MSc Physician Associate Studies(Not recruiting in 2025/26)

Year 2

(Award available for year: Master of Science)

Learning outcomes

The PG Diploma in Physician Associate Studies is mapped to the Competence and Curriculum Framework for the Physician Associate 2012.
Competence is defined within a professional context as ‘the broad ability with which a professional person is able to practise to the required standards in a predetermined range of clinical fields and across a range of situations. This broad definition includes attributes that can be applied, clinical performance (Stuart 2003), and the use of professional judgment (Carr 1993). More specifically, in the medical context, a newly qualified PA must be able to perform their clinical work at the same standard as a newly qualified doctor. This principle is based on the moral requirement that patients are entitled to first-class treatment which is not endangered by the involvement of new practitioners and the principle underpins the setting of a national examination and the close involvement of experienced doctors in teaching and assessing Physician Associates’
On completion of the programme students should have shown evidence of being able to demonstrate in-depth and specialist knowledge of clinical practice, including communication skills, practical examination skills and ethical codes of conduct relevant to a Physician Associate, as defined by the Clinical Competency Framework;
• to proactively to formulate clinical management plans and to evaluate these in supervised practice
• to critically evaluate current issues and research relevant to the field of practice as a Physician Associate.
• to formulate and document a detailed differential diagnosis having taken a history and completed a physical examination
• to work with patients and, where appropriate, carers to agree a comprehensive management plan in light of the individual characteristics, background and circumstances of the patient
• to maintain and deliver clinical management in collaboration with the patient and on behalf of the supervising physician whilst the patient travels through a complete episode of care
• to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and prescribe medications (subject to the necessary legislation)
• to request and interpret diagnostic studies and undertake patient education, counselling and health promotion
• to take a proactive role in developing a professional identity as a Physician Associate, developing relationships within a multi-disciplinary team, showing evidence of reflective practice under supervision

For the Masters degree:

Transferable (key) skills

Masters (Taught), Postgraduate Diploma & Postgraduate Certificate students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
• the skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in industry or area of professional practice;
• evaluating their own achievement and that of others;
• self-direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
• independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development;
• critically to engage in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms.
• Critical thinking
• Independent working
• Ability to work as an effective member of a team
• Time management, planning and organisation
• Ethical awareness
• Self-awareness
• Ability to reflect
• Ability to critically evaluate literature in the field
• Critical engagement in the development of a professional identity
Specialist skills
• Consultation and communication skills
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary setting, observing professional boundaries
• Ability to conduct a research, service evaluation or audit project
• Clinical skills appropriate to the practice

Assessment

Achievement for the Postgraduate Diploma will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:
• demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area;
• drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
• evaluating received opinion;
• make sound judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.
Achievement for the Postgraduate Diploma will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:
• Formative assessment including contribution to taught sessions, the completion of on line learning, the submission of draft work, reflective writing, practice MCQs & EMQs, simulation sessions, and workplace based assessment
• Summative assessment will include written exams, OSCE, case studies, project work and completion of skills portfolio