Physician Associate Studies PGDip – 2024 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2024
- Study mode and duration
- Full-time: 2 years
Why choose this course
- Study a hands-on, clinical curriculum, where you’ll learn to support doctors (based in GP surgeries and hospitals) with taking medical histories, performing examinations, diagnosing illnesses, analysing test results and developing management plans
- Access our Clinical Simulation Centre, including our wards and Immersive Learning Environment, to practise real scenarios on lifelike manikins and actors
- Spend half of your training in clinical placements, to practise your skills in primary and secondary care settings, under the supervision of qualified practitioners
- Learn from lecturers with international recognition for their expertise in medicine, who are all healthcare professionals currently working in the NHS, including registered physician associates
- Get the academic requirements needed to complete the Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA) and register with the General Medical Council (GMC) to practise clinically once you’ve graduated.
What you will study
We’ll give you the skills you need to assess, diagnose and manage various medical problems as a self-assured, confident healthcare professional. Spending time with an experienced senior doctor, whether working under supervision or alongside your mentor, you'll assist patients who present with numerous different conditions.
You’ll develop the well-rounded knowledge and skills that modern practice demands and potential employers search for. You’ll leave us with the skills you need to make an impact in this new, exciting position in the NHS.
Please be aware: the course content and modules listed for this course are subject to change for the 2024/25 academic year, whilst we undertake a curriculum design review. Please contact the programme leader if you have any queries about the course.
Clinical placements
In your first year, you’ll spend one day a week in a clinical placement within a primary care setting, at a doctors’ surgery in Surrey or Sussex. The remaining four days will consist of classroom teaching, including using our simulation facilities. In your second year, you’ll spend most of your time in a secondary care setting in hospitals across Surrey and Hampshire, returning to Surrey for a full day of teaching every three weeks.
You’ll also benefit from educational sessions available in your allocated NHS trust, giving you an opportunity to expand on your knowledge and network with healthcare professionals.
Facilities
You’ll benefit from our multi-million-pound facilities, home to our Clinical Simulation Centre, that includes two wards, a Critical Care Unit and a Community Flat. You’ll get to use equipment found in the NHS to learn how to fit cannulas, check for heart murmurs, monitor breathing and much more.
Our immersive learning environment, lifelike manikins and actors will transport you to the centre of hospital wards, so you can practise your skills and get a taste of scenarios you may face during your training and when you’re fully qualified.
You’ll get exclusive access to our Independent Clinical Learning Space. The room is set up each week with the necessary equipment required to practise the techniques you’ll be learning. When you go onto a clinical placement, you can also use your trust’s facilities, which may include simulation suites.
Teaching staff
You’ll be taught by a multidisciplinary team of lecturers who are all healthcare professionals currently working in the NHS. Many are also active researchers, investigating topics such as cancer, dementia, ethics and compassionate practice. These may include Roz Clegg, who’s been a qualified physician associate for over 10 years, and Sam Voller, a Surrey alumnus and qualified physician associate working in respiratory medicine.
You’ll also be taught by guest lecturers who are consultants from the Royal Surrey County Hospital and Frimley Park Hospital.
Throughout your placements, you'll have an educational supervisor, who’s a senior clinician. They'll guide you through your experience and feed into your evidence portfolio.
Mentoring
When you join, you’ll be assigned a second-year physician associate student as part of our buddy system. They have first-hand knowledge of clinical placements and assessments and can give you vital feedback and support throughout your studies.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including case studies, examinations, presentations, simulated learning experiences (objective structured clinical examinations – OSCEs, mapped against the criteria used in the National Assessment for Physician Associates, which you’ll take once you graduate) and written work. When you’re out on placement, your knowledge, skills and professional behaviour will be assessed by your mentors.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
On successful completion of this course, you can take the Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA). Once you’ve passed this, you’ll be able to practise clinically in the UK.
100 per cent of our health sciences graduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2023, HESA). All our alumni have gone on to work as physician associates in primary and secondary care settings, specialising in areas including acute medicine, emergency healthcare and neurology.
Career prospects
In 2020, the UK Government announced it wanted 1,000 physician associates available to work in general practice. This number continues to grow, helping fill gaps in resource, with support from the NHS and the Department of Health. Over 30 hospitals across the UK currently employ physician associates.
While working in collaboration with our partners, we’ll help transform you into a physician associate who can make their mark in both primary and secondary care.
Discover more about the role of a physician associate on the NHS careers website and the Faculty of Physician Associates’ website.
School
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester.
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week, and in subsequent semesters, two weeks prior to the start of semester.
Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the Academic Hive.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in anatomical sciences, biochemistry, biomedical science, biomedicine, human biology, medicinal chemistry, microbiology, neuroscience, nursing (adult, child, mental health), operating department practice, optometry, paramedic science, pharmaceutical science, or physiology, or a recognised equivalent international qualification.
We will consider the following degrees: Audiology, biological sciences, biology, health psychology, pharmacy, psychology or sport and exercise science. We'll also consider relevant work experience.
GCSE English and Maths C (or equivalent) are also required.
Applicants who have started or completed medicine degrees are not accepted (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, MBBS).
Other entry requirements
Admission to this programme is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) Section 4 (2) (Exemptions) Order 1975 and DHSS Circular HC(88)9 guidelines regarding police checks and child protection.
Offers are conditional upon satisfactory health and fitness for practice screening, references and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, or equivalent.
This is a regulated course that requires declaration of criminal convictions at the application stage, please visit our criminal convictions webpage for more information.
Candidates must also meet national requirements to work with vulnerable adults and children.
Applicants must be immunised against Hepatitis B before registering on the course.
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
International entry requirements by country
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have an Australian bachelors degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve one of the following:
- Bachelor (Honours) degree (four years) with 2:1 honours (division B / 2).
- Bachelor ordinary degree (three Years) with Distinction (approximately 70%).
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve one of the following:
- Bachelor (Honours) degree (four years) with 2:2 honours (division B / 2).
- Bachelor ordinary degree (three years) with Credit (approximately 65%).
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 2.0 overall where 1 is the highest.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 3.0 overall where 1 is the highest.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must have completed a Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma with a GPA of 4.3 or 77.5% overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must have completed a Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma with a GPA of 3.9 or 70% overall.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a GPA of 4.7 or 85% overall.
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have completed a four-year degree from a recognised Bangladesh university.
For courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of at least 3.25 out of 4.0 (65%), 3.5 out of 4.0 (70%), or 3.75 out of 4.0 (75%), depending on the institution at which you studied.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 (60%), 3.25 out of 4.0 (65%), or 3.5 out of 4.0 (70%), depending on the institution at which you studied.
You can apply for our undergraduate masters courses if you have a Belgian bachelors degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 14 out of 20 or 70% overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 12 out of 20 or 60% overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a B overall, 65% or GPA 3.5 out of 5.0 at masters degree level.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a C overall, 55% or GPA 2.5 out of 5.0 at masters degree level.
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have a Bacharel Licenciatura, Licenciado or professional title from a university in Brazil.
You can apply for our MPhil/PhD courses if you have a masters degree from a university in Brazil.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a minimum GPA of 7.5 out of 10.
For courses that require a 2:2, you must achieve a minimum GPA of 6.5 out of 10.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a GPA of 8.5 out of 10.
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have a bachelors degree at 2:2 or above from Brunei University of Engineering, Business and Computing, Universiti Brunei Darussalam or Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a 2:1 honours degree or GPA 3.2 / 65% from an honours degree.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a 2:2 honours degree or GPA 2.7 / 55% from an honours degree.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a first-class honours degree.
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have a bachelors degree from a university in Bulgaria.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 5 out of 6.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 4 out of 6.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must have a bachelors degree with either:
- Grades of 70%, B overall, or a GPA of 3.0/4 where pass mark is 50%
- Grades of 75%, B overall, or a GPA of 3.0/4 if the pass mark is 60%.
For degrees that require a UK 2:2, you must have either:
- Bachelor’s degree, where pass mark is 60%, with 70%, GPA 2.5/4, GPA 5.1/9 or C overall
- Bachelor’s degree, where pass mark is 50%, with 65%, GPA 2.5/4, GPA 5.1/9 or C overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, the grade requirement depends on the institution you have studied at in China. Our usual requirement is 70% or 75% overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve 65% or 70% overall, depending on the institution at which you have studied.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA or 4.0 out of 5.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA 3.0 out of 5.0.
You can apply for our MPhil/PhD courses if you have a masters degree.
| UK degree classification | Equivalency |
|---|---|
| 2:1 | A Bachelors degree (four years) or a pytchion (four years and from the University of Cyprus) with a minimum score of 7.0 out of 10. Alternatively, a Bachelors/ptychion certificate (four years) with a GPA of 3.5. |
| 2:2 | A Bachelors degree (four years) or a ptychion (four years and from the University of Cyprus) with a minimum score of 6.5 out of 10. Alternatively, a Bachelors/ptychion certificate (four years) with a GPA of 3.0. |
| First | A Bachelors degree (four years) or a ptychion (four years and from the University of Cyprus) with a minimum score of 8.3 out of 10. Alternatively, a Bachelors/ptychion certificate (four years) with a GPA of 4.0. |
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have a bachelors degree from a university in the Czech Republic.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve either a GPA of 1.5, a B, velmi dobře ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2.0, dobře ‘pass’ (pre-2004) in your bachelors degree.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve either a GPA of 2.0, a C, dobře ‘good’ (post-2004) or 3.0, dobře ‘pass’ (pre-2004) in your bachelor degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 10.0 out of 12.0 in Bachelors degree / Candidatus Philophiae / Diplomingenior / Professionsbachelor.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 7.0 out of 12.0 in Bachelors degree / Candidatus Philophiae / Diplomingenior / Professionsbachelor.
For courses that require a UK 2:1, you must complete one of the following:
- A bachelors degree from a recognised institution with 75% or GPA 3.0 overall
- A bachelors degree from the American University of Cairo with 3.0 GPA or a B overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must complete one of the following:
- A bachelors degree from a recognised institution with 70% or GPA 2.8 overall
- A bachelors degree from the American University of Cairo with 2.7 GPA or a C overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve either a GPA of 4.0, 81% or a B overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve either a GPA of 3.0, 71% or a C overall.
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have a Kandidaatti.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 3.0 out of 5.0.
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have a French Bachelors degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 12.0 out of 20.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 11 out of 20.
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have a German bachelors degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 2.5, where 1 is the highest.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 3.0, where 1 is the highest.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 3.25 or a 2:1 honours degree.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 2.5 or a 2:2 honours degree.
If you are applying for a masters degree, it is compulsory to seek the support of our appointed in-country agent, at no extra cost, who receive extensive training from Surrey to support you with the application and visa process. Further details and contact information available.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a bachelors degree with an overall score of 7.0 out of 10 from a university recognised by NARIC/Eccits.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a bachelors degree with an overall score of 6.5 out of 10 from a university recognised by NARIC/Eccits.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a 2:1 honours degree.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a 2:2.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a first-class honours degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a Egyetemi Oklevél (university diploma) with a GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0. Or a Főiskolai Oklevél (college diploma) with a GPA of 4.51 out 5.0. Or Alapfokozat with 4.0 out of 5.0 overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a Egyetemi Oklevél (university diploma) with a GPA of 3.51 out of 5.0. Or a Főiskolai Oklevél (college diploma) with a GPA of 4.0 out 5.0. Or Alapfokozat with 3.51 out of 5.0 overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve at least an overall average of 60% or 65% in your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve at least an overall average of 55% or 60% in your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve at least an overall average of 65% or 70% in your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a Sarjana 1/Diploma IV with a 3.0-3.5 GPA, depending on the BAN-PT accreditation status of your institution of study.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a Sarjana 1/Diploma IV with a 2.8-3.3 GPA, depending on the BAN-PT accreditation status of your institution of study.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a Sarjana 1/Diploma IV with at least a 3.5 GPA overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 15.0 out of 20.0 overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 12.0 out of 20.0 overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a bachelors degree (four years) with 75% overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a bachelors degree (four years) with 70% overall.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree, you must achieve a bachelors degree (four years) with 80% overall.
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have an Irish bachelors degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a 2:1 honours degree.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a 2:2 honours degree.
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have an Italian bachelors degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve the Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti certificate or Diploma di Laurea with an average minimum mark of 90 out of 110 overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve the Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti certificate or Diploma di Laurea with an average minimum mark of 80 out of 110 overall.
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have a Japanese bachelors degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a minimum of 76% or a B+ overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a minimum score of 70% or a B overall.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a minimum score of 82% or an A overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a bachelors degree with 76% overall or a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a bachelors degree with 68% overall or a GPA of 2.6 out of 4.0.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a bachelors degree with 84% overall or a GPA of 4.0 out of 4.0.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 4.25/5.0, 3.7/4.33 or 3.4/4.0 overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.4/4.33 or 3.0/4.0 overall.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a GPA of 4.5/5.0, 4.0/4.33 or 3.8/4.0 overall. The grade requirement depends on the institution at which you have studied.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a 2:1 honours degree or a B overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a 2:2 honours degree or a C overall.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a first-class honours degree or an A overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a bachelors degree with 3.33/4.0 overall or a masters degree with 3.0/4.0 overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a bachelors degree with 2.6/4.0 overall.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree, you must achieve either a bachelors or a masters degree with 4.0/4.0 overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 6.0 out of 8.0, 8.0 out of 10 or a B overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 5.0 out of 8.0 or 6.0 out of 10 overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a B overall, a score of 12 out of 20 overall in either a Bachelor Degree, Licence or Maîtrise.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a C overall, or a score of 11 out of 20,in either a Bachelor Degree, Licence or Maîtrise.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 8.0 out of 10.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 7.0 out of 10.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree, you must achieve a GPA of 9.0 out of 10.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 16 out of 20.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 14 out of 20.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a GPA of 18 out of 20.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 3.0/4.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 2.67/4.0.
2:1 - Bachelor's degree (honours) with 70% overall (second class, upper division). Bachelor's degree (general) with 90% overall.
2:2 - Bachelor's degree (honours) with 55% overall (second class, lower division). Bachelor's degree (general) with 80% overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a 2:1 honours degree.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a 2:2 honours degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 8.0 out of 10, or 16 out of 20.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 7.0 out of 10, or 14 out of 20.
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have a bachelors degree, HBO certificate or doctoral certificate from a university in the Netherlands.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 7.0 out of 10.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 6.0 out of 10.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a B+ overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a B- overall.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve an A- overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 3.2/4.0 from the AUN or 3.3/5.0 from other universities.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 2.7/4.0 from the AUN or 2.8/5.0 from other universities. If you have relevant work experience, you may be considered with a GPA of 2.4/5.0.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 2.5, where 1.0 is the highest, or a B overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 3.25, where 1.0 is the highest, or a C overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 3.0 or 3.2 out of 4.0, depending on the institution at which you studied.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 2.7 or 2.9 out of 4.0, depending on the institution at which you studied.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a GPA of 3.3 or 3.5 out of 4.0, depending on the institution at which you studied.
To enrol on a masters course at Surrey, you will need the equivalent of a 2:1 or 2:2 degree from a recognised university. If you would like advice on the requirements from the country in which you are studying, please email international@surrey.ac.uk.
To enrol on a masters course at Surrey, you will need the equivalent of a 2:1 or 2:2 degree from a recognised university. If you would like advice on the requirements from the country in which you are studying, please email international@surrey.ac.uk.
To enrol on a masters course at Surrey, you will need the equivalent of a 2:1 or 2:2 degree from a recognised university. If you would like advice on the requirements from the country in which you are studying, please email international@surrey.ac.uk.
To enrol on a masters course at Surrey, you will need the equivalent of a 2:1 or 2:2 degree from a recognised university.
| Country | 2:1 equivalent | 2:2 equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Chile | Either of the following with 5.0/7 overall. Licenciatura (four years) | Either of the following with 4.6/7 overall. Licenciatura (four years) |
| Colombia | Licenciado / Título de [professional field] with 4.0/5 overall. | Licenciado / Título de [professional field] with 3.5/5 overall. |
| Ecuador | Any of the following with 75%, 7.5, where the pass mark is 6, or 8.0, where the pass mark is 7, overall. Licenciado | Any of the following with 70% overall. Licenciado |
| Guyana | Master's degree from University of Guyana with 3.2/4 GPA overall. | Master's degree from University of Guyana with 3.0/4 GPA overall. |
| Nicaragua | Título de Licenciado / Título de [professional field] / Maestria (all four years) with 80% overall. | Título de Licenciado / Título de [professional field] / Maestria (all four years) with 70% overall. |
| Peru | Título de Licenciado (four years) with 13/20 overall. | Título de Licenciado (four years) with 12/20 overall. |
| Uruguay | Título de Licenciado / Título de [professional field] (four years) with 9.0/12 overall. | Título de Licenciado / Título de [professional field] (four years) with 7.0/12 overall. |
| Venezuela | Licenciatura / Título de [professional field] with 81%, 8/9 or 16/20 overall (sobresaliente / outstanding). | Licenciatura / Título de [professional field] with 71%, 7/9 or 14/20 overall (distinguido / very good). |
If you would like further information on the requirements from the country in which you are studying, please email international@surrey.ac.uk.
To enrol on a masters course at Surrey, you will need the equivalent of a 2:1 or 2:2 degree from a recognised university. If you would like advice on the requirements from the country in which you are studying, please email international@surrey.ac.uk.
To enrol on a masters course at Surrey, you will need the equivalent of a 2:1 or 2:2 degree from a recognised university. If you would like advice on the requirements from the country in which you are studying, please email international@surrey.ac.uk.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a bachelors degree with a GPA of 2.6 or 2.8 out of 4.0 (65 or 70%), depending on the institution at which you studied. If you have studied a two or three-year bachelors degree plus a masters degree, you must achieve a GPA of 2.8 or 3.0 out of 4.0 (70% or 75%), depending on the institution at which you studied.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a bachelors degree with a GPA of 2.4 or 2.6 out of 4.0 (60% or 65%), depending on the institution at which you studied. If you have studied a two or three-year bachelors degree plus a masters degree, you must achieve a GPA of 2.6 or 2.8 out of 4.0 (65% or 70%), depending on the institution at which you studied.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree, you must achieve a bachelors degree with a GPA of 2.8 or 3.0 out of 4.0 (70% or 80%), depending on the institution at which you studied. If you have studied a two or three-year bachelors degree plus a masters degree, you must achieve a GPA of 3.0 or 3.2 out of 4.0 (75% or 80%), depending on the institution at which you studied.
You can apply for our postgraduate masters courses if you have a Polish bachelors degree or above.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1:
Bachelors degree
Any of the following with 4+ (4.5) / B overall (dobry plus / fairly good).
Dyplom Tytuł Licencjat (bachelors degree, started after 2006)
Dyplom Tytuł Inżynier (bachelors degree, started after 2006)
Masters degree
4 (4.0) / C overall (dobry / good).
Dyplom Tytuł Magister (masters degree) If awarded from 2001.
For courses that require a UK 2:2:
Bachelors degree
Any of the following with 4 (4.0) / C overall (dobry / good).
Dyplom Tytuł Licencjat (bachelors degree, started after 2006)
Dyplom Tytuł Inżynier (bachelors degree, started after 2006)
Masters degree
3+ (3.5) / D overall (Satisfactory).
Dyplom Tytuł Magister (masters degree) If awarded from 2001.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must have achieved the Portugal Licenciado/Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) with a GPA of 16.0 out of 20.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must have achieved Portugal Licenciado/Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) with a GPA of 14.0 out of 20.0.
For courses that require a UK first, you must have achieved Portugal Licenciado/Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) with a GPA of 18.0 out of 20.0.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 2.8 out of 4.0.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve an overall GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must have achieved the Diploma de Licenta with a GPA of 8.0 overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must have achieved the Diploma de Licenta with a GPA of 7.0 overall.
For postgraduate taught courses, a Specialist Diploma and Baklavar will all be considered as suitable qualifications for entry depending on grades and subjects studied.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 4.1 our of 5.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 3.9 out of 5.0.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve 75% overall or a GPA of 3.5/5.0 or 3.0/4.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve 65% overall, or a GPA of either 3.25 out of 5.0 or 2.6 out of 4.0.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve 80% overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.8/5.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 2.75/4.0 or 3.4/5.0.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 1.5, grade B or 'very good' overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 2.0, grade C or 'good' overall.
The following qualifications are accepted as equivalent to a UK bachelors degree:
- Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazi
- Diplomant
- Univerzitetni diplomant
- Diplomirani.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must have achieved any of the above qualifications, with a score of 8.5.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must have achieved any of the above qualifications, with a score of 7.0.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve 70% overall or a 2:1 honours degree.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve 60% overall or a 2:2 honours degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a Haksa GPA of 3.2/4.3 or 3.4/4.5 overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a Haksa GPA of 2.8/4.3 or 3.0/4.5 overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 7.0 out of 10.0 or 2.0 out of 4.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 6.0 out of 10.0.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must have achieved 80% from a three-year bachelors degree or 60% from a four-year special bachelors degree or a five-year professional degree.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must have achieved 70% from a three-year bachelors degree or 55% from a four-year special bachelors degree or a five-year professional degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must have achieved a majority of VG / AB / B / Vall Godkand.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must have achieved a majority of G / BA / C / Godkand.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of between 7.0 and 8.0 out of 10.0, 2.2 out of 5.0, or 5.0 out of 6.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of between 6.0 and 7.0 out of 10.0, or 4.5 out of 6.0.
For courses that require a UK first, you must achieve a GPA of between 8.0 and 9.0 out of 10.0, 2.7 out of 5.0, or 5.5 out of 6.0.
Our grade requirements for postgraduate courses vary depending on the institution at which you have studied:
- For postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, our minimum grade requirement is 73%, 78% or 88%
- For courses that require a UK 2:2, our minimum grade requirement is 68%, 73% or 83%
- For courses that require a UK first, our minimum grade requirement is 78%, 83% or 93%.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a 2:1 honours degree.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a 2:2 honours degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 2.9 or 3.1 out of 4.0, depending on the institution at which you studied.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 2.7 or 2.9 out of 4.0, depending on the institution at which you studied.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of between 2.8 and 3.0 out of 4.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of between 2.6 and 2.8 out of 4.0.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 4.0 or a 2:1 honours degree.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 3.0 or a 2:2 honours degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you will need to have completed one of the following:
- Dyplom Bakalavr (after 2007) with 80% overall
- Specialist Diploma (five years) with a GPA of 4.3 out of 5.0
- Dyplom Magistra (before 2006) with a GPA of 4.3 out of 5.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you will need to have completed one of the following:
- Dyplom Bakalavr (after 2007) with 70% overall
- Specialist Diploma (five years) with a GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0
- Dyplom Magistra (before 2006) with a GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0.
For courses that require a UK first, you will need to have completed one of the following:
- Dyplom Bakalavr (after 2007) with 90% overall
- Specialist Diploma (five years) with a GPA of 4.6 out of 5.0
- Dyplom Magistra (before 2006) with a GPA of 4.6 out of 5.0.
Please note that Dyplom Bakalavr (before 2007) is not suitable for entry.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or 80% overall.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0, or 75% overall.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 overall, or 85% overall.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 2.8 out of 4.0.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 7.0 or 7.5 out of 10.0 overall, depending on the institution at which you studied.
For courses that require a 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 6.5 or 7.0 out of 10.0 overall, depending on the institution at which you studied.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a GPA of 7.5 or 8.0 out of 10.0 overall, depending on the institution at which you studied.
For direct entry these range from a 2:1 to a 2:2 UK honours degree. Our Pre-Masters programme offers another route into Surrey for specific programmes.
- For courses that require a 2:1 you would need 12/20 in a relevant bachelors degree.
- For courses that require a 2:2 you would need 11/20 in a relevant bachelors degree.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a GPA of 2.8 out of 4.0.
For courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0.
For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve a GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve a 2:1 honours (second class, upper division) Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve a 2:2 honours (second class, lower division) Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution.
To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you would need 12/20 in a relevant bachelors degree.
For courses that require a UK 2:2, you would need 11/20 in a relevant bachelors degree.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall with 7.0 in each element.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
Shortlisting
Admissions staff will review the information provided within the personal statement and reference to assess applications for evidence of academic ability, insight and motivation. Personal statements should be comprehensive, with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview.
Interviews
Applicants successful at the shortlisting stage will be required to attend an online interview conducted by University academics, assisted by staff from clinical practice areas. Applicants selected to attend one of our interview days will be sent detailed guidance on the interview with their invitation. Interviews will be conducted in the format of multiple mini interviews (MMIs).
Deferred entry
The course does not accept applications for deferred entry.
Covid-19 vaccinations
On 15 March 2022, regulations revoking the Vaccination as a Condition of Deployment (VCOD) for Healthcare Workers came into force. This means that it will not become a requirement for people to have received a Covid-19 vaccine in order to deliver face-to-face CQC-regulated activities in wider social care settings. Whilst we still encourage everyone to get vaccinated where they can, it is no longer a requirement for this programme.
Fees per year
Start date: September 2024
Full-time - 2 years
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
- The annual fee for this two-year full-time PGDip, is payable in Year 1 and Year 2 of the programme
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2024-25 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually
- Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a tuition fee loan: Will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a tuition fee loan: Are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
- If you are sponsored: You will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Additional costs
- Books/ stationery/ admin: Unable to specify amount - Following successful graduation from this Diploma course, you will need to sit the National Assessment for Physician Associates, set by the Faculty of Physician Associates at the Royal College of Physicians, London. This exam is not part of the Surrey programme and therefore not covered by your course fees. For further information please refer to the Faculty of Physician Associates website
- Commuting (local travel expenses): Unable to specify amount - In the first year students will be expected to attend a placement at a local GP surgery one day per week. In the second year students will undertake a series of clinical placements provided by local NHS Trusts. Students will be expected to meet the travel/parking costs incurred whilst on placement
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: The University will meet the cost of one DBS check, completed ahead of the programme commencement date. The DBS check is a programme requirement: it is mandatory that the DBS process in completed and the applicant is approved to attend before they can enrol onto the programme. Applicants offered a place on the programme will be contacted to complete the online process by the deadline specified. The process is not completed until all original documentation has been approved by an appointed DBS approver. This can be completed in advance of Applicants starting their programme using main branches of the Post Office, where there will be a £6 administration fee.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
How to apply
You can apply for this course through UCAS, with the programme code PA01.
The course can also be found by searching for ‘Physician Associate Studies’ on the search function of UCAS.
Admission information
Our code of practice for postgraduate admissions policy provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students. You can also read our postgraduate applicant guidance.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our Charter, Statutes, Ordinances, Policies, Regulations and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as an example of what to expect.
Please note: the offer terms and conditions and registration terms and conditions which you will be asked to agree to may be different from those detailed in the examples.
Our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will be available at the start of each academic year and will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing but changes (for example, to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Kate Granger BuildingOur Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS degree, nursing and midwifery, and health science courses are taught at the Kate Granger Building (30 Priestley Road), on the Surrey Research Park.
Placement location
You’ll be expected to attend clinical placements off campus. Please see the placements section for more details.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH