Interviews, auditions and portfolios

Physician Associate interview days

If your application to study MSc Physician Associate at ARU is successful, we'll invite you to an interview at our Chelmsford campus.

We use group interviews for our selection process.

Successful physician associates need to be composed in demanding circumstances, to adjust to and perform well in unfamiliar situations, and to listen and communicate effectively – not only with individual service users, but also within a team.

In addition to the information on this page, please see

Physician Associate interview information

Campus interview

  • We plan to hold a number of interview days beginning in February 2026. The current availability can be found in your Applicant Portal
  • You will have been invited to book an interview through your Applicant Portal. Here you will be able to accept or decline your interview invitation and select your interview day. Please note the deadline to confirm attendance is five days prior to the available interview sessions. Once you have booked your interview there is very limited availability to change this date, please ensure that you will be available for time and date selected
  • This is an interview for a professional course leading to a professional qualification. Please dress and conduct yourself in a professional way
  • Have your ID ready for verification checks. At your interview you will be required to provide photo ID as proof of your identity; this will be checked by the Admissions team. This can be a passport, driving licence or ID badge from your current employer or college.

Please note: If you can’t attend your interview day, you need to let us know as soon as possible. Email [email protected].

Applicants with learning support needs

We recognise that group interviews can feel challenging for some applicants. In line with the NHS value that everyone counts and with the values of ARU, our facilitators will be present to provide support and encourage inclusive participation.

If you feel you need additional support to take part, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact our admissions team. Email [email protected] at least five days before your interview.

You can also chat to us about the course, and the interview process in general:

Format of the day

On the day of interview, you will be warmly welcomed into the School of Medicine where you will undertake a group interview.

In small groups, you will be given a scenario to consider, with five different answers. As a group, you will be asked to rank the different answers in order of importance. The facilitator of each group will be observing your interaction within the group, and assessing you on your contribution to the discussion, looking at how you problem solve, your communication skills and your moral reasoning.

You will be scored individually based on these domains and your score will be used to assess your suitability for the Physician Associate Programme. We will be running both morning and afternoon sessions for group interviews, and you should plan to be with us for the whole morning or afternoon on the date you have selected.

Please report to the School of Medicine foyer, Ground Floor, School of Medicine Building where you will be met by one of our colleagues. You can check the interview date and time booked on your Applicant Portal.

Interview days can be nerve wracking and we encourage you to allow plenty of time to reach the venue. Due to the tight schedules we work to, if you are delayed and arrive late, we will not be able to interview you, and are unable to confirm if a new date will be offered.

If someone is accompanying you to your interview, they will be able to wait in our central seating area which has a coffee/canteen outlet.

After your group interview you will meet Student Ambassadors and, if you like, take a tour of the School of Medicine.

Interview checklist

  • Research the role of a physician associate.
  • Provide scanned copies of your educational certificates proving you meet the entry requirements of the course, if awarded, and your identity documents, including any change of name, via the Applicant Portal.
  • Bring photo ID as proof of your identity. This can be a passport, driving licence or ID badge from your current employer or college.
  • Make sure you have checked transport arrangements to the interview venue, including local parking. Unfortunately, there is no car parking on site at the Chelmsford campus, but local council websites have details of long-stay car parks or Park & Ride services. Find out more about Travelling to our Chelmsford campus.

What happens next?

You’ll be notified via UCAS of the results of your interview within five working days.

What next if I am offered a place?

  • Accept your offer via UCAS Hub.
  • Arrange your accommodation.
  • Complete your DBS and Occupational Health information.
  • Notify the Admissions team of any changes to your circumstances.

What next if I am unsuccessful at interview?

  • We are happy to accept applications for next academic year.
  • You may be offered a place on another course, in which case, follow the instructions above.
  • The offer of a place in a previous application cycle or on a waiting list does not guarantee a place or interview if you reapply for another intake. Please note that we do not accept deferrals.

Above all, you need to be certain that this is the profession you want to join. Consider visiting us at an Open Day, if you haven't already. Then commit yourself to learning as much as you can before your interview day.