COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc in Physician Associate Studies is a two-year intensive program designed to prepare students to work as medical professionals alongside doctors and other healthcare staff. The first year focuses on building a strong foundation in basic and clinical sciences essential for safe and effective practice. The curriculum is organised around common clinical presentations and pathologies, delivered through a case-based learning approach that integrates biomedical, behavioural, and population sciences. This is complemented by small group teaching, lectures, and workshops, ensuring a highly interactive and integrated learning experience. Students undertake 20 weeks of clinical placement in the first year, beginning with early rotations to build confidence and understanding of healthcare environments and team dynamics, followed by further placements in the second year. The second year provides advanced instruction in core medical and clinical sciences, emphasising clinical reasoning skills to prepare students for national postgraduate examinations. Students also complete a master’s research project in a clinical area and have the option to undertake an elective, either overseas or in a new specialty, to broaden their clinical experience. Longitudinal themes such as Personal and Professional Development and Consultation Skills run throughout the program. The non-modular structure allows skills and knowledge to be developed progressively, ensuring graduates are competent, confident, and ready for clinical practice as physician associates.