MSc Physician Associate at University of Reading

Programme overview

A physician associate training programme for life science graduates or those with significant healthcare experience, approved by the General Medical Council. It combines classroom teaching with significant clinical placement hours in NHS primary and secondary care, rising to four to five days a week in the final year.

Duration: Full time: 24 months | Study mode: full-time | Location: Reading, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Compulsory modules: Clinical Knowledge Core Systems, Medical Research and Enquiry, Clinical Skills 1 and Clinical Skills 2, with workplace-based learning in primary and secondary care.

Career pathways

Physician Associates work in medical teams under doctor or surgeon supervision in GP practices, community health services and hospitals, taking medical histories, performing examinations, diagnosing illnesses, analysing test results and developing management plans.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant life sciences subject such as biological sciences, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, pharmacy or psychology; a 2:2 combined with relevant practical healthcare skills and experience (or equivalent) will also be considered. Interview required (typically early April to end of May/early June). Application window for the cycle stated: 19 January 2026 to 24 April 2026 (deadline). A £1,000 deposit is required of successful applicants. English language: IELTS 7.5 overall with no element below 7.0. International applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

Domestic applicants: GBP 12,750 a year (2027/28). Fee for 2027/28, then rising each year with inflation (up to 4%), rounded to the nearest £50. Source

International applicants: GBP 32,850 a year (2027/28). Fee for 2027/28; only open to international applicants who already have the right to work in the UK. Source

Duration: 24 months full-time

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