URGENT!

A friend of mine is currently in her last year of studying sports therapy and is looking at options for her masters degree and has come across masters physician associate as is interested in doing it. However would her undergrad of Sports therapy allow her to do this or does some someone have any alternative careers she can choose for her masters
Thankyou

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Emmm6885

According to the following job profiles, you need a degree approved by the Faculty of Physician Associates/Royal College of Physicians:
https://careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/medical/job-profile/physician-associate
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/physician-associate
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/medical-associate-professions/roles-medical-associate-professions/physician-associate
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/physician-associate

The list of approved degrees are listed on the following page:
https://www.fparcp.co.uk/becoming-a-pa/

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/242/physician-associate-studies/#entry_requirements - 2:1 or 1st class honours degree in a medical or health related science.
https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/physician-associate#entry_requirements - A first degree in life sciences (such as human biology, biochemistry, medical science or allied health degree) with at least a 2:1 classification or an equivalent qualification.
https://www.bangor.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/physician-associate-studies-msc - have a 2.1 or higher degree in a life science subject (particularly those that are medically related). Examples include: Medical Sciences; Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Sport Science, Biology (particularly Human Biology), Anatomy etc. or have a 2:2 in a life science degree with a higher degree (eg MSc) in a relevant subject e.g. Medical Sciences; Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Sport Science, Biology (particularly Human Biology), Anatomy etc.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/taught/med/physician-associate.aspx - Awarded or predicted to achieve a minimum of a second class (2:1) undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. Your undergraduate degree must include relevant modules in biomedical/life sciences or Allied health professionals educated to honours level (yes, as an allied health professional)
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/taught/med/physician-associate-msc.aspx#EntryRequirementsTab - need the PGDip from above first
https://www.bolton.ac.uk/course/HLT048-F-UOB-MX - You should have at least a lower second class honours degree (2.2) in a life or health science subject. Alternatively, you should have at least an upper second class honours degree (2.1) in a science, engineering or social science subject, along with higher education credits (for instance, Open University modules) in human biology and either infectious disease and public health or molecular and cell biology, with an overall mark of at least 60%. Health care professionals (for instance, operating department practitioners, paramedics and adult nurses) with a Diploma of Higher Education with at least 50% overall and a minimum of two years experience in a professional role are invited to apply.
https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/study/courses/mscpg-dip-physician-associate-studies - A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:1, or equivalent, in a required subject. (yes)
https://www.bsms.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught-degrees/physician-associate-studies.aspx - Applicants should have a first or upper second-class degree in life sciences or another health-related undergraduate degree within the past five years. Applicants with a degree awarded more than five years ago may apply but should have clinical experience and may be asked to write an academic essay as part of the application process.
https://www.brunel.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/Physician-Associate-MSc - A UK first or 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent internationally recognised qualification, in a Life or Health Sciences subject area (e.g. Anatomy, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Sciences, Medical Engineering, Nursing, Operating Department Practice, Paramedic Pharmacy, Physiology).
https://www.bucks.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/msc-physician-associate - Achievement of a first degree, minimum of a 2:1, in a life science, e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Medical Science, Nursing, Physiotherapy or equivalent qualification or health-related subject from a UK university or an equivalent overseas qualification.
https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/physician-associate-studies - An upper second class Honours degree (2:1) or better in a relevant subject in the life sciences (e.g. Biomedical Science, Biological Science, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, etc.).or a good lower second class Honours degree (2:2) may be considered combined with substantial relevant practical healthcare skills and experience.
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/physician-associate-practice-msc - Applicants should hold at least 2:1 degree or equivalent in related subject such as life sciences or allied health professions or A postgraduate qualification at merit or distinction may be considered for admission in cases where the applicant’s first degree is lower than 2nd class award
https://www1.chester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/physician-associate-studies#section_entry - A 2:1 honours degree or above (or accepted equivalent) in life/health sciences or A lower second class honours (2:2) degree will only be considered if you have patient facing experience at a professional level (minimum of 1 year).
https://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate-courses/physician-associate-studies-msc/physician-associate-studies.aspx - Minimum of a 2:1 BSc Hons, or equivalent, in a life sciences or health-related subject (anatomy, biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, healthcare science, medical science, medical engineering, nursing, paramedic, pharmacy, physiology, etc.) or Alternatively, applicants with a 2:2 or equivalent and significant experience (6months) within a patient-facing healthcare/clinical role may be considered on an individual basis if the above requirement is not met.
https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/postgraduate/msc-physician-associate-studies#entry_requirements - Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent
Degree in Science or Health-related discipline
https://uel.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/msc-physician-associate - An upper Second Class (2:1) Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject, such as medical, biological or life sciences or other health related subject OR An upper Second Class (2:1) Bachelor's degree in a physical science/engineering subject or social work and appropriate modules in biology passed at a minimum of 55% at QAA levels 5 or 6. e.g. from the Open University.
https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/course/physician-associate-studies/ - You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:1 or above) in a bioscience or health related subject. You must be able to evidence studying significant human bioscience content either in this degree or at Masters level. You should also have GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Applicants with a 2:2 honours degree in a bioscience or health related subject may be considered, subject to having at least two years of clinical experience, within the last five years, at the time of application.
https://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-masters/msc-physician-associate-studies - Applicants must hold a minimum of a second-class honours degree in a relevant subject. Suitable subjects include (but not limited to) life sciences (biomedical sciences, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, healthcare sciences etc.). Being an Allied Health professional, nurse, midwife or pharmacist is also an acceptable route onto the course.
https://www.hyms.ac.uk/postgraduate-taught/msc-in-physician-associate-studies - You must have at least a 2:1 in a relevant Biosciences Degree (for example, Biomedical, Biological or Medical Sciences, Biochemistry, Sports Sciences, Pharmacology), or be predicted to achieve this at the time of application. We will also accept specific nursing Health Sciences degrees with sufficient scientific grounding and extensive postgraduate clinical experience. Applicants must have GCSE English Language/Literature at Grade B/6 or GCSE Language/Literature at Grade C/5 if higher level degree achieved, and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/5 or above, or equivalent. Alternative entry qualifications may also be considered.
https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduatestudy/postgraduatecourses/physicianassociatestudies/#entry - 2:1 honours degree in a biomedical or health science related subject (e.g. biomedical science, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, healthcare science, pharmacy, audiology, nursing, midwifery, and physiotherapy).
https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/i543/physician-associate-studies-msc - Bachelor degree with a minimum 2:2 (hons) in a biomedical science, health-related science or equivalent qualification. For example - but not limited to - Anatomical Science, Applied Medical Science, Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Medical Genetics, Anatomy and Human Biology, Healthcare Science (EG Audiology and Cardiac Physiology), Nursing, and Allied Health Professions such as Radiography, Physiotherapy and Paramedic Studies.
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/courses/list/12571/msc-physician-associate-studies/entry-requirements/#course-profile - Applicants should hold or be predicted an Upper Second class degree (2:1). This may include the life sciences (e.g. biomedical science, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, healthcare science) or allied health professions (eg pharmacy, audiology, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy).
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/bb96/ - A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a bioscience or related subject.
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/msc-physician-associate-studies - A recognised first degree (2:1 or above) in a life science, biomedical science, or healthcare subject (from the list below); or current healthcare professionals educated to honours degree level (2:1 or above). To be accompanied by a minimum period of 2 weeks consecutive clinical setting exposure. Relevant ‘on course’ placement experience would count towards this exposure target. Alternatively, experience of working in a setting with customer contact, and 10 days clinical attachment experience in a hospital or general practice setting would also be considered. OR A recognised first degree (2:2 or above) in a life science, biomedical science, or healthcare subject (from the list below); or current healthcare professionals educated to honours degree level (2:2 or above). To be accompanied by a minimum period of 12 consecutive months clinical setting exposure. Relevant 'on course' placement experience could count towards this exposure target. If the award is >5years old then we would expect evidence of recent academic study or completion of an academic qualifying essay.
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/coursefinder/courses/physician-associate-studies-masters-apprenticeship-programme-msc/ - A 2:2 or above at undergraduate level in a Life Sciences, Biomedical or Health Profession Degree.
https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/physician-associate-pg/msc-physician-associate - Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in a relevant life sciences subject – for example, biological sciences, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, pharmacy, psychology. Applicants with a good lower second-class honours degree (2.2) combined with other relevant practical healthcare skills and experience (or qualifications and experience considered to be equivalent to the above) will also be considered.
https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/nursing-and-midwifery/msc-physician-associate-studies/full-time/2023 - An honours degree recognised in the UK at 2.1 or above in a science related subject.
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2024/physician-associate-studies-mmedsci#entry-req - You'll require at least a 2:1 undergraduate honours degree including a substantial element of human or animal biology. In addition you will require BBB at A-level (or equivalent appropriate qualification).
https://www.sgul.ac.uk/study/courses/physician-associate-studies#entry-criteria - You should have or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a second class degree (2:2). For healthcare graduates, a pass is required. All degrees must be awarded before 1 August on the year of entry. (yes)
https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/physician-associate-studies-pgdip#entry - minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in anatomical sciences, biochemistry, biomedical science, biomedicine, human biology, medicinal chemistry, microbiology, neuroscience, nursing (adult, child, mental health), operating department practice, optometry, paramedic science, pharmaceutical science, or physiology, or a recognised equivalent international qualification. We will consider the following degrees: Audiology, biological sciences, biology, health psychology, pharmacy, psychology or sport and exercise science. We'll also consider relevant work experience.
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/medicine/physician-associate-studies-mpas/ - 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.
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202324/physician-associate-studies-30695#entryconditions - Applicants must be graduates with at least a 2:2 degree classification (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a life science or health-related subject (which must contain significant elements of basic medical sciences), normally obtained within the last five years. Applicants must also have experience of paid or voluntary work with people, preferably in a health or social care context; a pass in GCSE Maths and English Language grades A-C; evidence of English language attainment if English is not the first language. Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications which do not meet all the above criteria may be considered for entry at the discretion of the Course Committee. These potential applicants may be asked to submit a transcript from their undergraduate degree programme or asked to take some further modules in basic medical sciences at level 4 or equivalent, to meet the required levels of sciences required for application to the PA programme.
https://courses.uwe.ac.uk/B9611/physician-associate-studies - 2:1 in a suitable life-science/health-related subject. Please see more details below. (yes)
https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/physician-associate-msc - A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a relevant subject, such as medical, biological or life sciences or other health science from a UK university or an overseas equivalent. Or A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a physical science or engineering subject or social work and appropriate modules in biology passed at a minimum of 55% at QAA levels 5 or 6.

In short, yes you definitely can at specific universities (Hull, Birmingham, St George, UWE, Bournemouth). For the other unis, you would need to contact them to check on an individual basis. I think the main concern that the unis have is whether your undergrad has enough content covering huamn biology/physiology. Your sports science degree should be sufficient to cover the content, but unless they specify you would never know for sure.

Reply 2

Emmm6885

Appreciate it Thankyou so much

Reply 3

mnot

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Emmm6885

1 - check entry requirements on university websites
2 - if unclear email the university admissions office

Reply 4

Swansea Students

Official Rep

Original post by Emmm6885

Hi!

Has your friend checked out Swansea University? If she hasn't, I'd definitely recommend it!

In terms of the entry requirements for Swansea for Physician Associate, the following is quoted directly from our website. In terms of degree requirements, she would need:

"- 2:2 undergraduate Bachelors or integrated Masters degree in a healthcare or biosciences subject. 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."

Our website is really informative, so please check it out using the hyperlink - on there she can find full entry requirements all laid out, see videos from current students and see full module breakdowns etc. I regularly see the PA's around on campus, being a Medical Student myself, and have always heard good things from them. One of the benefits is their small cohort size, bringing a really close, friendly feel amongst those on the course.

I hope that helps! Please get in touch with us if you or your friend have any more questions!

Hope Henry - Swansea University Student Ambassador and Third Year Graduate Entry Medicine Student.