Physician Associate Studies - MSc

***Applications for the January 2026 intake will close on 31st July 2025. Those shortlisted will be invited to attend interviews on the Derry~Londonderry campus in September 2025. ***

A Physician Associate (PA) is a healthcare professional trained in the medical model to work with the medical team in order to deliver medical care to patients. PAs work under the supervision of a doctor in a range of specialities in both primary and secondary care. PAs are trained to take medical histories, carry out physical examinations, formulate diagnosis, request and interpret tests and investigations, undertake procedures and develop treatment and management plans.

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Applicants must be graduates with at least a 2:2 degree classification in a life science or health-related subject (which must contain significant elements of basic medical sciences). Applicants must also have experience of paid or voluntary work with people, preferably in a health or social care context; a pass in GCSE Maths and English Language grades A-C; evidence of English language attainment if English is not the first language.

English language requirements for international applicantsThe minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Once a PA student has successfully graduated from the course and passed the Physician Associate Registration Assessment (the national examination that all PAs in UK must pass to enter practice) they can they apply for statutory registration. Once registered the PA can commence employment.

Newly qualified PAs working in the Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland will usually complete a new graduate year (NGY), paid at Band 6, before progressing onto Band 7 positions. The agenda for change salary (afc) range does not apply to PAs working in primary care.