MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MSc Physician Associate Studies
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc in Physician Associate Studies is delivered by a multidisciplinary team comprising UK-trained Physician Associates, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, and paramedics. The curriculum is structured to provide students with the ability to take medical histories, perform physical examinations, request and interpret investigations, and develop treatment and management plans. The program includes significant time in local and regional clinical placements and simulation facilities, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA).
Curriculum: The integrated curriculum spans two years. In the first year, students focus on foundational biomedical and clinical sciences, clinical skills, and initial clinical placements. The second year emphasizes advanced clinical practice, with students undertaking placements in regional secondary care trusts and general practices. Modules include Biomedical and Clinical Sciences for PAs, Clinical Skills for PAs, Clinical Practice for PAs, Evidence-Based Practice (culminating in a 3,000-word dissertation), and Preparation for Practice.
Research Focus: While the program is primarily practice-oriented, it incorporates research components to foster evidence-based practice. Students engage in a dissertation project, allowing them to explore areas of personal interest within the field and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in physician associate practice.
Industry Engagement: The program boasts strong ties with local NHS trusts and general practices, providing students with extensive clinical exposure. Placements are integral to the curriculum, offering real-world experience and facilitating the development of practical skills. These partnerships ensure that the training remains relevant to current healthcare needs and practices.
Global Perspective: The University of Sussex is recognized for its international outlook, with a diverse student body and faculty. The MSc program reflects this global perspective, preparing students to work in varied healthcare settings. However, it's important to note that the UK Physician Associate qualification does not currently entitle graduates to practice as PAs outside of the UK.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 7.5
Tuition Fee
£ 20000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the MSc Physician Associate Studies program at the University of Sussex are equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter a wide range of careers within the healthcare sector. The role of a physician associate (PA) is dynamic and in high demand, especially within the UK and globally.
Physician Associate: The primary career path for graduates is to work as a Physician Associate (PA) in hospitals, GP surgeries, outpatient clinics, or emergency departments. PAs support doctors by conducting physical examinations, diagnosing and treating illnesses, interpreting test results, and offering patient education. In this role, they often work in collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, enhancing patient care and streamlining medical processes.
Emergency Medicine Physician Associate: Many graduates of the MSc Physician Associate Studies program choose to specialize in emergency medicine. In this role, PAs work in urgent care and emergency settings, where they are responsible for assessing and managing patients with a wide range of acute conditions, injuries, and medical emergencies.
General Practice Physician Associate: Graduates can also work in general practice (GP) settings, where they assist general practitioners in diagnosing and treating common illnesses, conducting routine medical examinations, and providing preventive care. This role is particularly important in helping manage patient loads and improving access to healthcare services in community-based settings.
Specialist Physician Associate: With additional training and experience, PAs can specialize in a specific area of medicine, such as pediatrics, cardiology, geriatrics, or surgery. Specialist physician associates work under the guidance of consultants and other healthcare professionals, providing expert care in their chosen field.
Clinical Research Associate: Graduates interested in research may work as clinical research associates, contributing to studies and trials focused on improving medical treatments, technologies, and patient outcomes. This role involves working with research teams to develop and test new drugs, therapies, and diagnostic tools.
Health Education and Training: Some graduates choose to enter the field of health education, working in academic institutions, medical organizations, or healthcare settings to teach and train future healthcare professionals, including physician associate students. They help develop curricula, organize training sessions, and assess the clinical competence of students.
Medical Education Advisor: Physician associates with experience may transition into medical education advisory roles. They work to improve educational strategies within healthcare organizations, helping to design and implement training programs that ensure all healthcare professionals maintain high standards of care.
Healthcare Management and Leadership: Graduates can pursue roles in healthcare management where they manage clinical teams, oversee day-to-day operations of medical departments, and develop strategies to improve patient care delivery. Their clinical knowledge paired with leadership skills allows them to effectively lead and coordinate medical staff and services.
Healthcare Consultant: With experience in clinical settings, physician associates can work as healthcare consultants, advising healthcare institutions, government bodies, or private organizations on improving healthcare delivery, patient management systems, and operational efficiencies.
International Healthcare Roles: The growing global demand for healthcare professionals means that MSc Physician Associate Studies graduates have the opportunity to work internationally. Many countries are adopting or expanding the role of physician associates, creating opportunities for graduates to work in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities around the world.
