Master’s in Physician Associate Studies (MPAS)

1.1

Master's degrees and Postgraduate Certificate and Diplomas are awarded to students who have demonstrated:

• A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice.
• A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship.
• Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
• Conceptual understanding that enables the student:
  o To evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline;
  o To evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

• Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
• Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.

And holders will have:

• The qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:
  o The exercise of initiative and personal responsibility;
  o Decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations;
  o The independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

2.1

The Masters in Physician Associate Studies (MPAS) is a full-time programme based on 180 credits at level 7: 100 credits to be undertaken in year 1, and 80 credits in year 2. The MPAS will be taught over two years

2.2

The programme is structured in such a way that students are required to pursue clinical practice placements. Where students are subject to assessment of professional competence following a period of practice placement, the outcome must be credit-rated.

2.3

The level of study shall be at level 7 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).

2.4

The structure of the programme has been guided by the Competence and Curriculum Framework for the Physician’s’ Associate (2012), Physician Associate and anaesthesia associate generic and shared outcomes (2022) and the Draft physician associate curriculum (2022).

3.1

Students are admitted to the programme of study in accordance with the specific programme requirements and the general University regulations governing matriculation. As well as a minimum grade C (or equivalents) in GCSE Mathematics and in English/Welsh. Applicants for the MPAS award must hold one of the following qualifications prior to commencement of study:

• An initial Bachelors or integrated Master's degree of a minimum of 2:2 in a healthcare or biosciences subject or equivalent recognised international degree;
• An initial undergraduate Bachelors or integrated Master's degree of a minimum of a 2:1 in a non-healthcare or non-biosciences subject or equivalent recognised international degree;
• In addition, all applicants must provide evidence of relevant work experience and demonstration of values in line with NHS Constitution. This will be considered on an individual basis.

3.2

The Physician Associate Studies programme will NOT be open to:

• Applicants who have previously enrolled on a Physician Associate programme;
• Applicants who have previously enrolled and completed a medical degree;
• Applicants wishing to apply for RPL credit in relation to previous qualifications or experience;
• Applicants wishing to transfer from another Physician Associate programme;
• Applicants who have been withdrawn from any cognate health or social care programme on the grounds of their fitness to practise will not be considered.

3.3

Prior to admission to the programme of study, the Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science must ensure that a candidate can communicate effectively in both spoken and written English. As well as the aforementioned minimum grade C or equivalent in English/Welsh, applicants who are not from a listed English-speaking country or have not completed a first degree in a listed country must achieve an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with 7.0 in each component. Equivalents can be considered and further information on this can be found under the English Language Requirements.

3.4

Applicants shall also be required to satisfy an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory occupational health check.

3.5

Applicants will also be interviewed to assess their suitability to meet the programme’s aims.

4.1

The University expects all students to enrol in order to be recognised as a student of the University. All students shall enrol in accordance with the enrolment instructions for the particular programme of study and within the prescribed enrolment period.

4.2

Students are required to enrol within the prescribed enrolment period:

• If enrolling for the first time with the University;
• If enrolling for the first time on a particular programme of study;
• If progressing to the next year;
• If the University is expecting a fee to be paid in accordance with the University’s regulations governing student finance and fees.

4.3

In order to enrol with the University, students, where applicable, are required to provide evidence of entitlement to study at the University in accordance with:

• The specific programme requirements;
• The University’s regulations governing matriculation;
• The laws governing study in the United Kingdom.

4.4

Failure to enrol within a prescribed enrolment period will result in candidature lapsing and withdrawal of the student from the University. Requests for the reinstatement of the candidature and permission to enrol late shall be considered administratively on behalf of the Student Cases Board.

4.5

The University shall notify the relevant authorities, within a prescribed period in accordance with United Kingdom laws governing study in the UK, of students who have been withdrawn for failure to enrol on a programme of study within the prescribed enrolment period.

4.6

By enrolling, students accept that they will be expected to abide by the Faculty/School’s guidelines on professional conduct, as published in the programme handbook.

4.7

As enrolled students, candidates will be required to participate in the Faculty/School’s vaccination programme.

5.1

Modules shall be completed as prescribed by the Faculty/School, and assessment completed by the dates set by the Faculty/School. The full degree programme shall be completed within the following periods from the date of the initial registration:

5.2

Students will normally complete their studies by the following deadlines unless alternative times are approved for a given programme by the Regulations, Quality and Standards Committee.

Full-time candidates: end of the 24th month (2 years).

5.3

A student who fails to complete within the period indicated can only complete the programme if a formally authorised extension has been agreed (with the support of the Faculty/School). Without an authorised extension, the candidate is eligible only for the appropriate exit qualification - Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Health Care Studies. It should be noted that such an extension will not automatically extend the period of study for the entire programme.

6.1

The student’s candidature may be extended, but in exceptional cases only and in accordance with the following criteria:

• Normally, extensions will be granted only on compassionate grounds, or in cases of serious illness or serious personal difficulties which can be demonstrated to have adversely affected the candidate. A full and reasoned case, supported by appropriate medical or other independent evidence, must be made by the Medical School for consideration by the University.
• In cases which arise as a result of illness:
  • Satisfactory medical evidence, including a medical certificate, must be supplied. (The extent and nature of the illness as described in the certificate are invaluable in assessing the case. A clear statement must be supplied, showing that the Faculty/School concerned has evaluated the situation in which the candidate finds himself/herself as a result of the illness and that it considers the requested extension to be appropriate. Such a statement will, wherever possible, follow direct contact between candidate and Faculty/School.

6.2

Applications for extensions must be routed via the candidate’s Faculty/School to the Director of Education Services and the case will be considered administratively on behalf of the Regulations, Standards and Quality Committee.

7.1

A module is a discrete education component of a programme. This programme shall consist of modules made up of 10, 20 and 40 credit points.

7.2

All modules for this programme shall be considered core. Core modules must be not only pursued but also passed before a student can proceed to the next year of study.

7.3

Because all modules are considered core, transfer of modules shall not be permitted. Students shall normally be expected to study the entire programme at Swansea University.

7.4

Students shall not be permitted to pursue modules which are not a requirement of the programme of study in addition to the full-time credit load of 120 credits.

8.1

Students shall be required to attend clinical placements in accordance with the requirements of the Physician Associate Studies Programme and the Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science.

8.2

Students shall be required to undertake all assessments relating to the clinical placements and achieve the required competencies as stipulated by the Physician Associate Scheme of Assessment and the draft Physician Associate curriculum (Faculty of Physician Associates, 2022) Competency and Curriculum Framework.

8.3

In addition to clinical placements, candidates shall be expected to attend an elective placement, normally in the second year of study.

8.4

This elective placement shall be conducted in accordance with the QAA‘s UK Quality Code section on Working with Others and University’s guidelines as published in the Code of Practice for Quality Assurance.

9.1

The University expects students to adhere to the engagement requirements as outlined in the Statement on Engagement.

9.2

Students are required to attend university and placement in accordance with the University attendance and engagement policy, programme requirements and standards outlined in Achieving Good medical practice: interim standards for physician associate and anaesthesia associate students (GMC, 2022). Failure to meet these requirements may affect your progression on the programme and result in being unable to register with the professional, statutory, or regulatory body.

9.3

Students in receipt of Welsh Government funding will have bursary arrangements suspended if they are absent due to sickness for more than 60 days.

10.1

The mode of attendance for this programme shall be full-time only. Full time candidates shall be expected to pursue 100 credit points in Year 1; 80 credit points in Year 2.

10.2

Pattern of attendance shall include periods of learning blocks and clinical placements.

11.1

The Faculty/School’s handbook, or the equivalent, shall be available for each student at or before the commencement of studies.

12.1

Suspension of studies shall be considered in accordance with the University's Suspension of Studies Regulations.

13.1

Students pursing the MPAS programme will only be allowed to transfer to another Swansea University programme with the permission of the Programme Director and the Matriculation Committee.

14.1

Students shall be expected to demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour and professional conduct throughout the programme. Students whose academic performance, engagement, professional conduct, or quality of work is assessed as unsatisfactory will be considered at the Health and Conduct Sub-Committee. Where a student’s conduct or professionalism give rise to concern, the Health and Conduct Sub-Committee will establish via an internal Fitness to Practise Investigation Panel whether there is a prima facie case that the student’s fitness to practise is impaired. If this is deemed to be the case, the students will be referred to a Fitness to Practise Committee of Enquiry, under the Swansea University Fitness to Practise Regulations.

14.2

Students shall be required to familiarise themselves and behave in accordance with guidelines on behaviour such as the University’s Fitness to Practise Regulations, those published by the General Medical Council; Achieving Good Practice Medical Practice: Interim Guidance for Physician Associate and Anaesthesia Associate Students, and the standards set out by The Faculty of Physician Associates, Royal College of Physicians; draft physician associate curriculum, and respect that guidance.

14.3

“Professionalism” shall be formally assessed by the Faculty/School. A student’s ability to achieve the requisite elements of professionalism shall contribute to the academic assessment of the student at university and on placement, namely whether they pass or fail the programme.

14.4

Unacceptable behaviour refers to general behaviours exhibited by a student which do not meet the standards set by General Medical Council, The Faculty of Physician Associates, Royal College of Physicians, and the expectations of the Policy for Dealing with Student Concerns Including Possible Impairment of Fitness to Practise and shall be dealt with by the Faculty/School in accordance with its Procedures.

14.5

Failure to rectify behaviour or serious incidences of unacceptable behaviour shall result in a case being referred to the University under the Fitness to Practise Regulations.

15.1

Students must inform the Faculty of any absence from teaching or placements as per the Physician Associate Studies Programme Absence Policy, outlined in the Programme Handbook. Students must also inform placements of any absence. Excessive absence or repeated failure to report absences may result in students being unable to successfully complete the programme.

15.2

Students whose work is interrupted by circumstances for more than five working days shall be required to inform the Faculty Placements and Employability Team and submit a medical certificate.

15.3

Students may request a short period of absence from study. Such authorised absences shall be approved by the Faculty.

16.1

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science shall set deadlines for the submission of assessment. Students who fail to submit assessment by the deadline shall be awarded a mark of 0%. Students, who are prevented from meeting such deadlines due to extenuating circumstances, may request consideration of extenuation as outlined in the University and Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science’s extenuation policy. Students may be granted an extension of up to seven days or a deferral depending on the assessment and the student’s individual circumstances.

17.1

It shall be the student’s responsibility to inform the Faculty/School of any disability or of any extenuating circumstances which might require special provision for assessment. Candidates shall be required to produce appropriate documentation in support. All requests, whether resulting from long-term disability or short-term circumstances, shall be set out on the appropriate form and supported, where possible, by written evidence.

17.2

Further details and guidelines on special examination arrangements shall be found in the University’s Reasonable Adjustment Policy for Learning and Assessment.

18.1

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science operates a “Fit to Sit” policy in relation to assessment. A candidate who completes any assessment will be presumed to be fit to take the assessment and evidence of extenuating circumstances produced afterwards in respect of circumstances existing before the assessment will not be accepted or considered by the Examination Board. Full details of this policy shall be published in the programme

18.2

The University shall presume that, unless Faculty receives details of extenuating circumstances, the student had not been unduly affected by circumstances prior to or during the assessment in question.

18.3

A student who has been absent from an examination shall be required to inform the Faculty/School without delay. In the case of illness, the student shall also be required to submit a medical certificate.

18.4

All students shall note that it is their responsibility to make the Faculty aware as soon as possible of any extenuating circumstances which could affect their performance either during the academic year or during examinations. Academic appeals based on extenuating circumstances which could have been brought to the attention of the Faculty prior to the meeting of examining boards shall not normally be considered.

19.1

All examinations shall be conducted under the jurisdiction of the University’s regulations governing examinations and assessment.

19.2

External Examiners shall be nominated and appointed in accordance with the procedures detailed in the Swansea University’s Code of Practice for External Examiners.

20.1

Students shall be assessed at the Institution at which they have pursued the programme of study.

20.2

Any student who is following a programme of study of the University may request - regardless of whether the main language of assessment of the programme in question is English or Welsh - to submit examination scripts or assessed work in either English or Welsh. Such requests shall be dealt with in accordance with the Guidelines on Assessment and Examination in Welsh or another Language Other than the Language of Tuition.

20.3

Students successfully completing the programme will be eligible to sit the PA national examination. Students are required to sit and pass the PA National Examination, organised, and managed externally by the FPA. The University is required to notify the Royal College of Physicians assessment unit (who administer the exam on behalf of the FPA) of all students able to sit the assessment. On successful completion of this exam candidates will then be eligible for registration on the PA managed Voluntary Register.

20.4

The University is not liable for the cost of the National Examination.

21.1

Credit transfers do not apply to the MPAS.

22.1

A student who is admitted to the programme may be eligible for an exit qualification (see G25 of the Masters in Physician Associate Studies General Assessment Regulations).

22.2

Students who are awarded an exit qualification will not be eligible to sit the PA National Examination (see 20.3).

23.1

To be eligible for consideration for the MPAS award of the University, students shall complete modules within the maximum period of registration.

24.1

To be eligible for consideration for the award of the MPAS under these Regulations, a student shall:

• Have pursued the approved modular programme of study for the period prescribed by the University;
• Have attained 180 credits as specified by the University;
• Have satisfied the examiners in all areas including professional conduct;
• Have fulfilled any further condition(s) required by the University.

25.1

Academic appeals shall be conducted in accordance with Swansea University’s Accuracy of Published Marks and Academic Appeals procedures.

26.1

Allegations of academic misconduct shall be considered in accordance with Swansea University’s Academic Misconduct procedures.

27.1

Allegations that a student is not 'fit to practise' shall be considered in accordance with Physician Associate Policy for Dealing with Student Concerns Including Possible Impairment of Fitness to Practise, which may include referral to the Swansea University Fitness to Practise Regulations.

28. Aegrotat Degree

28.1

Students pursuing the MPAS programme shall not be eligible for award of an Aegrotat degree. However, candidates may be eligible for the consideration of the exit awards. An exit award does not confer eligibility to sit the external PANE.

29. Posthumous Degree

29.1

Candidates pursuing the MPAS programme shall not be eligible for the award of a posthumous degree. However, candidates may be eligible for the consideration of the exit awards.

General Assessment Rules

G1

To proceed from one year to another a student must accumulate 100 credits.

G2

Students who accumulate 180 credits in total may qualify for the award of a degree.

G3

Each module within the programme may have several assessment components. All modules associated with the MPAS programme are considered “core” and must be passed before a candidate can progress from one year to another.

A student’s performance in a component may be determined by a percentage mark or by a simple pass/fail.

The pass mark for modules will vary the percentage mark for assessment components delivered by the Medical School shall be determined by a standard setting process. The pass mark for all assessments completed for modules delivered by the School of Health and Social Care is 50%.

Students must a pass all assessment components to be awarded the credits for the module. Students who fail any assessment component will be deemed to have failed the module irrespective of the overall average and credit shall not be awarded.

G4

Students must satisfy the engagement and assessment requirements of all modules. Engagement will be monitored in accordance with the University’s Engagement Monitoring Policy for Taught Students in addition to the Faculty/School requirements. Students to refer to guidance published in the programme handbook.

G5

Credits will be awarded to students who pass a module.

G6

Students who have qualified to proceed from one year of study to another, shall not be allowed to elect to repeat any modules or assessment component which has already been passed to improve their performance.

G7

Students will be given one opportunity to redeem a failure in an assessment component or module.

G8

Students who are required to undertake supplementary assessment in School of Health and Social Care modules, provided they satisfy the examiners, shall be awarded a mark capped at the pass mark threshold of 50% in each module in the individual assessment component. The University Progression and Awards Board shall refer to the capped mark in determining the average for the level of study.

G9

Students who are required to undertake supplementary assessment in Medical School modules, provided they satisfy the examiners, shall be awarded a pass mark determined through the standard setting process.

G10

Students who are required to submit supplementary coursework shall be informed by the Faculty of the coursework required.

G11

Students shall normally be expected to complete a year of study within one academic session.

G12

Students who fail to proceed to the next year of study or fail to qualify for an award after the supplementary assessment period will be required to withdraw from the University. Such students will have no further opportunity to complete their programme of study, and shall only be eligible to be considered for an exit qualification. Candidates awarded a decision of “Required to withdraw from the University” will be given no further attempts to redeem their modules and will not be eligible to transfer credits to another programme of study at Swansea University and their studies will be terminated. Normally, a candidate with a decision of “Required to withdraw from the University” shall not be re-admitted to that same programme of study, or to a cognate programme, without the approval of the Recruitment and Admissions Committee.

G13

Students who do not attempt to redeem failed modules during the supplementary period will normally be awarded a mark of 0% or fail in such modules and shall only be given a further opportunity to redeem the failure in exceptional circumstances.

G14

It is recognised that some students will accumulate 100 credits in an academic year but be required to undertake further or additional training (see S16), Those students who fail to undertake the specified training will fail to proceed to next year of study or be eligible for award of degree. Such students may be considered for an exit award.

G15

It is recognised that some students will not be able to undertake assessments due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. It is therefore recognised that such students should be allowed to make an application to defer the assessment. The deferred assessment will normally be scheduled during the supplementary assessment period.

G16

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science operates a “Fit to Sit” policy in relation to assessment. A candidate who completes any assessment will be presumed to be fit to take the assessment and evidence of extenuating circumstances produced afterwards in respect of circumstances existing before the assessment will not be accepted or considered by the Examination Board. Full details of this policy shall be published for students.

G17

Students should notify the Faculty of their extenuating circumstances and submit a request to defer an assessment prior to the date of the assessment. Applications to defer an assessment shall be considered in accordance with the Policy on Extenuating Circumstances. If a student submits a request for a deferred assessment but subsequently undertakes the assessment, the student will have five working days from the date of the assessment to notify the School of their wish to withdraw the deferral and request that the assessment be marked.

G18

In exceptional circumstances and in accordance with the University’s Policy on Extenuating Circumstances Affecting Assessment, students who fail to redeem their module(s) during the re-sit period because of extenuating circumstances or who fail the module at the first opportunity during the supplementary period (i.e. as a deferral) may submit evidence of such circumstances to their School for consideration. At the discretion of the University Progression and Awards Board, such candidates may be permitted one further opportunity to re-sit as an external candidate. The reassessment(s) shall normally take place at the next assessment(s) point for the modules concerned in the next academic year.

G19

Students enrolled as external candidates will not be eligible to receive bursary payments during this period.

G20

Students enrolled as external candidates may be required to pay an additional fee as determined by the University Examinations Office.

G21

There will be a separate standard setting process for external candidates. This may result in a pass mark which differs to that for students completing a first attempt. This method of standard setting reflects the stage that the students are at in the programme.

G22

Students, who are absent for the whole or part of a written examination (or who fail to submit set projects or coursework by the required date(s), will be deemed to have failed the module(s) in question. Students granted deferrals will be required to sit the examinations at the next scheduled examination point for the module(s) concerned.

G23

The rules outlined in the Specific Progression Rules will normally influence the University Progression and Awards Board in arriving at decisions for students. However, students must not expect, as of right, that they will be allowed to undertake supplementary assessment. The Progression and Awards Board may take into account other circumstances relating to the student’s case before taking any progression decision. The Progression and Awards Board would not be expected to allow a student to progress to the next year or qualify for an award unless they had satisfied the minimum criteria.

G24

A student who is admitted to the programme may be eligible for an exit qualification provided that they have:

• Accumulated the minimum credit required for the award;

or

• Satisfied the academic requirements of the programme but failed to achieve the required standard of professional conduct.

Such students shall be eligible, depending on the number of credits accumulated, on the recommendation of the appropriate Examining Board, for the award:

• Post Graduate Certificate in Health Care Studies (60 credits)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Health Care Studies (120 credits)

Rules to be applied during the first University Progression Board (Year 1)

S1

Students who accumulate 100 credits in modules at the end of the academic year and demonstrate a satisfactory standard of professional conduct automatically qualify to proceed to the next year of study.

S2

Students who accumulate fewer than 100 credits fail to qualify to proceed to the next year. At the discretion of the Examination Board such students will normally be granted supplementary assessment in the failed modules for a capped mark of 50%. Students will be expected to re-sit all failed components for the failed module plus resubmit any failed coursework as required. Students who are awarded a “deferred” assessment for any component will be expected to undertake that particular component during the supplementary assessment period.

S3

In the case of S2 and S3 above, the Examination Board will consider the profile of each student on an individual basis and may make recommendations to the University Progression and Award Board on adjustments to the end of year decision.

Rules to be applied during the University Supplementary Progression Board (Year 1)

S4

Students who accumulate 100 credits in modules at the end of the academic year and demonstrate a satisfactory standard of professional conduct automatically qualify to proceed to the next year of study.

S5

Students who accumulate fewer than 100 credits fail to qualify to proceed to the next year of study and will be required to withdraw from the University. Such students may be considered for an exit award.

Rules for Awarding Postgraduate Master’s in Physician Associate Studies

S6

Students who accumulate 80 credits in the taught modules in the final year of study and demonstrate a satisfactory standard of professional conduct may qualify for the award of a degree.

S7

Students who are offered the opportunity to re-sit taught modules will normally be required to re-sit during the next scheduled assessment point for the modules concerned.

S8

At the end of each School of Health and Social Care module, a student’s grade will be determined by a weighting of each assessment component contributing to the module mark as outlined in the scheme of assessment. Student performance in respect to Medical School modules, will be determined by a pass/fail.

S9

Although a student may have qualified for the award, having passed all assessments, there may be instances where an examiner has highlighted an issue concerning an element(s) of a student’s competency in a particular practical or professional area which is not so severe as to impact on the academic outcome but does require further consideration. Examiners may highlight such issues by giving the student a “yellow card” during the practical examination or by referring to the issue in the examination report.

These cases will be referred to the PAB for consideration on a case-by-case basis. The PAB may take no further action or may require that further or additional training be undertaken before making a recommendation on the award of the degree. In such cases where further or additional training is required, students shall be awarded a decision of “Supplementary Assessment”. Training will be provided during or prior to the supplementary examination period to ensure that the results of students can be reconsidered prior to graduation. Failure to attend and participate in the training will result in a student failing to qualify for the award.

 
Eligibility for Pass, Merit or Distinction

Degree classification shall be awarded according to a point structure as detailed in

MPAS Classification for the Physician Associate Programme.

For the Medical School assessments, distinction will be given to the top 25% for both the Progress Test and the OSCE. The merit will be given for the next 25% of students (i.e. top 25-50%) and the remaining students will receive a pass.

For School of Health and Social Care assessments, distinction will be given to any students receiving greater than 70% in the assessment, merit for those receiving 60-69% and pass for those receiving 50-59%. The scores will be totalled for all students and the overall merits and distinctions awarded as per the table below.