University of Hull

What you'll study

This intensive master's blends biomedical sciences, clinical skills, professional practice and applied research to prepare you for work as a physician associate. Core teaching typically covers clinical anatomy and physiology, clinical history-taking and examination, clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis, pharmacology and therapeutics, acute care and long-term condition management, and evidence-based practice.

Learning is delivered through a combination of university-based teaching, simulated patient sessions and workplace-based clinical placements across primary and secondary care. Assessment methods include objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), written exams, case-based assessments, portfolio work and a research or service-improvement project.

• Clinical skills and examination
• Clinical decision-making and diagnostic reasoning
• Pharmacology and safe prescribing principles
• Acute medicine and emergency care
• Long-term condition management and preventive care
• Professional practice, ethics and medico-legal issues
• Research methods and a dissertation or service-improvement project
• Workplace-based learning with protected clinical placement time

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a biomedical or health-related subject, typically at a 2:1 or above, although exceptional candidates with relevant experience may be considered. Some programmes accept applicants with a 2:2 plus substantial and recent healthcare experience. Prior clinical experience (for example as an allied health professional, nurse, paramedic or clinical support worker) is highly desirable but not universally mandatory.

Other standard requirements include evidence of numeracy and literacy, satisfactory references, successful performance at interview, and clearance from occupational health and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants should be prepared for fitness-to-practise checks and may need to demonstrate evidence of immunisations and relevant workplace competencies prior to placements.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify to practise as physician associates and typically find roles in hospital specialties, general practice, urgent and emergency care, and community services. Physician associates work under the supervision of doctors to assess patients, formulate diagnoses, request and interpret investigations, and deliver treatment and follow-up care.

Career progression can include specialising in a particular clinical area, taking on leadership or education roles, participating in clinical governance and quality improvement, or undertaking further postgraduate study such as advanced clinical practice qualifications or research degrees. Many employers support ongoing professional development and training in extended skills, including pathways to independent prescribing where available and applicable.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull delivers clinically integrated training with strong links to regional NHS trusts and primary care partners, giving students access to diverse placement settings and multidisciplinary teams. Teaching combines experienced clinical academics, practising clinicians and simulated patient education in purpose-built facilities to develop practical, safe and reflective clinicians.

Students benefit from a supportive learning environment with structured placement coordination, interprofessional learning opportunities and dedicated careers and academic support services. The course’s emphasis on workplace learning, assessment by simulation and real clinical practice prepares graduates to transition confidently into physician associate roles across a range of healthcare settings.