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Aston University, Birmingham: Physician Associate Practice

Institution Aston University, Birmingham
Department College of Health and Life Sciences
Web https://www.aston.ac.uk
Email pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk
Telephone 01212043200
Study type Taught

Summary

The Aston Physician Associate Practice MSc is designed for those who want to make a real impact in the evolving UK healthcare system. This programme prepares you to work as a Physician Associate across all areas of medicine, developing the clinical knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence to support patients and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary medical teams. You will develop skills and knowledge to become an integral part of medical teams in a diverse range of clinical environments, by managing patients and providing high-quality medical healthcare support.

You will train to work collaboratively with a wide range of multidisciplinary healthcare teams across hospitals, GP practices, and other clinical settings. This integrated role combines medical knowledge with strong communication and teamwork skills, preparing you to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred care support within the NHS. Your learning will be delivered through a carefully balanced mix of lectures, seminars, face-to-face tutorials, skills lab training, communication skills workshops, and hands-on clinical placements. You will also take part in case-based learning, where real medical scenarios are used to encourage group discussion, problem-solving, and collaborative learning, alongside dedicated time for independent study.

Teaching is a blend of on-campus learning and clinical placements. From Year 1, Term 1, you will spend one day per week on placement, supported by a high proportion of on-campus skills lab sessions within Aston Medical School. From Term 2 onwards, your placements expand into 6–8 week blocks, giving you the chance to apply your medical sciences training in real healthcare environments before returning to campus for further skills development.

To support your learning, you will also have access to Blackboard, Aston's virtual learning environment where you will have access to theoretical study materials, recorded lectures, online tutorials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases, and other key resources for revision, assessment preparation, and wider study.

You will develop knowledge of integrated healthcare and practice, the principles and values of integrated care, and the complex interaction of physical, psychological and social considerations of the patient, and sustainable healthcare to improve the health of the patient, and access patient vulnerabilities and needs. You will also develop knowledge of the principles and values of holistic and integrated healthcare relating to the management and prevention of disease, identify and respond to patient vulnerability. You will also plan and develop an independent healthcare project of your choosing, negotiated with your Course Director, over the period of the two years of learning.

Clinical placements take place from week 2, where you will experience General Practice one day per week. In term 2 you'll attend General Medicine placements at hospital trusts across the greater Birmingham and West Midlands area for 15 weeks. In year 2 you will experience clinical specialities including emergency medicine, paediatrics, psychiatry, surgery and women’s health. You will work collaboratively with your clinical supervisor and other healthcare professionals to manage patient care. Clinical placements will vary across different clinical environments, giving you a broad practical experience.

You will support medical professionals by identifying patient medical histories, understanding patient treatment plans, formulating management plans, monitoring medications, and developing knowledge of patient safety and medical ethics, while working in a collaborative medical healthcare environment with medical staff. Throughout your placements, you will also develop key interpersonal skills with both patients and colleagues. By working as part of a multi-professional and multi-disciplinary team, you will be fully prepared for professional practice upon graduation.

MSc

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