Course Comparison

Course
MSc Physician Associate Studies MNurs (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health and Child Health)
Award
Master of Science - MSc Master of Nursing - MNurs (Hons)
Duration
2 years 4 years
Assessment breakdown
- -
Course type
Full-time Full-time
Placement
(with placements) (with placements)
Location
Plymouth Plymouth
Provider
Peninsula Medical School School of Nursing and Midwifery
Entry requirements
A recognised first degree (2:1 or above) in a life science, biomedical science, or healthcare subject (from the list below); or current healthcare professionals educated to honours degree level (2:1 or above). To be accompanied by a minimum period of 2 weeks consecutive clinical setting exposure. Relevant ‘on course’ placement experience would count towards this exposure target. Alternatively, experience of working in a setting with customer contact, and 10 days clinical attachment experience in a hospital or general practice setting would also be considered.
A recognised first degree (2:2 or above) in a life science, biomedical science, or healthcare subject (from the list below); or current healthcare professionals educated to honours degree level (2:2 or above). To be accompanied by a minimum period of 12 consecutive months clinical setting exposure. Relevant 'on course' placement experience could count towards this exposure target. If the award is >5years old then we would expect evidence of recent academic study or completion of an academic qualifying essay.
Courses and professions considered include:
  • Chiropractic Studies
  • Dietetics and Nutrition
  • Optometry
  • Osteopathy
  • Paramedic Medicine
  • Podiatry
  • Physiotherapy.
  • Anatomy
  • Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Human Biosciences
  • Combined or Integrated Science
  • Diagnostic Imaging, Diagnostic Radiography, Radiography
  • Genetics
  • Medical Science
  • Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science
  • Physiology
  • Psychology
  • Nursing
  • Midwifery
Applications from non-standard applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the programme team. If you wish to be considered for admission, and have a significant level of healthcare experience, but do not fulfil the criteria above, please contact the admissions team to discuss this further. 
If your first language is not English you will be required to provide evidence of competence in English language:
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. 
GCSEs
5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English, and Science. Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics. Please note we do not accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English, or Key Skills in Maths or English, or Adult Literacy/Numeracy.
Plus one of the following:
A levels
128 Tariff points to include a minimum of two A levels. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered. General Studies excluded.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass an Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, including 15 in Science or Social Science. The remaining 15 Level 3 credits must be at Merit.
T level
Accepted pathway: Health. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DDM – Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered.
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered. English, Mathematics, and Science accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level = 4, standard level = 5
Degrees
Previous degrees are considered at a 2:1 or above. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. If you are unsure whether you meet this criteria, or you have qualifications not listed here, please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
 

Extended entry requirements

  • In addition to the above, evidence of academic study within the last five years is required. Ideally this should be one of the qualifications listed here, but the admissions team will assess on a case-by-case basis.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • We will require an academic reference and an employer reference as part of the application process.
  • Attend an interview. 
  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C/4 or above you will have to achieve an IELTS (or equivalent qualification) at the grade of at least 7.0 (at least 6.5 in all elements sections). English language requirements. 
  • Students must be 18 years old or over by 31 December in the first year of the programme. 
 

Further information

Deferred entry

Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please contact the admissions team who will be able to explain the application process in more detail at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
 

Direct entry to year 2

If you have achieved certificated learning in addition to the entry criteria required for your programme of study, it may be possible to accredit this learning towards your chosen course. Full details on how to make an application are available on our open access MOODLE site (download details on how to access the site and submit your claim and supporting evidence). Your application will then be assessed and you will receive confirmation by email on the status of your claim. Please contact the admissions team in the first instance who will be able to advise whether you are eligible at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.