Physician Associate Studies, MSc

Students are required to undertake 120 credits worth of modules in each year of study. 

To apply for this programme, you must have achieved the following by the time of application:

• Minimum grade C at GCSE in Mathematics
• Minimum grade C at GCSE in English/Welsh

AND achieved or predicted* to achieve a minimum of one of the following:

• 2:2 undergraduate Bachelors or integrated Masters degree in a healthcare or biosciences subject (examples below), or
• 2:1 undergraduate Bachelors or integrated Masters degree in a non-healthcare or non-biosciences subject, with relevant work experience and demonstration of values in line with the NHS constitution. These will be considered on an individual basis.

Examples of relevant healthcare and biosciences degrees include:

• Life sciences: Anatomy, Biology, Physiology, Human Biology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Psychology, Biological Science, Microbiology

• Healthcare: Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Imaging; Radiotherapy, Paramedic Studies, Audiology, Dentistry, Nursing, Operating Department Practice, Optometry, Midwifery 

• Biomedical sciences: Biomedical Science, Applied Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Medical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Genetics 

*Pending results of degrees used in support of applications must be confirmed no later than 31 July in the year of intended enrolment. Offers which are conditional on degree results will be withdrawn if results are outstanding after this date.

Concurrent enrolment

University regulations do not permit concurrent enrolment in the Physician Associate Studies programme and any other award-bearing programme at this or any other university. All other degree programmes must be completed before enrolment on this programme.

Bursary eligibility

The Physician Associate Studies MSc programme is open only to applications from UK/EU (Home) candidates who are eligible for NHS Bursary funding. Information about how to confirm your eligibility can be found on the University's Fee Status Assessment page. Information on the NHS Bursary can be found here.

This programme is not open to applicants who have previously pursued a Physician Associate Studies programme (fully or in part), and transfers from other PA Studies programmes are not permitted

Your face-to-face teaching on campus will be supplemented by clinical skills lab, clinical placements with assessment, Progress Tests, presentations and essays, and Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) web-based and e-learning. Throughout your degree the emphasis will be on practical as well as analytical skills.

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

 Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching. 

 Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.  

At least 40 credits

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh. Many University departments develop and offer Welsh medium or bilingual modules as part of their courses so you will need to discuss the possibilities with the relevant Programme Director. You can study a module or modules through the medium of Welsh where possible or submit your dissertation in Welsh with guidance from a subject specialist through the medium of Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

• Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
• Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
• An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
• Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
• The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
• A Welsh-speaking Academic Mentor.
• One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
• An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
• Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

• a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
• a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
• a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
• a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

Physician Associate Studies students will be taught by a range of world leading researchers based at the Medical School, giving you unrivalled access to teaching on our latest medical research.

Principle staff supporting the MSc Physician Associate course are:

• Programme Director: Professor. Jeannie Watkins 
• Deputy Programme Director and Curriculum Lead: Dr Balwinder Bajaj
• Deputy Programme Director and Clinical Skills Lead: Dr Sharon Hartwell
• Deputy Programme Director: Associate Professor Alys Einion

Admissions Leads

• Dr Arun Ramachandran
• Dr Mike Gilbert

Teaching Block Leads

• Cardiovascular: Dr Balwinder Bajaj
• Respiratory: Dr Narendra Chinnappa
• Gastrointestinal: Dr Lisa Williams, Dr Sophie Henson
• Neurology: Dr Marguerite Hill
• Musculoskeletal: Dr Stuart Kyle
• Metabolic: Dr Richard Chudleigh
• Mental Health: Dr Rob Stamatakis
• Haematology and Dermatology: Dr Rhian Jones, Dr Sairan Whittaker
• Anatomy: Dr Chris Summers, Dr Marcela Bezdickova

Other Leads

• Clinical Skills Lead: Dr Sharon Hartwell
• Year 1 Lead: Andrew Leckie PA-R
• Procedural Skills Lead, Year 2 Lead and Senior Academic Mentor: Mrs Collette Hill
• Progress Test Assessment Lead: Mr Steve Capey
• Anatomy Lead: Dr Chris Summers
• Community Based Learning Lead: Dr Llinos Roberts
• Clinical Placement Lead: Dr Narendra Chinnappa
• Electives Lead: Dr Balwinder Bajaj
• Student Support and Guidance Lead: Dr Claire Vogan
• Health and Conduct Lead: Mr Neil Price
• Quality Leads: Dr Ujjal Choudhuri, Dr Aidan Byrne

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Funded Places

The PA programme is currently supported through the Welsh Government bursary. For 2022/23 we can confirm that we are offered 36 funded places on the PA programme.  

Welsh Government has advised that funding for this course is only available for students who are willing to commit to 18 months of post-qualification employment in Wales. By accepting an offer of an interview you are confirming that you commit to this. Only individuals prepared to make this commitment will be eligible for the full funding package. Please advise us at your earliest opportunity if you wish to withdraw your application or do not wish to take up your offer of an interview. At this time we are not able to offer places for self-funding students.

NHS Wales Bursary Scheme

The Welsh Government, through NHS Wales, provides funding for the Physician Associate Course here at Swansea including the cost of the tuition fees. A non-means tested grant of £1000 for living costs can be applied for. A further means-tested bursary is also available. If eligible for the means-tested bursary may be supported for travel, accommodation (whilst on placement), Childcare, Disabled Student Allowance, Dependents Allowance and Parental Learning Allowance. 

*For further details please consult the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme Terms and Conditions document, as these bursaries are administered by NHS Wales and not Swansea University. 

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Placements take place across the region and transport between sites is at the expense of the student. Please contact the Medical School Student Information and Education Office for further information.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Buying a stethoscope
• Books, course materials and printing or photocopying costs (many recommended textbooks for this course are available in the University or hospital site libraries)
• Parking  locally and travel to and from campus or Morriston Hospital Teaching site
• Photocopying and buying stationery, USBsticks
• Hiring robes for graduation

The National Certification Examination for Physician Associates is not part of the course and students will need to make their own arrangements to sit this exam. All costs involved in this will be borne by the student.

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

• Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
• Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
• Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
• Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
• Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

• Academic writing
• Maths and statistics
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Digital skills
• Presentation skills
• Note taking
• Revision, memory and exam techniques
• English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Applications are to be made via UCAS, and open in late September each year. 

We understand that applicants may include different types of course in their UCAS choices. As a result, some applicants’ Personal Statements may not reflect all that they want to say about their experiences and motivation to study to be a Physician Associate. We will be happy to receive supplementary Personal Statements directed to the PA Admissions Team. These will replace any Personal Statements submitted via UCAS.

*The application process is under continual review - please note that Swansea University Medical School reserves the right to alter the assessment process deemed suitable for each application cycle.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.

Application scoring

Applications will only be considered following the closing date. A set number of interviews will be offered to eligible applicants with the highest application scores, which will be calculated using the following criteria:

• Academic achievement – This category has the maximum score. Weightage will vary based on agreed criteria. Undergraduate degree classification (First > 2:1 >2:2) and GCSE (A/A* > B > C) will be given weightage. Scores are awarded for any higher degrees (PhD, Masters, intercalated degree). Peer reviewed publications will also carry weightage. The academic scores are additive, which would mean than scores in various sections are added together.
• Work experience – Scores are given for paid or unpaid (volunteering) experience in medical or non-medical fields. Previous experience in healthcare is given a higher weightage. Scores in this section are not additive. The area where you will get the highest score will be considered.
• Contextual factors – Residency in Wales, undergraduate degree in Wales and GCSE in Wales are given weightage. Verifiable information that evidences financial and educational status of the individual or their family will be considered. Examples would be receiving income support, free school meals, universal credit, time spent in care, asylum support, no other family member completing secondary education or higher education. Scores in this section are not additive. The area where you will get the highest score will be considered.
• Written assessment exercise – to be completed after UCAS application is completed. Information on the written assessment will be sent to applicants by the Swansea University admissions team after the closing date. For the 2022/23 admissions cycle this would involve the candidate completing an online situational judgment test (SJT). This would be a prioritization exercise and a sample test will be provided. SJT will be given a global score based on competencies (CS, PS, II, and US). The test should be completed within a set time frame of not more than a week after receiving the link via email. Non completion of the test in time would make your application ineligible for further processing. Test scores will be weighted and added to the point-based scores if your points-based score is tied with other candidates to create the rank list for interview offers.
• Final offers will be based on performance at panel interviews. Personal statements and SJT scores of all candidates will be available to interviewers for review. Personal statements will not be scored and will only be used for information. You could be asked questions based on your personal statement.

Interview

The interview process is designed to take account of the personal and academic qualities needed as a Physician Associate, and the capacity to meet the Competence and Curriculum Framework of the Faculty of Physician Associates, as follows:

• Communication Skills (CS)
• Coping with pressure and resilience (CP)
• Insight and Integrity (II)
• Passion for medicine (PMR)
• Understanding the scope of practice of the physician associate role (US)

On your interview day, you will be invited to attend two separate interviews, each of 20 minutes duration. They are conducted by pairs of trained interviewers, taken from our panel of clinicians, academics and physician associate colleagues. Your personal statement and written test answers will be made available to interviewers for review and you may be asked about them.

Conditions of Offer

Any offer made is conditional, subject to evidence of qualifications, satisfactory references, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or police check and occupational health clearance.

*The application process is under continual review - please note that Swansea University Medical School reserves the right to alter the assessment process for each application cycle. 

Increasing Provision of Allied Healthcare Professionals in Wales

We have a commitment to increasing intake of physician associate students from Wales. Rank list will be developed based on the points-based weighted scoring system. The initial offers for interviews will be sent out in the rank order. A waiting list will be maintained. Offers of interview places from the waiting list will be determined based on domicile, secondary school attended and region of origin with preference for remaining places given to students applying from Wales.  

Candidates with Disabilities

Medical schools have to consider the impact of health conditions and disabilities on students’ fitness to practise as a doctor. This is because they have a responsibility to ensure that students are eligible to be registered by the General Medical Council.   All offers are subject to occupational health and fitness to practise clearance. The details you provide will also help us consider what reasonable adjustments are possible in order to assist with specific health challenges and disabilities.

If you have a disability, ensure you declare it on the UCAS form by ticking the relevant box.  Disclosure will not affect screening of your application. If an offer is made you will be contacted by the Occupational Health Department to discuss your situation.

If you are unsure of how a disability will fit in to the application process or you need more information, contact occupational health team. You should also inform the admissions team if you are eligible for any special considerations during the written tests or interviews on the basis of your disability.

Health Screening and DBS Checks

All successful applicants accepting a place will be required to complete health declaration and immunisation forms. Your General Practitioner will have access to details of your immunisation history and should be able to share with you on request. These will be screened by our Occupational Health Department. Some students will be contacted by an Occupational Health Physician for further information where appropriate. Occupational health review could involve blood tests and immunisations to ensure your safety as well as safety of patients.

Students will be required to complete a successful Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before admission to the course.