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Physician Associate Studies (Postgraduate)

Course details
  • MSc (PG)
  • 24 Months
  • Full-time
  • September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
University of Greater Manchester Main Site, Bolton

Course summary

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

Physician associates are healthcare workers who support doctors and medical teams to diagnose and manage a wide range of common and complex diseases. This stimulating master’s course offers you the clinical skills and knowledge required to provide high-quality care under the direct supervision of a doctor.

The physician associate (PA) is one of the newest medical associate professions and presents a unique and exciting route to clinical care for graduates. PAs play a key role working as part of a multi-disciplinary team alongside doctors, nurses, and the wider health care team to deliver care to patients. As a PA, you’ll take medical histories, perform clinical examinations, interpret test results, participate in clinical reasoning and diagnosis, and develop evidence-based patient management plans.

Working in partnership with local NHS Trusts, our experienced and dedicated academic staff will support you to achieve clinical learning and skills development. We’ll guide you as you gain the theoretical knowledge that underpins the PA role and integrate this knowledge into your practice during your clinical placements.

Initially, you’ll focus on developing a thorough understanding of the academic knowledge underpinning the PA role. We’ll also support you to gain core clinical skills, developing your confidence and practical knowledge in the safe confines of our state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Suites before you’re exposed to primary and secondary care environments and practice through short placements.

As a graduate, you’ll have competence in the core clinical skills of the PA and possess practical experience of health care procedures.

Modules

Information about the modules offered as part of this course is available on the University of Greater Manchester's website.

Assessment method

Details of the learning activities and assessment methods for this course are available on the University of Greater Manchester's website.

How to apply

This course is not accepting applications at this time. Please contact the provider to find out more.

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
0900
Institution code:
B44
Campus name:
University of Greater Manchester Main Site, Bolton
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

You should have at least a lower second class honours degree (2.2) in a life or health science subject.

Alternatively, you should have at least an upper second class honours degree (2.1) in a science, engineering or social science subject, along with higher education credits (for instance, Open University modules) in human biology and either infectious disease and public health or molecular and cell biology, with an overall mark of at least 60%.

You must also have GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent).

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Health checks
Interview
You’ll be invited for an interview to ensure that you understand the requirements and level of this course and ensure it’s the correct course for you. We may also ask you to submit a portfolio of evidence in support of your application or undertake an assessment so that we can gauge your current academic ability. The interview process will involve face-to-face interviews with academic and practice staff. You’ll also be assessed on your values, behaviours, communication and problem solving skills. We’re seeking students who can demonstrate commitment to a career as a PA, who have excellent communication skills and who are caring, compassionate and courageous. If you’re successful at the interview stage, you’ll be asked to undergo occupational health screening and a DBS check. You’ll need to demonstrate that you’re of good health and good character and satisfactorily pass occupational health screening.
Other
Please note that this course is subject to the University's Fitness to Practice declaration.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)7If English isn’t your first language you’ll also need IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band (or equivalent).

We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.https://www.bolton.ac.uk/international/international-general-entry-requirements/

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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