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As the Physician Associate profession continues to grow in the UK, PAs are increasingly becoming involved in academia, research and leadership roles. With these exciting opportunities, many Physician Associates are finding that having a Masters qualification is becoming essential for advancing their careers and making a greater impact in their field.
Our MSc top-up programme in Physician Associate Studies is tailored for graduates who have already completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Physician Assistant/Associate Studies from a UK university. Offering the flexibility of distance learning, this programme allows you to continue working professionally while pursuing your Masters.
This course is offered in part-time mode, with start dates in both September and January.
The duration of the course will vary based on your pace of study. You have up to three years to complete and submit your dissertation, but it's also possible to finish the programme within one year.
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The MSc ‘top-up’ Physician Associate programme equips you with essential skills to conduct research and lead quality improvement initiatives - key responsibilities that are increasingly vital in the evolving role of Physician Associates in clinical settings.
Designed to build on your existing knowledge, this programme allows you to continue working as a PA while earning your qualification. It empowers you to drive meaningful improvements in your workplace and supports your professional growth. The valuable experience you gain can also be used to showcase your competencies within the HEE MAPs Core Capabilities Framework.
The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.
for Medicine
Complete University Guide, 2024
for Medicine
Times Higher Education, 2024
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine
QS World Rankings, 2025
Birmingham proudly hosts one of the UK's longest-running Physician Associate programmes, standing at the forefront of medical education!
We’re also the only university in the country to offer a unique ‘top-up’ MSc in Physician Associate Studies, allowing those with a PG Diploma to elevate their qualifications and expertise to the next level.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on what life is like as an online student.
This programme is available part-time and includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work and bedside demonstrations.
You’ll learn from world-leading academics and researchers at a top 100 UK university. From the outset we’ll challenge and encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner.
This course consists of one taught module and a dissertation project.
The programme comprises 20 credits of taught material as well as a 40-credit dissertation.
Research Methods Module
You begin the programme by undertaking the Research Methods module. This module gives an understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of health research and will enable you to make informed and appropriate choices around research design and methods.
Dissertation
Once completed, you'll then begin your dissertation project. During this project you'll continue to develop your research skills, exploring a piece of worth that explores an aspect of clinical practice, healthcare policy, or sociology applied to healthcare or medical education. You'll further develop skills in critical appraisal alongside research design, methodology and analysis. You'll be guided by a dissertation supervisor throughout your study.
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
You should have a PGDip in Physician Assistant/Associate Studies from a UK university
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Earning a master’s degree as a Physician Associate is a key milestone for those aspiring to reach the upper levels of the profession, particularly for those pursuing leadership roles within the NHS or academia.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
From application through to graduation, we will support you throughout your exciting online learning journey. As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers.
Studying online allows you to study at your own pace and fit your studies around your other commitments. All whilst enjoying the same level of support and access to experienced academic staff.
All of your learning materials for our online courses can be accessed in your own time, on our user-friendly virtual learning environment. This is accessible on desktop, laptop, and mobile devices.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to supporting you throughout your exciting online learning journey.
As an online student, you are able to access all of our on-campus facilities. Take advantage of our library, the Sports and Fitness centre or make use of our collaborative learning spaces.