Frequently asked questions

How many places do you have on the Physician Associate Studies course?

We have 60 places in total available for the MSc and PGDip courses.

How many applications do you receive?

Last year, we received 412 applications. Around half of the applicants were interviewed.

When is the deadline for applications to the Physician Associate course?

The application deadline is 18:00 (UK time) on the UCAS published equal consideration deadline in January each year..

Applications received after this date may still be considered, but we recommend that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment, as we reserve the right to close the course once we reach capacity.

An application can be made for a deferred place the following year, although we would generally recommend that you apply with up-to-date academic information and work experience.

Do you offer September entry?

Yes. September is the only point of entry.

I was interviewed at Manchester last year, but was unsuccessful. Can I re-apply?

You may be able to re-apply. Please contact us at pgtaught.medicine.pa@manchester.ac.uk to check before submitting another application.

I applied to Manchester last year, but wasn't offered an interview. Can I re-apply?

We may consider a further application from you, but please contact us at pgtaught.medicine.pa@manchester.ac.uk to check before submitting another application. If you are to be considered again, we will treat your new application as if it was the first.

Can a parent, teacher or friend discuss my application with you?

We will only correspond directly with you or the person nominated by you via UCAS about the status of your application (including the outcome of your application, your offer and your examination results).

We will not normally speak to anyone else about your application, other than to verify references qualifications and work experience.

Can I apply with a Lower Second (2:2) degree?

Not normally, but we may consider exceptional cases where applicants have obtained a good further degree in a relevant subject, such as an MSc with Merit or a professional qualification.

Each application will be assessed against the rest of the cohort, and there is no guarantee you will be shortlisted for an interview or offered a place.

Can I apply with a psychology degree?

You can apply with a psychology degree if it contains sufficient units in biology and/or neuroscience. If you are unsure, please contact pgtaught.medicine.pa@mancheser.ac.uk to double check.

Can I apply with a homeopathy degree?

No. We will not accept homeopathy degrees for entry to the Physician Associate Studies course.

I do not have GCSE subjects, only equivalents. Would you accept my application?

Please contact us at pgtaught.medicine.pa@manchester.ac.uk before you apply.

Where and when will interviews take place?

Please see the interviews page for more information.

Can international students apply?

Yes. International applications will be processed and assessed in the same way as UK applications.

What qualifications do I need as an international applicant?

We require you to have obtained or be on course to obtain a degree that is equivalent to at least a UK Upper Second class honours degree in life sciences (for example, biomedical science, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, healthcare science) or allied health professions (for example, pharmacy, audiology, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy).

We also accept psychology degrees if they contain sufficient units in biology and/or neuroscience. We do not accept homeopathy degrees for Physician Associate Studies.

If you are unsure about the suitability of your degree, please contact us at pgtaught.medicine.pa@manchester.ac.uk before you apply.

Although we encourage applications from other healthcare professionals, we do not accept applications from candidates with medical degrees or those who have previously studied for, but not completed, a medical or healthcare degree.

If I am selected for interview, where will my interview be held?

Interviews are usually held in Manchester, in person or online. 

What are your English language requirements?

If English is not your first language, we require a minimum of IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component. We accept a range of alternative qualifications in lieu of IELTS.

Please contact pgtaught.medicine.pa@manchester.ac.uk to check if you need to submit an IELTS.

Is there any financial support for the course and how do I apply for it?

UK-resident MSc students may be eligible for a postgraduate student loan. More information about eligibility for a postgraduate student loan is available on the government's website.

All Physician Associate Studies students are currently eligible for a travel grant of £5,000. 

We also offer free Resuscitation Council accredited Immediate Life Support (ILS) training.

In addition, students can apply for The University of Manchester's Living Cost Support Fund and possibly other types of funding. More information is available on the University's student support pages.

What is the difference between the MSc and the PGDip?

The structure and content of the two courses are identical, except that MSc students will undertake an additional clinically relevant research project in their second year of study. The entry requirements are also the same.

UK-resident MSc students may be eligible for a postgraduate student loan, while PGDip students are not. More information about eligibility for a postgraduate student loan is available on the government's website.

Please consider carefully beforehand which course you would like to apply, and only apply for one of them on UCAS. We will be able to change your course during the admissions process, or even shortly after your enrolment.

Is the Physician Associate Studies course a problem-based learning course?

Manchester uses a mixed-methods approach to teaching and learning. A wide variety of teaching and learning methods are used, but the key Manchester approach is the study of clinical cases in small groups.