MSc Physician Associate Studies (Top-Up)

Programme code	7701
Duration	1 year
Course type	Part-time
Study location	Plymouth Distance UK

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This is a distance-learning, top-up programme for students who have already graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Physician Assistant/Associate Studies from a UK or Irish university. This programme is designed so that it can be completed alongside clinical, and other, commitments.

Key features

Top-up your PgDip Physician Associate Studies to a full masters whilst continue to work clinically and manage other commitments.
Enhance your knowledge of research methodology and apply evidence in the context of clinical case management.
Be supported online with a range of learning resources, webinars and individual and group tutorials.

Course details

Year 1
The course begins in September and is studied part-time over 12 months, via distance learning. The programme comprises two level 7 modules. Students will begin by undertaking the module Research Methods in Healthcare (CLE721DL) before commencing the second module, Evidence in Practice (PAS728DL), later in the academic year.

Core modules

CLE721DL
Research Methods in Healthcare

This module aims to provide the students with increased understanding and knowledge of the research methods and statistics, to enable them to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect on research evidence, to practice. Students will be introduced to a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods, primary and secondary research methods, equipping them with a basic understanding of the underlying principles of quantitative and qualitative research.

PAS728DL
Evidence in Practice

This distance learning module allows students to apply and expand their knowledge of evidence-based practice in the context of clinical management, and to appreciate the need for continuous clinical evaluation and improvement.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Physician Associate Top Up Programme Specification 2024 25 7701

Entry requirements

Applicants must have either a Post-graduate Diploma Physician Associate Studies awarded by a UK or Irish university and a pass in the RCP Faculty of Physician Associates National Certification Examination for Physician Associates.

Applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C or above in Maths and English and will normally be employed as a Physician Associate (PA-R).

International

Please view the country guides for further information regarding the equivalency of your degree. International applicants will be required to provide evidence of their English language ability, for example by achieving an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent, see our English language requirements .

Pre-sessional English language courses are available if you do not meet these requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

Student	2024-2025	2025-2026
Home	N/A	N/A
International	N/A	N/A
Part time (Home)	£3,300	£3,230

Full and part time fees shown are per annum. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Additional costs

Please be aware that there may be additional costs to undertaking your studies, for example printing of course materials. If you have any questions regarding these costs please contact pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

How to apply

Applying for this programme

Please visit our admissions homepage for full details on the application process and to download the relevant forms.

Please return your completed forms to:

Email: pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Professional Development Unit
4th floor, Rolle Building
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth, PL4 8AA

Tel: +44 1752 586951

What happens after I apply?

After your application is received by the PDU Admissions team, it will be processed and sent to the Programme Lead for a decision to be made on your suitability to study. You may be asked to provide additional information or to take part in an interview (for overseas students this may be by telephone or video conference). Once this decision has been made, you will be sent an email either confirming your place on the programme, or rejecting your application and giving the reasons for this decision (you may request further feedback in order to improve your chances of selection at a later date).

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