Physician Associate Studies (Postgraduate MSc)

Applicants should hold or be predicted an Upper Second class degree (2:1). This may include the life sciences (eg biomedical science, anatomy, physiology, healthcare science) or a healthcare professional course (eg pharmacy, audiology, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy).

Although we encourage applications from other healthcare professionals, we do not accept applications from candidates with medical degrees or those who have previously studied for, but not completed, a medical or healthcare degree.

All applicants should hold GCSE qualifications in Maths and English Language at grade 6 (B) or equivalent. Applicants with equivalent or non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

We are gradually be integrating the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) into our selection process.

Applicants who have taken UCAT and achieved a total cognitive test score in the top third of UCAT test takers and Band 1 or 2 in the situational judgement test (SJT) will receive a guaranteed interview, subject to meeting our other criteria for admission. Other applicants will then be prioritised based on UCAT performance. Applicants with a band 4 (SJT) will not be considered for admission. Where UCAT has been sat it must be declared on the application.

In the next admissions cycle applicants who have not taken UCAT may be invited to interview if sufficient interview slots remain available after candidates with UCAT scores have been considered.

Admission tests

Health checks

All offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening. The health screening is based upon the Higher Education Occupational Physicians/Practitioners (HEOPS) standards of medical fitness to train for medical students. A potential student may be concerned that their health or disability may affect their ability to fulfil the competency standards of the course. Any such applicants are encouraged to contact the Occupational Health Service and/or The Disability Advisory and Support Service at an early stage in order to explore the situation in depth and consider the feasibility of making reasonable adjustments. Hopefully the process will prove helpful to the student in deciding whether to pursue an application. The health screening requires the completion of a detailed health questionnaire by the applicant and a possible appointment with the University's Occupational Health Department. In order to be admitted and continue on the programme, students must be deemed as medically fit for both practice and theory by the Occupational Health Department. You will be required to comply with any viral screening as requested by the Department of Health. General enquiries about health screening should be addressed to Student Occupational Health, Tel +44 (0)161 275 2858, Fax +44 (0)161 275 3137.

Interview

The interview will take place in Manchester and follows a multiple mini interview (MMI) format, with each station having an interviewer. Each station will be seven minutes long and there will be a two-minute gap between stations. In the two-minute gap, you will be provided with some information about the next station so that you can begin to prepare your thoughts. There are no rest stations. The station where you start will be allocated at random and you will then pass round the circle from station to station until you have completed them all. More information will be circulated to applicants along with their interview invitation.

Other

You will be required, as part of the non-academic conditions of your offer, to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In the UK, this takes the form of an Enhanced Level search by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and will reveal any criminal convictions, spent or unspent, as well as any police cautions, warnings or reprimands. Regulations and record systems in other countries vary. If you receive an offer from us, you will receive a link to further information. Anyone who considers it possible that a criminal record or other disclosure may reveal any offence must contact the Admissions Team before applying.

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)