatomy teaching in the Prosectorium.

• We work in partnership with hospitals and practices in the Midlands and beyond.
• Birmingham has one of the longest running Physician Associate programmes in the UK.

The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.

The West Midlands region, home to six million residents with rich ethnic and socio-economic diversity, provides exceptional opportunities for clinical learning.

From the very start of the programme, you’ll have direct contact with patients with ongoing support throughout. You’ll also have the opportunity to work alongside qualified Physician Associates during placements.

At the end of the programme, you may be eligible to choose a selected placement in an area to suit your own interests. Our programme Clinical Placement team are on hand to guide you through this process.

This course consists of six taught modules, a dissertation, and 1,600 hours of placement or simulated clinical activity.

• Taught clinical modules- will have a problem-based learning approach with supporting lectures, tutorials and workshops. These will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills to take on the role of a Physician Associate.
• Research Methods and Dissertation – In year one, you'll be introduced to research methodology and develop critical appraisal skills. This foundation will prepare you to complete a 10,000-word research project, focused on an area relevant to Physician Associate practice or general healthcare improvement.
• Placements – will take place in primary and secondary care settings and will involve clinical and bedside training with direct observation. Our experienced clinical partners, who often work with physician associates, help design placement objectives aligned with national standards.
• Assessments – these include written and clinical assessments, as well as case studies, essays and poster presentations.

To be considered for the MSc Physician Associate Studies programme, applicants must meet the following academic conditions:

1. Undergraduate Degree: You should have or expect to get a 2:1 Honours degree in biomedical or life sciences.
2. Allied Health Professionals: Applicants who are allied health professionals must have completed an honours-level degree.

Biomedical/Life Sciences degrees that we consider include: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biosciences, Medical Biochemistry, Medical Engineering, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, and Psychology

Health Sciences degrees / Allied Health Professionals that we consider include: Audiology, Dentistry, Dietetics and Nutrition, Health Sciences, Midwifery*, Nursing*, Operating Department Practice, Optometry, Paramedic Science, Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Radiography - diagnostic/ therapeutic, Sport and Exercise Science*

We’ll ask you to send your transcript to us to ensure there is sufficient life/biomedical science content.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 67 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 176 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Disability Considerations

We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities. However, due to the nature of the physician associate role and its training requirements, all candidates must meet specific capabilities. The curriculum cannot be adjusted, so students must possess adequate vision, hearing, mobility, and manual dexterity. Additionally, dyslexia should not impede the ability to quickly and accurately read clinical materials. More details on these requirements can be found in the Code of Conduct.

Health Requirements

UK health authorities mandate that students in clinical settings be screened for hepatitis B. Therefore, all accepted applicants must:

1. Undergo a blood test for hepatitis B.
2. If negative, begin a hepatitis B immunisation course.
3. Provide certified proof of immunity afterward.

It's strongly recommended that prospective students complete this screening early. Applicants who test positive for hepatitis B or refuse testing may be denied admission.

Please note: In line with Department of Health guidelines, students in the University of Birmingham's Physician Associate programme will not participate in exposure-prone procedures (EPPs).

Our graduates are making an impact across the UK, thriving in diverse specialties, with many of them now supporting our current students during their placements. Many are also leading in clinical settings, taking on influential management and ambassadorial roles in trusts, PCNs, and even at the national level. They're also excelling in education and pushing boundaries in research.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.