This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.
Buckinghamshire New University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Why study this subject? A career as a Physician Associate (PA) will mean that you will support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients. This might be in a hospital or a GP surgery. You will be part of a growing profession in the NHS where vacancies currently exceed the supply of skilled professionals, so its a great opportunity to gain employment both nationally and locally. Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? At BNU, we have great links with several partners within the local community such as Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, so you’ll add exceptional work experience to your CV. The programme has a strong employability focus, working with the trust to solve local skill needs and enable you to become an effective Physician Associate for the rest of your career. Should you wish to stay local and work in Buckinghamshire, your experience will put you in a prime position to continue your role after university. BNU has a number of well-established partnerships with other health organisations in South-East England too, including Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to enhance your experience and promote practice based learning. Therefore, you will be equipped with experience and expertise that will give you an excellent start to your career as a Physician Associate. In addition to our close links with local and regional trusts and organisations, we are in an ideal location close to London which makes commuting to your course easy and stress free, with a variety on online resources too. What facilities can I use? We have invested in state-of-the-art, simulated clinical skills areas. You will regularly spend time in these areas, to practise technical skills and use the newest technologies in a safe and supportive environment. In addition, as a student of BNU you will gain access to our gym, personal training sessions, physiotherapy and sports therapy clinic as well as our student union at a heavily discounted price. If you were thinking of doing something extracurricular, why not make use of our sports hall and live music events? All events, activities and societies are free of charge and you can find a range of interests no matter your age, fitness levels or preferences. What will I study? Our experienced lecturers will prepare you with all the skills you need to provide care and treatment to patients. You will learn to carry out a range of medical activities such as physical examinations, medical histories, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The programme draws on broad science principles whereby anatomical and patho-physiological processes are incorporated into a healthcare practice context. This course was designed in partnership with trusts and placement organisations and we aim to provide all the required skills and knowledge to succeed in placement and in the world of work afterwards. Over the course of the programme, you will undertake a minimum of 1,600 hours of clinical practice (up to 200 hours of simulation) in order to achieve competency framework requirements. Practice will cover a variety of clinical placements, such as General Practice, Acute Medicine, Accident and Emergency, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Mental Health, Surgery and an opportunity to undertake an elective placement in areas such as: Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Neurology and more. Career prospects Upon graduation you can progress to work as a Physician Associate in a range of clinical environments in Primary and Secondary care, including GP surgeries, hospital inpatient wards, and A&E departments. Your varied clinical placements will prepare you for the working world and give you great employment opportunities after graduation. During the placement, you will have the opportunity to work in the following areas: Accident and Emergency, General Practice, Mental Health and other clinical departments.
Modules
Year 1 Core General and Adult Medicine as a Physician Associate: Theory and Practice Generating Knowledge Year 2 Core Dissertation Specialist and Acute Medicine as a Physician Associate: Theory and Practice
Assessment method
Taught lectures and seminars are led by industry specialists, with the aim of creating an ambience where you can express yourself in any form and understand the nature of working in the industry. A range of learning and teaching methods are utilised. You will learn through: lectures seminar workshop group work tutored classroom sessions independent learning through individual learning plans case studies (skills and simulations) presentation problem-based learning You will be assessed using a variety of methods such as single based answer (SBA), OSCE and case study.
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- PAS1
- Institution code:
- B94
- Campus name:
- Buckinghamshire New University
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - Not accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted
Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted
Scottish Higher - Not accepted
Applicants will be be expected to: Have achieved 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. Have experience of working with people, preferably for example, in a health or social care context in the UK. A-level Chemistry Grade C or equivalent GCSE Maths and English Grade B or above Demonstrate appropriate personal qualities such as; motivation, good communication skills and understanding of the PA role during the selection process. All applicants are expected to have recent academic study (within the last five years before the start date of the course you are applying for). If your degree was awarded more than five years ago, this will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Advice on equivalent status of overseas awards will be obtained from the UK ENIC. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and occupational health assessment will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course. The DBS in the United Kingdom does not currently conduct overseas criminal record checks. Therefore, International applicants, those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country prior to entry onto the course. A UK DBS check will be required after enrolment. Should the DBS and/or occupational health assessment be unsatisfactory the student will be referred to the Fitness-to-Practise panel.
Health checks
Successful candidates will be subject to an occupational health assessment.
Interview
English language requirements
You will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in the English language, e.g. achieve an IELTS score of at least 7.5 in all sections or equivalent (in line with the General Medical Council requirements). This must have been awarded no more than two years before the start date of the course you are applying for.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £15000* | Year 1 |
| International | £15000* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.
Provider information
Buckinghamshire New University
Queen Alexandra Road
High Wycombe
HP11 2JZ
Course contact details
Visit our course page Make an Enquiry to BNU