Overview
Course In Depth
Modules
Entry Criteria
Careers and Employability
Finance
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Overview
View essential information and videos about the changes to teaching and learning and campus facilities from September 2020
Course Length: | 2 Years Full-Time |
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Start Dates: | September 2021, September 2022 |
Subjects: | Medicine |
Location: | Edge Hill University |
Please note, this programme is closed to further applications for September 2021 entry.
Physician associates provide patient care under the direct supervision of a doctor. They have responsibility for interviewing and examining patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and making decisions about patient management and therapy. Over the last 10 years, physician associates have been employed throughout the UK in increasing numbers. There is great demand for newly qualified professionals in this emerging role within the NHS in both acute and primary care.
This programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to become an effective practitioner in this innovative professional healthcare role. A combination of teaching and practical placements will enable you to gain expertise in medical history taking, clinical examinations, analysing test results, clinical reasoning and diagnosis, and the development of evidence-based patient management plans. You will graduate as a flexible and adaptable clinician ready to sit the national exam set by the Faculty of Physician Associates, successful completion of which enables you to apply to be listed on the Managed Voluntary Register (MVR) of physician associates.
In Depth
What will I study?
The programme uses a scaffolding approach to introduce fundamental concepts for four key themes, progressively building on these foundations through critical application to practice.
Increasingly complex medical conditions and different areas of speciality will be introduced, while the physician associate role will also be placed within its multidisciplinary context.
The four central themes of the programme are:
- Clinical Research – you will explore the fundamental stages of research design, analysing different research strategies and methodologies for conducting research, as well as focusing on the reporting of findings. A clear understanding of the research process is central to equip you with the skills and understanding required for the critical interpretation of evidence;
- Personal and Professional Development – a focus on your personal and professional development will equip you with the underpinning knowledge regarding professional values, ethics and behaviours which are essential for effective patient care and inter-professional working. Communication, non-discriminatory practice, safeguarding and professional regulation will also be covered, including their application to decision-making in complex cases and the support of vulnerable patient groups;
- Clinical Science – the underpinning scientific theory and concepts for the presentation of common diseases will reveal the fundamental principles underlying appropriate investigative techniques and management strategies. You will learn how to critically describe and explain the structure and function of specific body systems, discover the pathological processes which indicate the signs and symptoms of associated commonly presenting clinical conditions, and analyse approaches to their clinical and pharmacological management;
- Translation to Practice – a series of clinical practice placements will equip you with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to deliver holistic care and treatment under defined levels of clinical supervision. You will gain experience of successfully obtaining and completing comprehensive clinical histories of patients, conducting expert physical examinations and developing a detailed series of diagnostic investigations and patient management plans. Reflecting on your ability to provide effective therapeutic communication to patients, you will also apply enhanced clinical reasoning to monitor and identify changes in the patient’s condition and responses to treatment.
How will I study?
The modules on this programme are interlinked and delivered through blended learning. Academic study comprises just under 50% of the course, with the remainder spent on clinical placements. There are 22 weeks of academic teaching each year, with a further 24 weeks per year spent on clinical placements.
The varied approach to teaching and learning includes lectures, video presentations, case-based learning, case study discussions, tutorials, small and whole group discussion, online learning, direct reading, portfolios (including reflections), simulation, clinical skills sessions, and various clinical placements.
You will receive over 1,800 hours of clinical training across the programme, with placements across the full range of medical specialities at teaching hospitals and in community settings. These specialities include general hospital, emergency medicine, General Practice, mental health, paediatrics, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology.
There are three 8-week placements in Year 1 and four six-week placements in Year 2 to enable you to gain extensive hands-on clinical experience. All placements will be arranged for you by the University and aligned to learning outcomes determined by the Competence and Curriculum Framework for physician associates. You will be responsible for travel and parking costs while on placement.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a combination of written assignments, objective structured clinical examinations, short answer questions, multiple choice questionnaires, case studies, e-portfolios, seminar presentations, writing a research proposal and an appraisal of your subsequent research.
Who will be teaching me?
The programme team comprises expert staff who are highly experienced in clinical practice in areas including intensive care, coronary care, forensic mental health, primary care, pharmacology and medical practice.
You will also be taught by associate tutors from primary and secondary care, neurology, paramedic practice, biological sciences and senior healthcare management.
While on placement you will be supported by an educational supervisor (either a consultant or general practitioner depending on the setting) as well as clinical supervisors and the wider multi-disciplinary team.
A Great Study Environment
The Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine is one of the leading providers of education and training for health and social care professionals in the North West of England.
Offering some of the best facilities for health, social care and medicine students in the country, the outstanding teaching and learning resources include leading edge clinical skills facilities, an 860-seat lecture theatre, and a variety of teaching rooms and social learning spaces.
The faculty is home to a thriving research culture which includes a series of staff and student conference programmes, guest lectures and seminars, as well as active research groups.
Modules
Expand AllYear 1
HEA4230Personal and Professional Development (15 credits)
HEA4232Foundations of Clinical Sciences 1 (15 credits)
HEA4234Translation to Practice 1 (30 credits)
HEA4065Clinical Research Part 1: Critical Appraisal (30 credits)
Year 2
HEA4231Personal and Professional Development 2 (15 credits)
HEA4233Foundations of Clinical Sciences 2 (15 credits)
HEA4235Translation to Clinical Practice 2 (30 credits)
HEA4066Clinical Research Part 2: Developing a Research Proposal (30 credits)
Timetables
You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Entry Criteria
Entry Requirements
You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a science or health related subject. You should also have GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
Previous experience of working in healthcare is desirable but not essential.
An interview forms part of the selection process.
If you accept an offer from Edge Hill you will need to submit a Declaration of Health in respect of physical and mental fitness and will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of ‘Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults’. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.
Career Prospects
What are my career prospects?
Successful completion of this programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to undertake the national exam set by the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA). You will need to pass this exam, the current cost of which is £550, to gain employment as a Physician Associate.
Upon passing this exam, you will be eligible to apply to be listed on the Managed Voluntary Register (MVR), hosted by the FPA. Clinical trusts are recommended to hire physician associates from the Managed Voluntary Register (MVR) so it is strongly recommended that you seek this recognition.
Having completed these steps, you will find yourself well placed to gain employment as a physician associate working in general hospitals, emergency medicine, mental health, surgical settings and primary care.
Finance
Tuition Fees
If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this programme in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £18,500 for the entire programme. This will be charged at £9,250 per annum.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
If you’re an Edge Hill University graduate joining this programme in academic year 2021/22, you may be eligible for a reduction in tuition fees. You could receive a 50% reduction if you graduated in academic year 2020/21 or a 20% reduction if you graduated in academic years 2018/19 or 2019/20. This offer is available to eligible UK students, EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status, and Irish nationals. Please see www.edgehill.ac.uk/feereduction2021 to find out more.
Financial Support
For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University in academic year 2021/22, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2021/22 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradfinance2021.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals should ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please see www.edgehill.ac.uk/eufinance for further details.
As an MSc Physician Associate Studies student, you can expect to receive a contribution of £2,500 per annum from Health Education England to assist with travel costs to your clinical placements. There is no application process. Payment will be administered by the University and eligible students can expect to receive confirmation of scheduled payment dates during enrolment.
Apply
How to Apply
Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com.
Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.
Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Visit Us
If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.
Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about our full range of events for prospective students, including campus tours and virtual activities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.
Request a Prospectus
If you would like to explore our full range of taught Masters degrees, MBA awards and our Masters by Research (MRes) degree before you apply, you can order a postgraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradprospectus.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:
- Course Enquiries
- Tel: 01695 657000
- Email: study@edgehill.ac.uk
If you would like to talk to the programme leader about the course in more detail, please contact:
- Dr Sarah Lyon
- Tel: 01695 657059
- Email: Sarah.Lyon@edgehill.ac.uk
International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.
Course Changes
Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.Covid-19 - Physician Associate Studies Essential Information
Physician Associate Studies Course Statement
Delivery to consist of at least six hours a week, on average, of onsite teaching supported by 20 hours of online learning comprising synchronous (seminars, tutorials) and asynchronous (lectures, discussion boards) learning activities and academic support. Clinical placements are expected to continue as planned unless there is a change in public health advice.Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020
In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.
Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020
In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.