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Duration

Two years full-time

Application Deadline

29 February 2024 (2024 entry), 29 January 2025 (2025 entry)

Location

St George's, University of London

Start dates

August 2024

Apply via UCAS

On the MPAS programme we have a team of Physician Associates, many of whom are alumni, and other members of the clinical workforce delivering the programme. Additionally, there are a number of staff members who lead in various aspects of the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA). Amy Perrott, the MPAS course director, is the Chair of the education committee and an elected board member and Chandran Louis is the Vice-President for the FPA. Other staff members have prominent national roles including, board positions for the PA national exam, the OSCE and SBA writing groups and educational committee roles. We feel that an active presence in all of these national groups demonstrates our commitment to excellence which, in turn, will encourage our students to become informed, professional and outstanding physician associates.

St George’s shares its campus with one of the largest teaching hospitals, making it the ideal place to study the Masters' in Physician Associate Studies (MPAS). With unrivalled access to clinical resources and working professionals, the course will fully equip you with all the skills and knowledge required to support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients.

On the UK’s longest running Physician Associate Studies programme you will learn how to take medical histories, perform physical examinations, request and analyse investigations, diagnose illnesses and develop treatment and management plans. It is a very challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. The course has an outstanding pass rate on the Physician Associate National Exam and fantastic graduate employment.

Read more information about our courses and university services terms and conditions.

What is an MPAS (Masters' in Physician Associate Studies)?

A postgraduate-level qualification for life science graduates who wish to become Physician Associates.

 

Course highlights

Our Physician Associate Studies course offers students:

  • a shared site with one of the largest NHS teaching hospitals

  • an outstanding pass rate on the Physician Associate National Examination

  • the longest running Physician Associate course in the UK

  • a highly experienced Physician Associate as full-time Course Director

  • a regular timetable of esteemed visiting lecturers from the UK and the USA

  • a Year 1 student to staff ratio of approximately 9:1

  • a mix of Physician Associates and Doctors within the teaching team.

  • a strong history of staff involvement on the board of the Faculty of Physician Associates at the Royal College of Physicians

  • partial scholarships for students on the Physician Associate Studies MPAS, with a value of £3,000 paid in your first year of study. 

2024 entry

To be eligible for the Physician Associate Studies programme, you must meet the requirements outlined under entry qualifications, other academic requirements and non-academic requirements below.

Please note, we only accept applications for deferred entry in exceptional circumstances.

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Our Admissions Process

At St George’s, we strive to ensure our admissions process is fair and transparent. In order to make sure every applicant is treated equally, we use a process based on objective measures.

The steps below outline our general admissions process and the way by which we determine which applicants will receive an offer to study the Physician Associate Studies MPAS at St George’s.

  1. Each applicant that meets our entry criteria (see below) is ranked by their UCAT score.*
  2. The number of interviews we run each year will vary. Our UCAT cut-off scores will be determined by the number of available interviews.
  3. If, as a result of the number of MMIs we plan to offer, the cut-off score falls at a point where a number of applicants have achieved the same UCAT score, we may increase or reduce the number of MMIs we conduct to accommodate all applicants who have received that score.
  4. Applicants will then be invited to attend an MMI which is a values-based recruitment process and reinforces objectivity.
  5. Once all of our interviews are conducted, we rank MMI scores and the highest performing applicants within each group are made an offer to study the Physician Associate Studies MPAS at St George’s. Decisions from St George’s will be entered onto UCAS Track and applicants will be contacted via email.

*The use of UCAT for the MPAS programme is in its infancy. For 2024 entry, we may consider applicants who have not sat the UCAT at the point of application. However, achieving the UCAT minimum requirements would form part of the applicant's conditional offer, if successful at the MMI stage.

Entry Qualifications

To be eligible for this programme, your degree should have been awarded within the past five years (e.g. no earlier than summer 2019). If your degree was awarded before this time, please click on the Recent Engagement in Education heading below.

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Undergraduate Degree

You should have or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a second class degree (2:2). For healthcare graduates, a pass is required. All degrees must be awarded before 1 August on the year of entry.

Human Physiology is a necessity for all applicants. Please see below for a list of degree titles that are considered to contain suitable levels of Human Physiology content.

If your degree does not contain Human Physiology, you will need to complete the required level of Physiology study in order to be eligible for the course. Alternative evidence of recent Human Physiology academic study (NVQ Level 4 and above) will be considered.

Examples of degrees that are considered suitable are:

Biomedical Sciences and Life Sciences

- that include human physiology modules

Anatomical Science

Applied Medical Sciences

Biochemistry*

Biological Science

Biomedical Science

Human Anatomy

Human Biology

Human Physiology

Microbiology

Neuroscience*

Pharmacy*

Psychology*

Health Sciences

Allied Health Professions, inc. Audiology

Diagnostic Imaging

Physiotherapy

Paramedic Studies

Radiotherapy

Dentistry

Health Sciences

Midwifery

Nursing

Optometry*

Sport and Exercise Science*

*Transcripts will be reviewed to ensure adequate levels of human biology and human physiology have been covered in these degrees. Those not meeting the requirements will not be interviewed.

Please note that at present graduates of UK Physician Associate Studies programmes are not eligible to work as Physician Associates in other countries.

International Degree

We welcome applications from applicants around the world. For information on the requirements for your country, please visit our International Qualifications for Postgraduate Study page.

Please note that at present graduates of UK Physician Associate Studies programmes are not eligible to work as Physician Associates in other countries.

Other Academic Requirements

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UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)

Both the section scores and the overall cut-off score should be met.

Section score

Minimum 500 in each individual section

Overall score

Minimum overall UCAT score (calculated every year)

Additional information

We will not consider any extenuating circumstances in relation to UCAT test scores.

Additional information

UCAT results are used to select applicants invited to interview and may be used to rank a post-interview waiting list.

UCAT scores do not need to be included on your UCAS application as we will be informed of your scores directly by Pearson and UCAS. Please ensure that the name you use to register for UCAT is the same as that used on your UCAS form so results can be matched. We will receive any annotations UCAT include with your scores, however we are unfortunately unable to consider these as part of your application.

Below are some key dates that you may find useful. These are correct as of February 2023, however please do check the UCAT website for the most up to date information.

  • Registration opens: 16 May 2023
  • Testing begins: 10 July 2023
  • Final booking deadline: 21 September 2023
  • Last testing date: 28 September 2023
  • UCAS application deadline: 31 January 2024

Test preparation

UCAT has developed practice tests and a toolkit to support your test preparation.

View the information on the UCAT Candidate Preparation Toolkit page.

Details of the exam and how to register to sit the test can be found on the UCAT website.

English Language

If you are applying with a degree from outside of the UK, you will need to meet the English language requirements here.

This is a Group 3 course.

Non-academic Requirements

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Personal Statement and References

You will be asked to submit a personal statement with your application. This statement should outline your reasons for applying to the MPAS, demonstrating evidence of experience and the transferable skills you gained from this. Your personal statement may be read as part of your application. 

You will need to provide one reference. This should be an academic or professional reference. See the 'apply' tab for more information.

Work Experience and Insight

We understand the challenges for our prospective applicants for medicine and allied health courses trying to gain work experience at this time, particularly in clinical settings.

In response to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have chosen to relax our work experience requirements for prospective applicants for our courses which would normally require these.

Despite the relaxed requirements, we still require our applicants to have an understanding of the realities of working as a healthcare professional and to show they have the necessary skills and attributes for their chosen career. Online resources can give you valuable insight into working in the healthcare sector and outline the wide range of careers and courses available. You can find a number of suggested resources for each of our courses here.

Interview (MMI)

If you meet the entry requirements above, you will be invited to attend a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). This will usually be in-person, however we can also offer remote MMIs for international applicants.

You can find further information about this process on our MMI Guidance page, however please note that some of this information may change for those applying during the 2024 application cycle.

Occupational Health Check

Should you receive an offer to study at St George’s, you will be required to complete a health check and be declared fit to study and practise by the Occupational Health (OH) department before you begin your studies.

The following vaccinations are mandatory for all healthcare students before you begin your studies:

  • MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)

  • Meningococcal meningitis

  • Diphtheria

  • Pertussis (whooping cough)

  • Poliomyelitis

  • Tetanus

As part of the process, you will also be screened by the OH team for Chickenpox, Tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

We do not currently require you to have been vaccinated against Covid-19, but we strongly recommend that you get double vaccinated before the start of your studies, unless medically exempt.

When admitting candidates to study and practice as a health practitioner, we have an obligation to both patients and to the individual student. Candidates who are concerned about a health issue are advised to contact us.

Disclosure and Barring Service Checks and Additional Declarations

This course will include work with children and vulnerable adults, so you will be required to submit a series of declarations.

If you are invited to an interview, we will request some additional information from you, regarding your criminal record, educational history and employment history. You will also have the opportunity to make any other declarations that you’d like us to be aware of. We may not able to consider applicants who were suspended from previous study/work due to fitness to practise issues or failure in assessments/examinations.

If you are made an offer, you will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. More information about this is sent to applicants as part of the admissions process.

Previous Studies in Physician Associates Studies or a Clinical Course

If you studied but did not complete a Physician Associate Studies, or another clinical course, please provide formal evidence as to why you withdrew when you apply, and no later than 1 February in the year of application. Please email the team ensuring you include your UCAS personal ID number and programme name in the subject line. Applicants will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Recent Engagement in Education

Due to the demanding nature of the programme, it is important that applicants can demonstrate recent engagement in education. If the qualifications that you are applying on the basis of (e.g. Level 3 or degree level qualifications) were awarded more than five years ago (e.g. before summer 2019), it may still be possible for us to consider your application. In this case, we would look at supplementary level 3 qualifications, or relevant work experience, that you have undertaken within the last five years.

These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, following submission of a UCAS application.

2025 entry

To be eligible for the Physician Associate Studies programme, you must meet the requirements outlined under entry qualifications, other academic requirements and non-academic requirements below.

Please note, we only accept applications for deferred entry in exceptional circumstances.

View all Close all

Our Admissions Process

At St George’s, we strive to ensure our admissions process is fair and transparent. In order to make sure every applicant is treated equally, we use a process based on objective measures.

The steps below outline our general admissions process and the way by which we determine which applicants will receive an offer to study the Physician Associate Studies MPAS at St George’s.

  1. Each applicant that meets our entry criteria (see below) is ranked by their UCAT score.*
  2. The number of interviews we run each year will vary. Our UCAT cut-off scores will be determined by the number of available interviews.
  3. If, as a result of the number of MMIs we plan to offer, the cut-off score falls at a point where a number of applicants have achieved the same UCAT score, we may increase or reduce the number of MMIs we conduct to accommodate all applicants who have received that score.
  4. Applicants will then be invited to attend an MMI which is a values-based recruitment process and reinforces objectivity.
  5. Once all of our interviews are conducted, we rank MMI scores and the highest performing applicants within each group are made an offer to study the Physician Associate Studies MPAS at St George’s. Decisions from St George’s will be entered onto UCAS Track and applicants will be contacted via email.

*The use of UCAT for the MPAS programme is in its infancy. For 2025 entry, we may consider applicants who have not sat the UCAT at the point of application. However, achieving the UCAT minimum requirements would form part of the applicant's conditional offer, if successful at the MMI stage.

Entry Qualifications

To be eligible for this programme, your degree should have been awarded within the past five years (e.g. no earlier than summer 2020). If your degree was awarded before this time, please click on the Recent Engagement in Education heading below.

View all Close all

Undergraduate Degree

You should have, or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a second-class degree (2.2) in a life science or health care undergraduate degree, which includes, at minimum, a level 4 module of human physiology.

All degrees must be awarded before 1 August on the year of entry.

Human Physiology is a necessity for all applicants. Please see below for a list of degree titles that are considered to contain suitable levels of Human Physiology content.

Examples of degrees that are considered suitable are:

Biomedical Sciences and Life Sciences

- that include human physiology modules

Anatomical Science

Applied Medical Sciences

Biochemistry*

Biological Science

Biomedical Science

Human Anatomy

Human Biology

Human Physiology

Microbiology

Neuroscience*

Pharmacy*

Psychology*

Health Sciences

Allied Health Professions, inc. Audiology

Diagnostic Imaging

Physiotherapy

Paramedic Studies

Radiotherapy

Dentistry

Health Sciences

Midwifery

Nursing

Optometry*

Sport and Exercise Science*

*Transcripts will be reviewed to ensure adequate levels of human biology and human physiology have been covered in these degrees. Those not meeting the requirements will not be interviewed.

Please note that at present graduates of UK Physician Associate Studies programmes are not eligible to work as Physician Associates in other countries.

International Degree

We welcome applications from applicants around the world. For information on the requirements for your country, please visit our International Qualifications for Postgraduate Study page.

Please note that at present graduates of UK Physician Associate Studies programmes are not eligible to work as Physician Associates in other countries.

Other Academic Requirements

View all Close all

UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)

Both the section scores and the overall cut-off score should be met.

Section score

Minimum 500 in each individual section

Overall score

Minimum overall UCAT score (calculated every year)

Additional information

We will not consider any extenuating circumstances in relation to UCAT test scores.

Additional information

UCAT results are used to select applicants invited to interview and may be used to rank a post-interview waiting list.

UCAT scores do not need to be included on your UCAS application as we will be informed of your scores directly by Pearson and UCAS. Please ensure that the name you use to register for UCAT is the same as that used on your UCAS form so results can be matched. We will receive any annotations UCAT include with your scores, however we are unfortunately unable to consider these as part of your application.

Below are some key dates that you may find useful. These are correct as of February 2024, however please do check the UCAT website for the most up to date information.

  • Registration opens: 14 May 2024
  • Testing begins: 8 July 2024
  • Final booking deadline: 19 September 2024
  • Last testing date: 26 September 2024
  • UCAS application deadline: 31 January 2024

Test preparation

UCAT has developed practice tests and a toolkit to support your test preparation.

View the information on the UCAT Candidate Preparation Toolkit page.

Details of the exam and how to register to sit the test can be found on the UCAT website.

English Language

If you are applying with a degree from outside of the UK, you will need to meet the English language requirements here.

This is a Group 3 course.

Non-academic Requirements

View all Close all

Personal Statement and References

You will be asked to submit a personal statement with your application. This statement should outline your reasons for applying to the MPAS, demonstrating evidence of experience and the transferable skills you gained from this. Your personal statement may be read as part of your application. 

You will need to provide one reference. This should be an academic or professional reference. See the 'apply' tab for more information.

Work Experience and Insight

We understand the challenges for our prospective applicants for medicine and allied health courses trying to gain work experience at this time, particularly in clinical settings.

In response to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have chosen to relax our work experience requirements for prospective applicants for our courses which would normally require these.

Despite the relaxed requirements, we still require our applicants to have an understanding of the realities of working as a healthcare professional and to show they have the necessary skills and attributes for their chosen career. Online resources can give you valuable insight into working in the healthcare sector and outline the wide range of careers and courses available. You can find a number of suggested resources for each of our courses here.

Interview (MMI)

If you meet the entry requirements above, you will be invited to attend a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). This will usually be in-person, however we can also offer remote MMIs for international applicants.

You can find further information about this process on our MMI Guidance page, however please note that some of this information may change for those applying during the 2025 application cycle.

Occupational Health Check

Should you receive an offer to study at St George’s, you will be required to complete a health check and be declared fit to study and practise by the Occupational Health (OH) department before you begin your studies.

The following vaccinations are mandatory for all healthcare students before you begin your studies:

  • MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)

  • Meningococcal meningitis

  • Diphtheria

  • Pertussis (whooping cough)

  • Poliomyelitis

  • Tetanus

As part of the process, you will also be screened by the OH team for Chickenpox, Tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

We do not currently require you to have been vaccinated against Covid-19, but we strongly recommend that you get double vaccinated before the start of your studies, unless medically exempt.

When admitting candidates to study and practice as a health practitioner, we have an obligation to both patients and to the individual student. Candidates who are concerned about a health issue are advised to contact us.

Disclosure and Barring Service Checks and Additional Declarations

This course will include work with children and vulnerable adults, so you will be required to submit a series of declarations.

If you are invited to an interview, we will request some additional information from you, regarding your criminal record, educational history and employment history. You will also have the opportunity to make any other declarations that you’d like us to be aware of. We may not able to consider applicants who were suspended from previous study/work due to fitness to practise issues or failure in assessments/examinations.

If you are made an offer, you will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. More information about this is sent to applicants as part of the admissions process.

Previous Studies in Physician Associates Studies or a Clinical Course

If you studied but did not complete a Physician Associate Studies, or another clinical course, please provide formal evidence as to why you withdrew when you apply, and no later than 1 February in the year of application. Please email the team ensuring you include your UCAS personal ID number and programme name in the subject line. Applicants will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Recent Engagement in Education

Due to the demanding nature of the programme, it is important that applicants can demonstrate recent engagement in education. If the qualifications that you are applying on the basis of (e.g. Level 3 or degree level qualifications) were awarded more than five years ago (e.g. before summer 2020), it may still be possible for us to consider your application. In this case, we would look at supplementary level 3 qualifications, or relevant work experience, that you have undertaken within the last five years.

These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, following submission of a UCAS application.

We operate a modular system for this course which means the qualification is obtained by a process of credit accumulation – a model used on courses throughout the UK and Europe.

The course is designed to cover all aspects of the new curriculum as outlined by the Faculty of Physician Associates. It has been developed with the General Medical Council (GMC) and the PA schools council (PASC) to include the appropriate content required for graduates to succeed at the PA registration assessment (PARA).

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Year one

The first year is dedicated to anatomy, clinical sciences, pathophysiology and pharmacology, with weekly problem-based learning designed to assimilate learning through application to clinical cases. Following a systems-based approach we deliver clinical examination and communication skills in small group sessions which focus on the body system being taught in that block. We begin with ear, nose and throat (ENT) and then target the ‘big three’: cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal. The majority of themes are covered in two to four-week blocks, with a large amount of information delivered in each.

Teaching is delivered across four days using a blended learning approach with a mixture of online remote and on campus sessions.

From mid-October, you will spend every Wednesday on clinical placement at an assigned GP surgery.

Year two

The second year starts with two weeks of intensive clinical and procedural skills training to prepare you for secondary care rotations. You will learn skills such as ECG interpretation, suturing, cannulation and advanced communication skills in simulation with actors. You will return to campus approximately one day every month as the emphasis shifts towards clinical work and placements, with up to 33 weeks spent in hospital and nine weeks spent in a GP surgery.

Modules

The modules for this course are integrated; your learning throughout one module will significantly inform and influence your learning in another module. The course consists of eleven modules totalling 180 credits at level seven.

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Applied Pharmacology (15 credits)

This module lays the basis for future prescribing activity and ensures you have a good understanding of common drugs and their effects. (Please note that PAs do not yet have prescribing rights in the UK. However, strong pharmacology knowledge is essential for PA practice.)

Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare (15 credits)

This module enables you to locate and evaluate evidence underpinning decision-making in healthcare and to develop your skills in critically appraising this evidence.

Foundations of Clinical Medicine (Year 1: 30 credits; Year 2: 15 credits)

This module runs across both years and covers integrated body systems, pathology, differential diagnosis skills, models of decision-making, and applications of the underpinning sciences to patient conditions. It also provides an overview of the clinically relevant elements of human anatomy, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, pathology and physiology

Investigations in Clinical Medicine (Year 1: delivery; Year 2: delivery and assessment: 15 credits)

This module runs across both years of the course and addresses the common and pertinent investigations relating to the clinical practice of a Physician Associate. You will learn about the role of clinical investigations and their relevance in relation to common and important presentations in clinical practice. It will involve analysis of common investigations performed in primary and secondary care.

Personal and Professional Development for Physician Associates (Year 1: 30 credits; Year 2: 15 credits)

This module runs throughout the two years. Your achievement of core clinical competencies, procedural skills and work with specific clinical conditions will be documented.

Physician Associate Applied Clinical Knowledge and Skills (Year 1: 15 credits; Year 2: 30 credits)

This module facilitates the application of clinical knowledge and examination skills with appropriate supervision from suitably qualified and skilled clinicians in real clinical environments, preparing you for entry into professional practice.

PA as A Professional Evaluation Report (Year one: Pass or Fail Year 2 Pass or Fail; 0 Credits)

The PA as Professional Evaluation Report assesses your progress in developing appropriate attitudes, behaviours and skills and your ability to apply them in the academic and clinical environment. As a PA student you are expected to demonstrate the same standard of professionalism as any qualified healthcare professional. This module runs across both years of the programme.

Teaching at St George’s is delivered through a compelling and engaging variety of methods including lectures, problem-based learning, self-directed learning, small group discussions, clinical and community placements, role-playing, and presentations.

On the MPAS programme we use a 'blended learning' approach to support the delivery of the educational content. This is a mixture of 'live' online face-to-face teaching, self-directed and directed learning and also on-site teaching and clinical placements.

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Teaching and learning methods

We run remote learning on several days throughout the year and this allows students to manage their time without commuting to campus every day. We feel that blended learning reflects real medical practice, with many clinicians offering remote consultations.

Problem-based learning

With a small group of peers, you will be assigned a tutor to support you working through different clinical cases each week. You will use self-directed research to complete the learning objectives and proceed through each case and make suggestions on the appropriate management. Problem-based learning encourages learning in context and a deep, rather than surface, understanding.

Self-directed study

MPAS requires a significant amount of self-directed study, outside of teaching hours. In the first year, lectures are complemented by group work, designed to develop clinical and communication skills. You are allocated a clinical supervisor who is a General Practitioner and will support you in developing your skills development throughout your GP placement.

In the second year, you'll continue community placements, as well as rotating through core clinical placements, including:

  • general medicine
  • paediatrics
  • obstetrics and gynaecology
  • emergency medicine
  • mental health
  • surgery
  • geriatric medicine.

Assessment methods

Assessments are designed to prepare you for the PA Registration Exam (PANE), ultimately for professional practice. They include a mixture of knowledge-based assessments and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE). The PA Applied Knowledge and Skills module includes workplace-based assessments and a clinical case presentation.

 

While the St George’s programmes are recognised by many different countries, applicants are advised to check with their own individual national authorities if they wish to practise in their chosen country.

When you graduate with a Masters' in Physician Associate Studies from St George’s you open a world of opportunities. The sheer breadth of experience that you will gain on the course means you are assured of a varied and exciting career. 

We are proud to boast an outstanding employment record upon graduation. Our unrivalled reputation for excellence means you can expect to secure rewarding positions in GP practices and acute trusts throughout the UK.

The course is very demanding but incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Our multidisciplinary approach means that by the end of it you will be able to:

  • safely practice in a wide variety of clinical settings within your scope of practice and under agreed supervision

  • be an excellent communicator who is empathic in a manner appropriate to a healthcare professional

  • critically examine health inequalities and the challenges of working in a multicultural environment

  • be aware of the limits of your competence and committed to acting within these limits

  • critically evaluate the context of multi-professional working in a team environment

  • be adept in the use of communication and information technology skills for healthcare

  • critically appraise the evidence underpinning your practice

  • be a capable and motivated lifelong learner who is continually engaged in active professional development

  • understand the need to maintain and promote health, as well as to cure or palliate disease, and be aware of your obligations to the wider community, as well as to individuals

  • integrate theoretical and clinical learning.

You may find these links helpful in exploring the Physician Associate role:

Apply for this course through UCAS (the University and College Admissions Service) by the UCAS January deadline in the year of entry. For 2024 entry, this is 31 January 2024.

To apply for this course you must complete an Undergraduate UCAS application. When you have started the Undergraduate UCAS application, it will be possible to add this course as a choice by selecting ‘add choice’ and then inputting the institution and course title/code. Please be aware that if you attempt to complete a Postgraduate UCAS application, this course will not appear as a course choice on the form and it will not be possible to apply.

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Application checklist

You must provide:

  • full details of your Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) qualifications with grades
  • full details of your Level 3 (A Level or equivalent) qualifications with achieved/predicted grades
  • full details of your degree qualification(s) with achieved/predicted grades
  • a personal statement (more information about this document is available on the UCAS website)
  • an academic reference from your current or most recent institutions with predicted grades

Deferred entry

The Physician Associate Studies MPAS only accepts applications for deferred entry in exceptional circumstances. Applications must be submitted by the January of the year in which you are applying to enrol.

After application

Acknowledgement emails are sent out as soon as we receive your application. Please make sure that your email account is able to accept communications from St George’s as we will mainly communicate with you via email.

Facilities

St George’s University of London is the UK’s only university dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research. We share our site with a major London teaching hospital which is both on the clinical frontline for a diverse local community and a centre of excellence for specialist research. You’ll study in a clinical and academic research setting with like-minded individuals, mixing with the many different healthcare professionals you will go on to work alongside throughout your career. We also have the latest research equipment and resources including state-of-the-art advanced bio-imaging technology and cutting-edge laboratory facilities. 

We have a range of specialist health and academic facilities to support your learning, listed below. 

Laboratories

Our teaching laboratories are fully fitted with equipment for biological, chemistry, biomedical, molecular biology and pharmacy practicals. This includes microscopes, spectrophotometers, DMA amplifiers, organ baths and specialist glassware. We also have audio visual equipment installed, so that microscope images can be projected on to large screens. Furthermore, the students will have on their disposal tissue culture facilities, flow cytometry, use of pathogen containment facilities and well animal research facilities.

Image Resource Facility (IRF)

First established in 1979, the IRF has developed to encompass Light Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, and sample preparation for both, all housed in a single department providing a range of imaging analysis options and the expertise to compliment them.Users of the IRF have the ability to image histology samples, cells and molecules of all varieties, and model organisms such as zebrafish using any of the light microscope, slide scanning, or electron microscope systems we maintain, supported by experienced staff at all stages of analysis.

Anatomy Suite

The Anatomy Suite is where present and future healthcare professionals and scientists in the hospital and University learn or expand on their anatomy knowledge directly from the human body, through access to high quality anatomy resources. These include plastinated (preserved) specimens, osteological materials, anatomical models and digital/imaging resources such as Anatomage tables and Complete Anatomy.

Pathology museum

Our on-site Museum of Human Diseases houses a collection of over 2,000 pathological specimens, including a number of original specimens donated by Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie in 1843. This space is used for small group tutorials by students across all of our courses as an educational tool to help you understand the mechanisms of disease.

Library and learning technology

Our modern health sciences library offers a wide range of books, e-books, academic journals and other resources to support you. You will also have access to online resources, such as the Canvas virtual learning environment.

and our Hunter discovery service to help you find the information you need. The library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and comprises silent, quiet and group learning areas, as well as four group discussion rooms.

IT facilities

We have five computer suites housing 260 workstations. Three of these suites are accessible 24 hours a day. It’s easy to find a free space with our handy real-time computer locator. We also have 75 self-service laptops available. Free Wi-Fi covers the whole campus, including all accommodation. You can use these resources to access your course materials, discussion boards and feedback through Canvas.

Student support

Whether you are an existing healthcare professional, returning to education after a break or joining us after graduating from an undergraduate degree, we want to ensure your experience is positive from the outset. At St George’s, you’ll be welcomed by a multicultural student and staff body of different ages, ethnicities, nationalities and backgrounds, all with one thing in common – an interest in healthcare, science and medicine.

Students frequently tell us they greatly appreciate the diversity of our student and staff body, as well as the patients who access healthcare services in the borough of Tooting. St George’s attracts a substantial number – over two-thirds – of ‘mature’ students, aged 21 or over when they start; many have family and caring responsibilities.

We offer a full range of academic support and student services across all institutes, departments and faculties, some of which are listed below. We take pride in offering a transformative educational experience underpinned by cooperation and collaboration between staff and students.

If you require reasonable adjustments or disability services you can find information on our disability information for students pages. For any further information please contact the disability adviser.

Personal academic tutor

On arrival, you will be allocated a personal tutor – someone with whom you can have regular contact, who you ask questions and discuss problems with, both academic and personal. The main purpose of a personal tutor is to monitor your progress, pick up and help you resolve any problems, whether academic or welfare related. Even if they don’t have the answer they will point you in the right direction towards the best people to deal with specific problems.

Study+

Our support for academic skills will help you develop and improve on academic skills you need to succeed. Sessions and tutorials on literature searches, keyword searches and utilising databases will help you make the most of our library collection and literature reviews. You can use training materials in academic planning, academic reading and writing to develop key transferable skills. 

Induction programme

The main goal of induction is to make sure that you are set up for your studies and start to feel part of the University and our community. As well as course-specific activities, we run an online ‘Get Started’ module which provides lots of information about social and enrichment activities, student safety, wellbeing and learning support, including study skills, a library induction and guidance about our careers and employability services. Additional information is provided for international students.

Student Life Centre

Our Student Centre team can help you with every aspect of student life: finances, accommodation, exams and assessment, academic procedures, admissions, international queries, disability and wellbeing, even finding your way around – whatever it takes to make you feel at home. Each course has a designated contact within the student centre to link to and your personal tutor can signpost you to relevant support, including a confidential counselling service.

Careers service

Our careers service works to support current students and recent graduates to find and maintain the career of their dreams. We work with careers tutors from each course area to ensure that careers activities specific to your programmes and future profession come to you.

International student support

Our International Students Support service is part of the Student Life Centre and provides guidance and information on visas, settlement schemes, enrolment and more. If you are an international student, please do get in touch with them as soon as you accept your offer to study the course via student.immigration@sgul.ac.uk

Fees and funding

In this tab you will find the financial information for this programme of study, including available financial support and scholarships.

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Tuition fees

Academic year

UK (per academic year)

Total fees

2024/25

£ 9,250  £ 19,150

 

Academic year

International (per academic year) 

Total fees

2024/25

£ 24,150  £ 48,300

For more information, see our fees and funding pages.

In order to be registered on the FPA Managed Voluntary Register (MVR) as a Physician Associate you will need to pass the PA National Exam after successful completion of the MPAS. The National Exam is not part of this programme and the cost of the exam is not included in your course fees. Find out more at the Faculty of Physician Associates website.

Regulation

The General Medical Council have been chosen to become the regulator for PAs. When statutory regulation for PAs comes into effect, the PA MVR will cease to exist.

Additional costs

The table below highlights the additional course-specific costs related to this degree. Visit the additional course-related costs for more information on general costs to consider alongside your studies.

Additional cost

Description

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

DBS - £40
Post office verification - £6 
Administration fee - £9

Equipment

Stethoscope - from £90

PA National Exam (From 2025 this will be called the PA registration assessment)

You will need to pass a national exam to practise which is independent of the University award or programme. This will be called the PA registration assessment and will be used from 2025. You can find out more about costs on the Faculty of Physicians Associates website.

 Travel to placements

The maximum cost of travel to placement is based on the cost of an 18+ student weekly travelcard for Zone 1 to 9 (2021) for the 45 weeks of placement across the year. The cost is based on students using public transport.

Travel costs will vary depending on where students live and if placements sites are located outside of London.

Suggested maximum of £3,037 per year.

Funding your study

We have a range of funding opportunities available for students. You may be eligible for the following.

  • Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government of up to £12,167
  • other funding for Postgraduate Study
  • an alumni discount– if you're a former St George’s student you can qualify for an additional 10% discount from this course.
  • for students on the 2023 intake there is a training grant available from HEE of £5100 over the 2 years of the programme.

Find out more on the fees and funding webpage.

Physician Associate Studies (MPAS) scholarships

Number of scholarships

Each scholarship amount

Scholarship payment

Who is eligible?

7

£3,000

Paid as a tuition-fee discount

All applicants (see eligibility criteria below)

How to apply for this scholarship

There is no separate application process to postgraduate scholarships. In order to be considered for a postgraduate scholarship, you must submit an application for an eligible programme. Your submission will then be reviewed against the scholarship eligibility criteria.

The deadline for scholarship applications is Wednesday 31 January 2024.

You must ensure that your application is complete and submitted by this date in order to be considered for funding. To be deemed complete, it must contain all the relevant supporting documentation required by the programme applied to, such as references, transcripts and English language scores.

The following sections set out the eligibility for our scholarships, as well as how applicants will be assessed.

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Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a scholarship you must:

  • have completed an application for the course
  • not already be qualified at Masters level or above (e.g. PhD)
  • must be self-funding (courses fully funded by the NHS or students receiving employer or sponsor funding are not eligible)
  • have or be predicted to obtain at least a 2:1.

Please note scholarships cannot be deferred to 2025 or later entry.

Applicants with the highest scores across all courses will be considered for the scholarship and may be invited for interview.

Assessment criteria

If you are a Home (UK) or International (EU or non-EU) applicant applying for a taught postgraduate programme which has a scholarship, you will be automatically considered for the scholarship, providing you apply by the deadline (31 January 2024).

You do not need to submit an additional application form. However, you may be asked to attend a physical or virtual interview.

Successful candidates will be those whom the Scholarship Committee consider will make a positive contribution to the academic environment at St George's and achieve the highest scores.

Your application will be scored based on:

  • your degree classification
  • your personal statement
  • your interview
  • your references.

Apply now

Duration

Two years full-time

Application Deadline

29 February 2024 (2024 entry), 29 January 2025 (2025 entry)

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