Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

You’ll develop your understanding of clinical practice through a combination of:

• case-based self-directed learning
• clinical skills laboratory teaching
• hands-on experience in clinical settings

Year one runs over 46 weeks and includes:

• five weeks training in clinical, communication and diagnostic skills. This is using mannequin-based and role-play simulations
• a 27-week course introducing core clinical knowledge. This is through clinical case studies and lectures
• one day a week in a primary care setting. You’ll be developing history taking and examination skills
• a five-week placement in a hospital-based setting to introduce the role of the PA
• introduction to research methodologies
• preparation for undertaking the dissertation element in Year 2

Year two comprises 32 weeks of essential rotations. You’ll then begin a two week assessment period:

• seven weeks of emergency medicine
• three weeks of mental health
• six weeks of community medicine/primary care
• three weeks of obstetrics and gynaecology
• three weeks of paediatrics
• six weeks of general medicine
• four weeks of general surgery

You will then undertake an eight-week apprenticeship. Trainees will work as PAs under clinical supervision.

Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:

• Dissertation
• Observation of professional practice
• Written examination
• Written exercise
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Assessments will include:

• 7,500 word dissertation which will represent audit or a literature review to support patient safety and/or quality improvement
• written exam – comprised of single best answer questions
• clinical exams – consisting of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE’s)
• written skills exam – assessing your ability to request diagnostics and interpret data
• professionalism- is assessed throughout the course
• self-directed diary of learning/portfolio of evidence
• skills assessments in the workplace

Your teaching and learning is also supported by the Medical Learning Environment (MLE). MLE is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use the MLE to view your calendar, complete learning diary entries and view the course resources.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• near peers
• PA team academics and clinical tutors
• University Student Services Team, in particular the dedicated post graduate student support

You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

• Mrs Emma McAllister – Degree Programme Director
• Dr Graham Dark – Assessment Lead
• Ms Alice Fitzpatrick PA-MVR  – Year 2 Lead
• Ms Lana Shakespeare PA-MVR – Year 1 Lead
• Ms Libby Porter – Learning and teaching assistant

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.