MSc/PG Dip Physician Associate Studies

PG Dip and MSc Physician Associate Studies students will take the following units:

• Introduction to Medicine for the Physician Associate: Explore the role of the Physician Associate. Develop skills in taking a medical history and examination and become competent in performing a wide range of core procedural skills. The pathophysiology of common acute and chronic conditions in General Medicine will be explored using cases and clinical consultations.
• Further Medicine & Emergency Care for the Physician Associate: Learn to diagnose and manage medical and surgical emergencies, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. You will gain insight into assessing and managing patients with urgent problems and injuries in the Emergency Department, Urgent Care Centres and Out of Hours.
• Mental Health & Communication Skills for the Physician Associate: Develop skills in taking a psychiatric history, performing a mental state examination and interpreting the findings. You will critically explore common mental health problems and their management using cases and clinical consultations.

PG Dip and MSc Physician Associate Studies students will take the following units:

• Women’s Health & General Surgery for the Physician Associate: Develop skills in gynaecological and obstetric history and examination. You will critically explore common gynaecological and obstetric problems and their management using cases and clinical consultations.
• Child Health for the Physician Associate: Learn to assess and examine young people and children of all ages, including babies and infants, and how to recognise the sick child. You will study child development, child safeguarding and common and serious paediatric illnesses.
• Primary Care & Chronic Disease Management for the Physician Associate: Diagnose and manage unselected patients with any medical problem under the direct supervision of a GP. Develop skills in taking a focused clinical assessment and complex medical decision-making, while learning about the common acute and chronic conditions managed in Primary Care. 

On successful completion of the course you will be eligible to sit the Physician Associate National Examination (also known as the Physician Associate Registration Assessment) and join the General Medical Council Physician Associate Register. 

MSc Physician Associate Studies students will also take the following units:

• Exploring and Evaluating Evidence for the Physician Associate: Critically appraise research evidence, explore various approaches to enquiry and knowledge production, and consider how different philosophical assumptions shape claims to knowledge.
• Critically Reviewing Practice for the Physician Associate (Final Project): You will research and write a final project related to any aspect of the Physician Associate role. This must focus on quality improvement within any area relevant to Physician Associates’ work in healthcare that is of interest to you. The focus could be a systematic literature review, audit, original research project not requiring NHS Ethics, or service evaluation.

The Physician Associate Studies course at BU involves the integration of theory and clinical practice throughout the curriculum. This integration is based upon the key tenet that experience and learning are closely intertwined. Unlike more traditional courses, students gave substantial clinical exposure from the second month of the course. Fundamental examination and assessment skills are learned initially from simulated patients and in the clinical skills laboratory.

As the course progresses, students will continue to develop and learn more complex skills both in the simulation labs and under the supervision of clinical supervisors in 1400 hours of practice placements. Placements will be within hospitals, general practice and other community services. Hospital placements will be in Bournemouth/Poole, Dorchester or Salisbury, but GP placements may be spread over a wider area. 

The course is underpinned by problem based learning to develop habits of inquiry and innovation that will promote continued knowledge acquisition throughout a lifetime of learning. Repeated formative assessment will be used to consolidate learning throughout the course and in preparation for the National Examinations for Physician Associates. You must sit and complete this exam successfully upon completion of the course in order to start work as a PA. 

There will be a key focus on the formation of professional identity throughout the course, underpinned by the four domains of Good Medical Practice (GMC 2013). Team building, peer support, group learning and mentorship will reinforce professionalism and help students to develop resilience. This has been designed to help students prepare themselves for the challenges that working in healthcare demands and to meet the high expectations commanded by the inter-professional team and patients alike.

Successfully completing the PGDip or MSc will mean you are eligible to sit the Physician Associate National Examination (also known as the Physician Associate Registration Assessment) and join the General Medical Council Physician Associate Register. 

You are required to undertake 1600 hours placement throughout both years of the course, providing an opportunity to apply your acquired knowledge and skills in the workplace. These placements have been negotiated with local healthcare providers, who will provide trained supervisors to guide students through their programme of study. 

Your placement may be anywhere in Dorset, including West Dorset, Hampshire or Wiltshire, but there may be occasions when you will be required to travel further for placements. Students should ensure they are able to cover placement costs in addition to their course fees. Every effort will be made to minimise travel distances for students but due to clinical placement availability, travelling to placements is mandatory.

Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry. If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively please contact us for assistance.

This course is open to those who have a background and first degree in a health or science related subject. 

We select candidates for this course by looking at your application. For that reason, make sure your application really stands out from the crowd, and leave us in no doubt as to why you should be joining BU. View our flowchart for information on how we process applications for courses with additional selection measures.
 
For our health and social care courses our admissions team use the DRIVE criteria to assess your application and evidence of this must be show in your personal statement. You can also find some handy hints about filling in your UCAS form on our how to apply web pages. 
 
Please note that interviews are part of our selection process and you must be able to demonstrate at interview that you show the necessary insight and motivation and commitment to become a physician associate. 

A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:1, or equivalent, in a subject. 

Required subjects: Health or Science related subject, e.g.: Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Biological Science, Microbiology, Anatomical Science, Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiotherapy, Paramedic Science, Audiology, Nursing, Operating Department Practice, Optometry, Biomedicine, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Science, Clinical Psychology, Pharmacy, Sports Science.

If you lack the formal academic qualifications needed to enter a postgraduate or post-experience degree, there are several alternative routes to follow - some based on experience. Contact the Future Students Enquiry Team for more information. 

If English is not your first language, you will need IELTS (Academic) 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in writing, speaking, listening and reading, or equivalent. 

Please note Applicants with any fitness to practice concerns recorded on the GMC register cannot be considered for this course as you will be unable to graduate, register and practice as a Physician Associate.

At present, graduates of UK Physician Associate Studies programmes are not eligible to work as Physician Associates in other countries. 

Applicants that have qualified as a doctor overseas cannot be considered for this course at Bournemouth University and would be best advised to contact the GMC (General Medical Council) regarding the process to validate their overseas medical qualification in the UK.

For September 2025 entry onwards: We cannot accept applicants who hold a medical degree. 

Please note Applicants with any fitness to practice concerns recorded on the GMC register cannot be considered for this course as you will be unable to graduate, register and practice as a Physician Associate. At present, graduates of UK Physician Associate Studies programmes are not eligible to work as Physician Associates in other countries. 

English language requirements 

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:

• IELTS (academic) 7.5 or above with minimum 7.0 in each component.

These scores must all be gained in the same test. The test must be taken in-person in an authorised test centre prior to and within two years of application. We do not accept online versions of the test.

View further information about our English language requirements.

Occupational Health (OH) checks

This course is physically and mentally demanding. Places are offered subject to passing an OH check, and this will be carried out by the Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust. Health conditions need to be dealt with on an individual basis e.g. deafness, blindness, eczema (or other dermatological allergic reactions) on exposed areas, epilepsy, back problems, mental health conditions, eating disorders and other disabilities. These do not automatically exclude you but please ensure that you fully disclose your condition to OH. The University can then consider the recommendations made by OH and whether reasonable adjustments can be made to support you on your chosen course. If you require more guidance please contact us for more information.

You will be required to provide a record of your immunity status, be vaccinated or have the required blood tests. You may need to ask your GP or current OH department or find your childhood vaccination record for details of your past immunisation records. You should be aware that there may be charges made (for which you will be liable) relating to your gaining the appropriate immunity required prior to starting your training programme.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (previously known as CRB)

All successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barred List check; this will be a condition of offer and will need to be completed prior to commencing the course. Please see the Government website for the most up-to-date information.

Before you start the course in September, BU will carry out an enhanced DBS check. When you get the certificate, please take care of it. You need to provide this for your practice placement provider to see before you start your first substantive placement.

We also make a strong recommendation that you sign up to the online update service that keeps your DBS up-to-date, meaning any employer (who you wish) can check your DBS without starting from scratch. The fee for this service is £13 per annum. 

What's included in your tuition fee?

Your tuition fee covers expenses associated with your course including tuition materials, access to facilities, mandatory field trips and the following:

• Materials for laboratory and mandatory field-based teaching activity
• ​Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement if this is part of your course of study
• A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service
• Access to Brightspace, our virtual learning environment, which offers a responsive and personalised learning experience with powerful learning analytics capabilities, intregrated social media and advanced video features
• The Library – access to a wide range of electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books), print and multimedia collections, subject librarians and study spaces
• IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow
• Free software download to your personal device of Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus while you are studying, as well as access to applications provided on AppsAnywhere, subject to licensing and compatibility restrictions.
• Disability and additional learning support, according to individual circumstances
• The BU Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills
• 24 hours a day, 365 days a year security team
• We will provide you with two standard sets of uniform. Additional uniform items must be ordered by students, and this will incur an additional cost. Students will need to purchase appropriate footwear.
• Occupational Health Services and checks but you will be charged if you do not attend Occupational Health appointments without giving appropriate notice. You will also be responsible for travel costs to Occupational Health appointments.

Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:

• Laptops, tablets and mobile devices and any software used on personal devices. Access to a personal computer is strongly recommended for your study. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, visit our website for information regarding hardship funds
• Textbooks, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of text books and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shops stock a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses
• You will need to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as a condition of enrolment, including any verification charges and any renewal costs. Opting to join the DBS update service can help keep renewal costs down.
• Travel costs to and from the University campus, and to Occupational Health appointments. An annual bus pass can be purchased alongside your rent if you are living in halls of residence/Unilet accommodation or may be purchased separately.
• You may need to pay for immunisations if they are not covered by your GP, and you will be charged for missed immunisation appointments.
• A stethoscope and other diagnostic equipment for personal use on placement (e.g. auroscopes, pen torches).
• Accommodation and living costs. Please visit our website for more information
• Students are required to attend at least 1400 hours of compulsory clinical placements. Students will need to pay for travel to these placements, including car parking charges and appropriate car insurance) and/or for secondary accommodation.  Placements are mainly in Dorset (including West Dorset), Hampshire and Wiltshire, but there may be occasions where you will be required to travel further for placements. Students should ensure they are able to cover placement costs in addition to their course fees.
• Every effort will be made to minimise travel distances for students but due clinical placement availability, travelling to placements is mandatory. You should refer to the internet for current costs on travelling from Bournemouth to other Dorset Trusts, as well as outside Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. 
• Examination and certification fees, and any travel/accommodation costs for the Physician Associate National Certification Examination (required by the NHS as a condition of employment for Physician Associates) - see www.fparcp.co.uk/examinations.
• You may choose to take a non-compulsory revision courses for the National Examination. Since these are not part of the Bournemouth University curriculum, you would need to cover the costs of these.
• SportsBU membership.

While all aspects of the programme, including required field trips, are included in the fee, additional, optional or extra curricula activities may be available for which a student contribution is required.

If you need to repeat one or more units during the course of your studies (with or without attendance) the pricing will be pro-rata of the full time fee.

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to eligible students who are beginning their studies at BU. Please visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/funding for details on living costs, budgeting and paying your tuition fees.

Once you have completed a masters degree and perhaps following some time in practice you may wish to consider returning to BU to further develop your education. 

If you are a BU graduate you are eligible for a 20% ‘loyalty’ discount on the published fees for further programmes with us! 

Depending on your qualifications and experiences, you could choose to undertake a PhD level research degree. Bournemouth University has a strong research foundation - visit our postgraduate research courses for further details about research degree options with the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences and the funding options available.

Chantal is a working GP at The Banks and Bearwood Medical Practices in Bournemouth and a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners. She has formal academic training with an MSc from Southampton University in Research in Health and a PhD exploring the effects of community support on the psychological health of informal carers.