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2026/27 entry
Tooting campus

Key information

Discover the UK's longest-running Physician Associate Studies programme, where you will gain hands-on experience in taking clinical histories, conducting physical exams, ordering and analysing tests, diagnosing illnesses, and creating treatment and management plans. A demanding, but highly rewarding course, it boasts exceptional pass rates for the Physician Associate National Exam.

Start date

August 2026

Institution

City St George's, University of London

Location

Tooting campus

  •  

    Facilities

    Shared site at one of the largest NHS teaching hospitals

  •  

    Award

    Outstanding pass rates on the Physician Associate National Examination

Physician Associate Studies MPAS Course overview

With access to top clinical resources and professionals, the MPAS programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to support doctors in diagnosing and managing patients.

Our commitment to the profession is reflected through involvement of our teaching team in national bodies.

This engagement fosters excellence and inspires students to become informed, professional, and exceptional physician associates.

The programme is delivered by a diverse team, including alumni physician associates, doctors, lecturers, and visiting specialists.

Course benefits

Our Physician Associate Studies course offers students:

  • a shared site with one of the largest NHS teaching hospitals
  • an outstanding pass rate on the Physician Associate National Examination
  • the longest continuously running Physician Associate course in the UK
  • a Physician Associate as full-time Course Director
  • a mix of Physician Associates and Doctors within the teaching team
  • a regular timetable of esteemed visiting lecturers from the UK and the USA
  • partial scholarships of £3,000 are available for selected students on the Physician Associate Studies MPAS, awarded in the first year of study.

Award

You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.

  • Master's in Physician Associate Studies (MPAS)

Who is this course for?

A postgraduate-level qualification for life science graduates who wish to become Physician Associates.

Following the Leng Review in July 2025, a series of recommendations outlining the proposed future direction of the Physician Associate (PA) role within the NHS were released. One of the recommendations includes a potential name change for the profession to 'Physician Assistant'. These proposals are subject to implementation by the Department for Health and Social Care and the General Medical Council. We will closely monitor any developments that may impact the delivery of our programme and will update our programme accordingly to reflect any changes.

Structure

Master's in Physician Associate Studies (MPAS)

Duration:

  • Full-time: 2 years,

Total credits: 180

Modules:

  • Core modules: 7

The course follows a modular system, where you accumulate credits to earn your qualification.

It aligns with the curriculum developed in collaboration with the GMC and PA Schools Council to ensure success in the PA registration assessment (PARA).

Year 1

Year 1 focuses on anatomy, clinical sciences, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, with weekly problem-based learning through clinical cases.

Clinical examination and communication skills are taught in small groups, starting with ENT and progressing to key systems like cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal.

The course uses a blended learning approach, with four days of teaching per week, combining online and on-campus sessions. Clinical placements supplement your learning throughout the year.

Year 2

In Year 2, you will undergo intensive training in clinical and procedural skills, including ECG interpretation, suturing, cannulation, and advanced communication.

While you return to campus for occasional teaching days, most of the year is spent in clinical placements, including hospital rotations and a long block in a GP surgery.

Core modules

  • Applied Pharmacology (15 credits)

    This module lays the basis for future prescribing activity and ensures you have a good understanding of common drugs and their effects. (Please note that PAs do not yet have prescribing rights in the UK. However, strong pharmacology knowledge is essential for PA practice.)

  • Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare (15 credits)

    This module enables you to locate and evaluate evidence underpinning decision-making in healthcare and to develop your skills in critically appraising this evidence.

  • Foundations of Clinical Medicine (Year 1: 30 credits; Year 2: 15 credits)

    This module runs across both years and covers integrated body systems, pathology, differential diagnosis skills, models of decision-making, and applications of the underpinning sciences to patient conditions. It also provides an overview of the clinically relevant elements of human anatomy, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, pathology and physiology.

  • Investigations in Clinical Medicine (Year 1: delivery; Year 2: delivery and assessment 15 credits)

    This module runs across both years of the course and addresses the common and pertinent investigations relating to the clinical practice of a Physician Associate. You will learn about the role of clinical investigations and their relevance in relation to common and important presentations in clinical practice. It will involve analysis of common investigations performed in primary and secondary care.

  • Personal and Professional Development for Physician Associates (Year 1 30 credits; Year 2 15 credits)

    This module runs throughout the two years. Students will be taught and assessed on their clinical communication and examination skills and core procedural skills. They will explore reflective practice and professional values amongst many other values outlined in the PANE/PARA curriculum. The module uses simulation to support learning which can range from low to high fidelity.

  • Physician Associate Applied Clinical Knowledge and Skills (Year 1: 15 credits; Year 2: 30 credits)

    This module facilitates the application of clinical knowledge and examination skills with appropriate supervision from suitably qualified and skilled clinicians in real clinical environments, preparing you for entry into professional practice.

  • PA as A Professional Evaluation Report (Year 1: Pass or Fail; Year 2: Pass or Fail 0 Credit)

    The PA as Professional Evaluation Report assesses your progress in developing appropriate attitudes, behaviours and skills and your ability to apply them in the academic and clinical environment. As a PA student you are expected to demonstrate the same standard of professionalism as any qualified healthcare professional. This module runs across both years of the programme.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching at City St George’s uses a variety of engaging methods, including:

  • lectures
  • problem-based learning
  • small group discussions
  • clinical placements
  • role-playing
  • simulation
  • presentations.

The MPAS program follows a 'blended learning' approach, combining live online teaching, self-directed learning, on-campus sessions, and clinical placements.

Teaching methods

Remote learning on certain days allows flexibility, reducing the need for daily campus commuting.

Problem-based learning

Problem-based learning involves working in small groups on clinical cases, encouraging deep understanding through self-directed research.

Self-directed study

Self-directed study is key to the program, particularly in Year 1, alongside group work to develop clinical and communication skills.

Clinical placements are supervised by GMC-registered doctors who support your skill development.

Clinical supervision

In Year 2, you will rotate through core clinical placements, including:

  • general medicine
  • paediatrics
  • obstetrics and gynaecology
  • emergency medicine
  • mental health
  • surgery
  • geriatric medicine.

Assessment methods

Assessments, including knowledge tests and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), are designed to prepare you for the Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA) and professional practice.

Fees and funding

Fees for academic year 2026/27

Master's in Physician Associate Studies (MPAS)

Full-time per year

Home/UK: £13,080

International: £26,150

In order to be registered with the GMC as a physician associate (previously on the FPA Managed Voluntary Register (MVR) held by FPA under RCP) you will need to pass the PA registration assessment (previously the PA national exam or PANE) after successful completion of the MPAS.

The PA registration exam (PARA) is not part of this programme and the cost of the exam is not included in your course fees. Find out more at the Physician associate national examination (PANE) | RCP London

Regulation

The General Medical Council are the regulator for the PA profession.

Additional costs

The below highlights the additional course-specific costs related to this degree.

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

DBS - £40
Post office verification - £6
Administration fee - £9

Equipment

Stethoscope - from £90

PA Registration Exam

You will need to pass a national exam to practise which is independent of the University award or programme. You can find out more about costs from the Royal College of Physicians Assessment Unit.

Travel to placements

The maximum cost of travel to placement is based on the cost of an 18+ student weekly travelcard for Zone 1 to 9 for the 45 weeks of placement across the year. The cost is based on students using public transport.

Travel costs will vary depending on where students live and if placements sites are located outside of London.

Funding your study

We have a range of funding opportunities available for students. You may be eligible for the following.

Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.

Additional expenses

Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses.

20% off your study

We are offering a Graduate Loyalty Discount of 20% on tuition fees to all our alumni when applying to any of our degree courses.

To be eligible for the discount you must have successfully completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at legacy City, University of London or legacy St George's, University of London, as well as being self-funded.

To apply you will need to be accepted onto your intended course of study and to meet all the normal academic admissions criteria for the relevant course at City St George's, University of London.

Please note that MBBS 4 & 5 students are not entitled to alumni discount.

Career

Graduating with a Master’s in Physician Associate Studies from City St George’s will equip you for a dynamic and rewarding career.

The programme is challenging but fulfilling, preparing you to:

  • Safely practice in various clinical settings under supervision
  • Communicate effectively and empathetically as a healthcare professional
  • Address health inequalities and work in multicultural environments
  • Recognise your limits and act within them
  • Evaluate multi-professional teamwork in healthcare
  • Use communication and IT skills effectively in healthcare settings
  • Critically appraise evidence in clinical practice
  • Commit to lifelong learning and professional development
  • Understand the balance between health promotion, disease treatment, and community responsibilities
  • Integrate theoretical and clinical learning.

You may find these links helpful in exploring the Physician Associate role:

How to apply

Entry requirements

UK

To apply for this course, you should hold:

  • A minimum of a second-class degree (2.2) in a life science or health care subject, which includes, at minimum, a level 4 module of human physiology. All degrees must be awarded before 1 August on the year of entry.

International qualifications

We also accept qualifications from other countries for postgraduate study.

Other academic requirements

UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)

Both the section scores and the overall cut-off score should be met.

Section score: Minimum 500 in each individual section

Overall score: Minimum overall UCAT score (calculated every year)

Additional information

We will not consider any extenuating circumstances in relation to UCAT test scores.

For 2026 entry, we may consider applicants who have not sat the UCAT at the point of application. However, achieving the UCAT minimum requirements would form part of the applicant's conditional offer, if successful at the MMI stage.

UCAT results are used to select applicants invited to interview and may be used to rank a post-interview waiting list.

UCAT scores do not need to be included on your UCAS application as we will be informed of your scores directly by Pearson and UCAS. Please ensure that the name you use to register for UCAT is the same as that used on your UCAS form so results can be matched. We will receive any annotations UCAT include with your scores, however we are unfortunately unable to consider these as part of your application.

Below are some key dates that you may find useful. These are correct as of February, however please do check the UCAT website for the most up to date information.

  • Registration opens: 12 May 2026
  • Booking opens: 23 June 2026
  • Testing begins: 13 July 2026

Test preparation

UCAT has developed practice tests and a toolkit to support your test preparation.

View the information on the UCAT Candidate Preparation Toolkit page.

Details of the exam and how to register to sit the test can be found on the UCAT website.

Non-academic requirements

Personal statement and references

You will be asked to submit a personal statement with your application. This statement should outline your reasons for applying to the MPAS, demonstrating evidence of experience and the transferable skills you gained from this. Your personal statement may be read as part of your application.

You will need to provide one reference. This should be an academic or professional reference.

Work experience and insight

We understand the challenges for our prospective applicants for medicine and allied health courses trying to gain work experience at this time, particularly in clinical settings.

In response to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have chosen to relax our work experience requirements for prospective applicants for our courses which would normally require these.

Despite the relaxed requirements, we still require our applicants to have an understanding of the realities of working as a healthcare professional and to show they have the necessary skills and attributes for their chosen career. Online resources can give you valuable insight into working in the healthcare sector and outline the wide range of careers and courses available. You can find a number of suggested resources for each of our courses.

Interview (MMI)

If you meet the entry requirements above, you will be invited to attend a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). This will usually be in-person, however we can also offer remote MMIs for international applicants.

You can find further information about this process on our MMI guidance page, however please note that some of this information may change for those applying during the 2025/2026 application cycle.

Occupational Health Check

Should you receive an offer to study at City St George’s, you will be required to complete a health check and be declared fit to study and practise by the Occupational Health (OH) department before you begin your studies.

The following vaccinations are mandatory for all healthcare students before you begin your studies:

  • MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
  • Meningococcal meningitis
  • Diphtheria
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Tetanus

As part of the process, you will also be screened by the OH team for Chickenpox, Tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

We do not currently require you to have been vaccinated against Covid-19, but we strongly recommend that you get double vaccinated before the start of your studies, unless medically exempt.

When admitting candidates to study and practice as a health practitioner, we have an obligation to both patients and to the individual student. Candidates who are concerned about a health issue are advised to contact us.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and additional declarations

This course will include work with children and vulnerable adults, so you will be required to submit a series of declarations.

If you are invited to an interview, we will request some additional information from you, regarding your criminal record, educational history and employment history. You will also have the opportunity to make any other declarations that you’d like us to be aware of. We may not able to consider applicants who were suspended from previous study/work due to fitness to practise issues or failure in assessments/examinations.

If you are made an offer, you will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. More information about this is sent to applicants as part of the admissions process.

Previous studies in Physician Associate Studies or a Clinical course  

If you studied but did not complete a Physician Associate Studies, or another clinical course, please provide formal evidence as to why you withdrew when you apply, and no later than 1 February in the year of application. Please email the team ensuring you include your UCAS personal ID number and programme name in the subject line. Applicants will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Recent engagement in Education

Due to the demanding nature of the programme, it is important that applicants can demonstrate recent engagement in education. If the qualifications that you are applying on the basis of (e.g. Level 3 or degree level qualifications) were awarded more than five years ago, it may still be possible for us to consider your application. In this case, we would look at supplementary level 3 qualifications, or relevant work experience, that you have undertaken within the last five years.

These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, following submission of a UCAS application.

English language requirements

If you are applying with a degree from outside of the UK, you will need to meet the English language requirements.

This is a Group 3 course.

Full details can be found on our City St George's entry requirements page.

Application process

August 2026 entry

Our academics

Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. On occasion we also work with external professionals to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.

Housing and student life

What's happening

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