Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This intensive master's programme combines applied biomedical science, clinical reasoning, practical skills and professional development to prepare you for practice as a physician associate. Learning is delivered through lectures, small‑group tutorials, clinical skills and simulation, and substantial supervised placements in primary and secondary care.

• Core biomedical modules – clinical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and applied pharmacology relevant to diagnostic reasoning and medicines management.
• Clinical assessment and communication – history taking, focused physical examination, risk assessment, safeguarding and patient‑centred communication, including shared decision making and working with carers.
• Clinical reasoning and diagnostics – differential diagnosis, interpretation of common laboratory and imaging investigations, urgent and long‑term condition management algorithms.
• System‑based clinical modules – integrated approaches to medicine across specialties such as acute medicine, emergency care, cardiology, respiratory, musculoskeletal, paediatrics, obstetrics & gynaecology, mental health and geriatrics.
• Practical skills and simulation – procedural competencies, prescribing practice (where appropriate to the scope of practice), resuscitation, and advanced simulation scenarios using the university clinical skills and simulation facilities.
• Professional practice and law – regulation, ethical practice, interprofessional working, safeguarding and reflective professional development.
• Research and evidence‑based practice – research methods, critical appraisal and a dissertation or service improvement project to develop evaluative skills applicable to clinical practice.
• Clinical placements – extensive supervised placements across primary care, community services and hospital departments with assessed workplace‑based learning and OSCE‑style summative assessments.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant biomedical or health science subject at a good honours level. Applicants with other degrees who can demonstrate significant, recent healthcare experience and academic achievement may also be considered. Typical entry expectations include:

• A UK honours degree at the equivalent of a 2:1 in a relevant subject (biomedical sciences, nursing, allied health or similar) or equivalent international qualification.
• Evidence of recent clinical experience or exposure to healthcare settings; paid or voluntary experience that demonstrates patient contact and understanding of clinical environments is advantageous.
• Good communication skills and numeracy; applicants will usually be asked to provide references and a personal statement describing motivation and suitability for the role.
• Selection processes normally include an interview and practical/clinical assessment; applicants must also satisfy occupational health, enhanced DBS (or equivalent) and vaccination requirements prior to clinical placement.
• International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency to the university's accepted standard and meet any visa requirements for study and clinical placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles as physician associates working in NHS and private healthcare settings across primary, secondary and community care. Typical career pathways and opportunities include:

• Working in hospital specialties such as emergency medicine, acute medicine, surgery, paediatrics, and psychiatry under the supervision of a doctor.
• Primary care roles in GP practices managing chronic disease, urgent problems and minor illnesses.
• Progression into advanced clinical practice roles, education, clinical leadership, research or service improvement projects.
• Further postgraduate development through specialist postgraduate certificates, mentorship roles or movement into multidisciplinary team leadership and management.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers a clinically focused MSc with strong emphasis on simulation and workplace‑based learning. The university's clinical skills suites and simulation centre provide realistic, repeated practice opportunities before placement, supporting confidence and competence.

• Close links with regional NHS trusts and primary care networks provide a variety of supervised placement experiences across specialties and care settings.
• Interprofessional learning is embedded in the curriculum, helping you develop collaborative practice skills with doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.
• Applied research and service improvement are supported through a dissertation or project component, enabling you to translate evidence into practice locally.
• Student support includes structured clinical mentorship during placements, careers advice for developing a portfolio career, and resources to prepare for national certification and workplace assessments.