Keele University

What you'll study

The programme combines taught modules, practical clinical skills training and supervised clinical placements to build diagnostic, clinical reasoning and procedural competence. Teaching emphasises integration of biomedical science with patient assessment, management and professional behaviour.

• Core clinical skills and physical examination: structured history taking, systems examination, procedural skills and simulation‑based practice.
• Clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis: approaches to problem solving across acute and chronic presentations, risk assessment and decision making.
• Pharmacology and therapeutics: principles of safe prescribing, drug interactions and evidence‑based use of medicines in common conditions.
• Specialist modules: rotations covering acute medicine, emergency care, general practice, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery and mental health.
• Professional practice and ethics: medico‑legal aspects, communication, safeguarding, reflective practice and working within multi‑professional teams.
• Research methods and dissertation: research design, statistics, critical appraisal and a supervised research project focussed on clinical practice or service improvement.
• Workplace learning: extensive clinical placements across primary and secondary care with assessed workplace‑based assessments (WBAs), case logs and portfolio development.

The MSc is structured to progressively increase clinical responsibility under supervision, with simulated scenarios and authentic clinical placements used to assess competence against nationally recognised PA learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or international equivalent in a relevant biomedical, health or life sciences subject. Applicants with a lower second (2:2) may be considered if they can demonstrate substantial, recent and relevant healthcare experience and strong academic potential.

• Substantial patient‑facing clinical experience is required; this can include roles in nursing, paramedicine, allied health professions, medical support roles or similar.
• Evidence of competence in standard clinical and communication skills, satisfactory references and a personal statement outlining motivation for PA practice.
• Occupational health clearance, an enhanced criminal record check (DBS or equivalent), and up‑to‑date immunisations are required prior to clinical placements.
• International applicants must meet Keele University’s English language and academic equivalency requirements; professional registration where applicable should be declared.

Selection typically involves academic reference checks, review of clinical experience and performance at interview; some applicants may be asked to complete pre‑selection tasks or objective structured assessments as part of the admissions process.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work as physician associates within the NHS and other healthcare systems. Typical career destinations include hospital specialties (medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, paediatrics), community and primary care, and specialist clinics. PAs often work alongside doctors, taking histories, examining patients, formulating differential diagnoses and managing treatment plans under supervision.

• Clinical practice in acute and community settings, supporting service delivery and improving access to care.
• Roles in general practice, emergency departments, inpatient wards and specialty outpatient clinics.
• Opportunities in education, clinical leadership, service development and quality improvement within healthcare organisations.
• Further professional development may include postgraduate clinical qualifications, leadership courses, research degrees or additional training such as independent prescribing where eligible and available.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers small‑group teaching and a strong emphasis on practical, workplace‑based learning supported by established NHS partnerships across the Midlands. The programme integrates simulation, clinical skills tuition and supervised placements, enabling students to develop hands‑on competence in realistic environments.

• Interprofessional learning opportunities with medical, nursing and allied health programmes to mirror clinical team practice.
• Access to Keele’s clinical skills and simulation facilities and support from experienced clinical tutors drawn from a range of specialties.
• Close links with local hospitals and primary care providers for diverse placement experiences and strong employability connections within the regional health system.
• A research component supervised by academic staff, helping graduates apply evidence to practice and pursue clinical or academic career pathways.