COURSE CURRICULUM

The compulsory modules in the MSc Physician Associate programme are designed to progressively build core clinical competence, research ability, and professional decision-making skills required for modern healthcare practice. Clinical Knowledge Core Systems provides the foundational medical knowledge needed for safe and effective clinical work, preparing students for placements while also encouraging independent learning and professional responsibility essential for ongoing development. Clinical Skills 1 integrates early placement experience with structured reflection, allowing students to apply theoretical learning in real patient care settings while developing communication skills, clinical judgement, and confidence in routine decision-making. Clinical Skills 2 builds on this foundation by exposing students to more complex and unpredictable clinical situations, strengthening their ability to take initiative, work under pressure, and make informed decisions in dynamic healthcare environments. Alongside clinical training, Medical Research and Enquiry develops essential research capabilities for evidence-based practice. Students learn how to design and conduct clinical research, collect and manage healthcare data, and apply basic statistical methods using tools such as spreadsheets for analysis and interpretation. They also gain experience in presenting findings in a professional format, supporting both academic development and clinical practice. Together, these modules ensure graduates are well-prepared for supervised clinical practice, lifelong learning, and evidence-informed decision-making within healthcare systems.