Physician Associate Studies - Msc

at Keele University

Core Taught Modules

The list of module topics below are indiciative. While we expect to offer these modules, this may change due to staff availability. If the modules change we will inform you during the admissions process.
 

Year one
 

Areas taught in this first year include cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, endocrinology, GU and renal, neurology, eyes and ENT and MSK.
 

These theoretical blocks of study commence with the anatomy and physiology relevant to the clinical area, the clinical examination and assessment skills and procedural skills as well as the conditions that they will encounter, their diagnosis, investigation and management.
 

Entwined in all of this, the concepts of professionalism, communication, and ethical concepts of clinical practice are taught, alongside academic writing and development skills. 
 

For clinical experience, you will be placed with a GP surgery at the start of the course and remain in this surgery for the whole two years. You will begin your clinical experience from week three of the course with one day per week in the GP surgeries. Four months into the course you will have a 10-week placement in secondary care in the general medical areas. You will then return to the one day per week in the GP surgeries. Towards the end of the first year you will have a 3-week placement in which you will experience a range of surgical areas.
 

Year two
 

This year continues to develop professional, ethical and interprofessional working skills and knowledge. Focus is given to specialist areas during this year with theory blocks on mental health, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, emergency medicine and haematology, as well as infectious diseases and dermatology.
 

The clinical placement in Year 2 includes a 12-week rotation between mental health, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology and emergency medicine. You will also have a 6-week GP block and a further 4-week additional placement, where at least one week is spent in emergency medicine again and the other three weeks in areas of your choice. Many opt to spend this final 3-week placement in the area in which they have chosen to work once qualified. This is facilitated wherever possible.

• 2:1 honours degree in a biomedical or health science related subject (e.g. biomedical science, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, healthcare science, pharmacy, audiology, nursing, midwifery, and physiotherapy).
• All applicants should hold GCSE Maths and English grade 6 (or B). Applicants with equivalent or non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
• Where English is not offered as a first language, applicants are required to achieve a minimum IELTS score no less than 7.5 (no less than 7 in any sub-set).
• Please note: all applicants will be required to submit a Roles & Responsibilities (R&R) form. The R&R form is an opportunity for candidates to evidence their communication and people skills. Download the PA Roles & Responsibilities form to complete and upload as part of the application process.
• Shortlisted applicants will be called to attend an online interview. Each candidate will undertake a structured individual interview from a panel of three members of the team from the PA course. 
• Satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and health checks are required for all applicants whom are successful at interview. 
• Unfortunately this course is not open to overseas students.

International - Full time £24,200 per year

A career as a PA can be very diverse and opportunities are opening up in our local Trusts to facilitate this. We work very closely with our healthcare providers to review and develop PA roles and career progression locally.