physician associates (pas) are healthcare professionals who work to a medical model alongside doctors in hospitals or gp surgeries. their role includes examining patients, diagnosing common problems, performing procedures, and recommending treatment. the course prepares students to work as a pa within the nhs. it also offers a wide range of transferrable skills which has seen alumni succeed across various sectors in addition to working clinically as a pa. such roles include healthcare innovation and technology, entrepreneurial start-ups, healthcare management and leadership, and healthcare sales. this course is registered and approved by the faculty of physician associates of the royal college of physicians and the general medical council. successfully completing the msc will mean students are eligible to sit the physician associate national examination (also known as the physician associate registration assessment) and join the general medical council physician associate register.