MSc Physician Associate
University of Reading
Student rating
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

University of Reading

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

24 months

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

University of Reading

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

24 months

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Course info

Our MSc Physician Associate programme provides essential training for entering an exciting new career as a healthcare professional.This course is suitable for life science graduates or those with significant healthcare experience.You will receive training in the classroom and experience a wide variety of teaching methods. You will engage in workplace-based learning in NHS Primary and Secondary Care environments, allowing you to develop your skills and knowledge as a healthcare professional in ...Read more

Our MSc Physician Associate programme provides essential training for entering an exciting new career as a healthcare professional.

This course is suitable for life science graduates or those with significant healthcare experience.

You will receive training in the classroom and experience a wide variety of teaching methods. You will engage in workplace-based learning in NHS Primary and Secondary Care environments, allowing you to develop your skills and knowledge as a healthcare professional in real settings. All curriculum content is delivered in close partnership with practicing clinicians. Our course provides over 100 more clinical hours than the national minimum requirement, with around 350 hours of clinical placements in first year and around 1,350 in second year.

Our teaching staff include a practising physician associate and medical practitioners who are able to support you, not only in your clinical learning, but also in the practicalities of working within the NHS. You will also encounter many of our past graduates on your clinical placements who have gained employment with our placement partners.

The oversight of education and training of physician associates is currently shared by the Department of Health, the Physician Associate Schools Council (PASC) and the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) from the Royal College of Physicians. Graduates who pass the Reading MSc or PGDip programme must then pass the Physician Associate National Certification Examination and then will be able to register with the FPA who maintain the Managed Voluntary Register (PAMVR).

WHAT CAREER CAN YOU HAVE?

A Physician Associate (PA) is a healthcare professional trained in the medical model who works as a member of a medical team under the supervision of a doctor or surgeon in a wide variety of workplaces (including GP practices, community health services and all types of hospital care). PAs support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients and are trained to perform a number of roles including:

  • taking medical histories
  • performing examinations
  • diagnosing illnesses
  • analysing test results
  • developing management plans

The PA role is flexible and is being developed across the NHS to meet major staffing strategies. A lack of trained PAs in the UK means that career prospects for graduates are excellent. The predicted growth of the PA role across the NHS to fill an important resource gap indicates strong continued employment prospects for graduates.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
53/101
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
35th
What students say
O
Olajumoke
26 Feb 24

The atmosphere is nice and calm for..Read more

J
Juliet
24 Feb 24

The lecturers and student support team are all willing to help and support once you reach out. More resources could be available to aid in achieving the best possible grades in..Read more

Modules

Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

You need a good undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in a relevant life sciences subject – for example, biological sciences, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, pharmacy, psychology. Applicants with a good lower second-class honours degree (2.2) combined with other relevant practical healthcare skills and experience (or qualifications and experience considered to be equivalent to the above) will also be considered.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£11,900 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£26,950 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£26,950 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

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Uni info

University of Reading
Whiteknights House PO Box 217 Reading Wokingham RG6 6AH United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Custom House  0.7 miles away

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