Course Summary
Two year intensive Master's programme training Physician Associates to deliver first contact medical care under the supervision of a senior doctor.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must be graduates with at least a 2:2 degree classification (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a life science or health-related subject (which must contain significant elements of basic medical sciences), normally obtained within the last five years. Applicants must also have experience of paid or voluntary work with people, preferably in a health or social care context; a pass in GCSE Maths and English Language grades A-C; evidence of English language attainment if English is not the first language.
Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications which do not meet all the above criteria may be considered for entry at the discretion of the Course Committee. These potential applicants may be asked to submit a transcript from their undergraduate degree programme or asked to take some further modules in basic medical sciences at level 4 or equivalent, to meet the required levels of sciences required for application to the PA programme.
Offers are made on the basis of the written application and an interview/assessment process held on the Magee campus in Northern Ireland. You will also be required along with your application to submit a short personal statement outlining why you are applying for the course. Due to the nature of the programme you will be expected to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, police checks in line with NI law and occupational health screening. Offers are conditional, based on the successful completion of these processes.
Applicants must declare if they have been on another PA programme or a medical/healthcare professional register as per the application form and reasons for leaving the programme or register (where applicable). Failure to declare this will result in termination of the application or place on the programme. If you are already a registered healthcare professional you will be required to provide details of your registration.
Application Details
Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink").
Start Date: January 2025.
***Applications for the January 2025 intake will close on Friday 21st June 2024. Shortlisting and interviews will be scheduled to take place in August 2024. ***
Fees
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink" below).
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Once a PA student has graduated from the course and passed the Physician Associate Registration Assessment (National Examination that all PAs in UK must pass to enter practice), PAs can work across a range of specialities throughout medicine. There are also opportunities to work in education and develop as potential future leaders of the PA profession. Newly qualifed PAs working in the Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland will usually complete a new graduate year (NGY), paid at Band 6, before progressing onto Band 7 positions. The agenda for change salary (afc) range does not apply to PAs working in primary care.
Graduates of the Ulster University MSc in Physician Associate Studies course are currently working in specialities such as primary care, emergency medicine, acute medicine, paediatrics, mental health, care of the elderly, haematology, cardiology, respiratory medicine, stroke, general surgery, trauma and orthopaedic surgery, urology, gynaecology and neurosurgery.
Duration
Attendance
Attendance is full time and based on the Derry~Londonderry Campus with clinical placements throughout Northern Ireland. Students are expected to attend all scheduled lectures, problem based learning sessions, clinical skills sessions and clinical placement.