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Physician Associate Studies

MPAS (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2025
UCAS Code
BB96
Delivery
In-person

Want to become a physician associate (PA), a medical associate profession? Our integrated master’s in Physician Associate Studies combines university study with practical work-based placements.

Why study with us

  • 8th
    in the UK for academic support
    National Student Survey (Medicine (non-specific) (compared with unis in the Guardian University Guide)
    2023
  • This is a unique programme and was the first of its kind in the UK.
  • Qualified PAs have been highlighted as integral to the multidsicpinary team (NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, 2023).
  • You’ll learn in state-of-the-art facilities. Our clinical skills laboratories have a vast range of equipment. This will help you develop clinical skills in hospital and GP surgery environments.
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What you’ll do

  • You'll learn from supportive, staff who are highly experienced in academia and the clinical environment. This includes several physician associates.
  • 50% of the final two years of the programme is spent in clinical environments. These clinically based placements will help to illustrate how teams work within the NHS.
  • Develop a career as a medical associate professional and provide holistic care to patients.
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Student assessing patient
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Modules

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

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Hear from our students

Personally the best support for me is the individual academic advisor assigned to me as that helps to keep me on track and constantly progress.
sdurrani-testimonial
Shehr-yar Durrani
MPAS (Hons) Physician Associate Studies
United Kingdom

Future careers

As a physician associate you will have the opportunity to work in many medical specialties. You'll also have opportunities in research and academia. On completion of the course, you’ll be well prepared to take the Physician Associate National Exam. After completing this successfully you’ll be able to become a physician associate. You can apply to join the profession’s voluntary register. The General Medical Council (GMC) will soon be assuming responsibility for this.

Entry requirements

We will consider your UCAS application including educational achievements, predicted grades, and work experience. If you don't meet the grades for your chosen course, we will consider you for other programmes.

We know that many factors can influence the grades you achieve in school or college. If your life experience has affected your academic studies, we can take this into account. Use the UCAS Points Calculator below to check whether you are eligible.

Unsure if you meet our entry requirements? Contact our friendly Course Enquiries team to talk through your options.

Please note if your application is deemed unsuccessful subsequent applications submitted within the same UCAS cycle will not be considered.

  • UCAS: AAB at A2 including Chemistry a further science and an academic subject
  • Pass Access: Higher Education at 136 points including 15 Level 3 Chemistry at Distinction and 15 Level 3 in second science at Distinction
  • GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English
  • Applicants are required to interview for the course and may attend open days or offer holder days for further information
  • A satisfactory criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland), Occupational Health clearance and satisfactory Fitness to Practice assessment are required for this course.

This course will involve you working with vulnerable groups of individuals, this may include children. In order to ensure that the University offers places on their programmes to suitable candidates you will be required to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (formerly termed CRB).

All offers of a place on this course are subject to satisfactory health screening. It is important to note that should your health screening not be satisfactory your offer of a place on this course may be withdrawn.

If you have already enrolled on the course prior to completion of your health screening, or if your health screening clearance is revoked or changes during the course, you may be required to withdraw from the course even if you have already started. 

If you would like to discuss or seek advice in respect of the health screening requirements for this course, please contact the Course Enquiries Team.

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Not got the grades?

Our courses with a foundation year could be exactly what you're looking for. They provide an alternative route to study for this degree.

Find out more about our courses with a foundation year.

Fees and funding

2025/26
UK
Full-time£9,535 per year
International
Full-time£35,000 per year

Scholarships and bursaries

We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

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This course is delivered by the School of Medicine and Dentistry

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page