Everything you need to know...
Course summary
- Evaluate concepts and evidence for the diagnosis and care of patients.
- Understand ethical and professional frameworks.
- Ensure safe and competent practice.
- Learn by gaining experience on clinical placements.
- Perform real clinical procedures, using specialist knowledge and techniques.
Physician associates provide vital support to doctors – diagnosing and managing patients while improving care access. On this course you’ll develop the knowledge and skills you need for the role, as set out by the Faculty of Physician Associates. You’ll graduate with industry experience and life-long academic skills, and you'll be ready to take the national exam.
Student view
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
This course blends theory and practice. You’ll take six taught modules based around the medical knowledge and skills you need to pass the National Physician Associate exams. These are compulsory for qualification as a physician associate.
Your studies will then be applied to the real world of medicine – where you’ll do everything from history taking and patient examination to management planning. You’ll work in real primary and secondary care settings over the course of 1,600 hours.
You learn through
- case-based discussion
- problem-based learning
- peer-directed learning
- clinical placements
Course leaders and tutors
Lopa Husain
Course LeaderLopa Husain is a Course Leader in the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
Applied learning
Work placements
The course consists of 1,600 hours of clinical placement within both primary care and secondary care. Secondary care placements cover general medicine, general surgery, front door medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, mental health and paediatrics. Each placement follows related taught content, so you’ll be able to put theory into practice.
Networking opportunities
Regional careers fairs are organised each year. At these fairs you’re able to meet with representatives from a number of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and hospital Trusts. You’ll meet potential employers and get a sense of what each job has to offer.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career as a qualified physician associate. You’ll need to successfully pass the national exams after you complete the course.
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for
- a number of primary Trusts within Sheffield and the local surrounding areas
- secondary Trusts within South Yorkshire and nationally
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus
Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
Entry requirements
All students
An honours degree recognised in the UK at 2.1 or above in a science related subject.
Experience of interacting with members of the public from a range of backgrounds in different settings which demonstrates caring and empathy is essential.
Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including mathematics, English language or literature, and a science subject or equivalent.
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent.
Additional information for EU/International students
This course is not open to international students who require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a Tier 4 (General) student visa, contact our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: General Medicine | Credits: 30 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module: General Surgery And Orthopaedics | Credits: 30 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Researching For Practice (Distance Learning) | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Dissertation | Credits: 45 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Genitourinary, Reproductive And Sexual Health | Credits: 30 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Specialities Medicine | Credits: 30 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is still to be confirmed. For an indication, our tuition fees for UK students starting this course in 2023/24 are £9,250 per year.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Nursing and midwifery courses (PDF, 259.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
