Physician Associate Studies (Postgraduate)

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. PA’s 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.