Advice & Insight From PA Application Specialists
The University of Leeds’ Physician Associate Studies program has ‘a considerable amount of pure and applied science’ which limits the number of undergraduate courses that are appropriate with which to apply. You must have at least a 2.2 in a health-related science qualification, such as biomedical sciences, biochemistry, medical genetics, anatomy and human biology, or radiography. The university will consider alternatives on a case-by-case basis, and may enquire as to the exact modules taken and the scientific content of each. Nursing degrees are typically not accepted due to the lack of pure science taught in these courses. Applicants working within healthcare who have not studied within the last five years and are able to demonstrate the ability to study at Masters level (typically through continuing professional development) are also encouraged to apply.
The university invites between 80 and 90 candidates to interview for only 25 places. They use an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) format. Their MMI consists of six stations, each of seven minutes, with one minute of reading time between each station. Stations are marked according to a predetermined and standardised score. Students are awarded an overall mark for their performance across all stations, with the lowest ranked being rejected from the admissions process. Admission is granted to those who perform well in the MMI and show the right level of academic ability to succeed.
There is one cohort per year, who enter the university in September. Applications must be received by the 28th of March. Interview invitations will be sent via email to those selected.
Whilst Leeds does not provide specifics of the questions asked in its MMI, we are able to elicit the kind of person that they are looking for from their admissions guidance on personal statements, which explains that they seek information on the following: ‘Why have you chosen this particular profession and what led you to this? • How have you researched it? • What is your knowledge and understanding of the role of Physician Associates? • What are the current issues affecting Physician Associates or healthcare? • How have your current studies prepared you for studying the programme? • What transferable skills do you have – for example, work experience, positions of responsibility through paid employment, volunteering or university activities? • What caring experience do you have? • Why have you chosen this particular profession and what led you to this?’
It should therefore be apparent that they seek real insight into the career. However, as this is an MMI you should also be ready for role-plays and scenarios focusing on communication and ethics.
​Motivation and Insight into the career of a Physician Associate
Learn the best interview strategies and practice with interview questions & model answers.
Healthcare Issues
Transferable Skills
Ethics
Communication
