Programme structure
The Podiatry Degree Apprenticeship BSc(Hons) programme is a three-year, full-time degree which is delivered via six 15 week semesters. The programme follows a traditional degree structure of two semesters per calendar year.
As part of the requirements for professional registration the apprentice will engage in a minimum of 1000 hours of clinical placement as an Apprentice Podiatrist, returning to their normal employed role outside of university time.
Alongside their scheduled clinical placement and set academic work on the course, apprentices work with their work-based mentor to make full use of the opportunities to learn within their employed job role.
With support from the employer, apprentices are required to spend a minimum of 20% of paid working hours on studies and be able to evidence this. This is a statutory requirement for apprenticeships and the funding is conditional on this being met. Off-the-job learning includes activities which have not previously been a part of the employed role or furthers apprentice's development into new areas.
Entry requirements
- A-levels (BBC)
- BTEC (DMM)
- International Baccalaureate (28 points)
- Access to HE Diploma (Pass with 60 credits)
- All applicants must have passed Level 2 (GCSE) English and Mathematics to be considered for a place
- Applicants will be interviewed as part of selection process
- Offers cannot be made until the candidate has achieved satisfactory Occupational Health and enhanced DBS clearance via the employer
Entry requirements are flexible and assessed on an individual basis - applicants with considerable prior experience in healthcare may receive a lower offer for entry requirements.
Teaching and assessment
Apprentices will study the academic components of the programme alongside students from the Podiatry BSc(Hons) course, and additionally in year two and three of the apprenticeship, with the MSc (pre-registration) Podiatry Degree students, thus enabling active peer support during the apprentice's study.
The teaching and learning activities embedded within the programme aim to meet the needs of all types of learner by using a blended learning approach and utilising a range of learning technologies. A learner-centred approach to learning is underpinned by a variety of methods which include:
- key-note lectures from subject specialists or expert patients
- facilitated workshops
- apprentice/student led case based group work
- presentations using a range of media
- seminars or webinars
- clinical-based activities including simulation and clinical practice placements in a diverse range of settings.
A range of assessment strategies are employed to prepare apprentices for assessment throughout their professional and academic careers. Assessment methods include:
- written examinations
- research plans
- research papers
- essays
- presentations
- professional development portfolios
- case-based essays
- online examinations
- practical clinical assessment (including OSCEs, practical exams and clinical exams)
- vivas.
Upon completion of the qualification apprentices must complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) comprised of:
- a portfolio of workplace evidence
- demonstration of practice
- professional discussion.
Employer and apprentice commitments
In order to deliver the programme, the employer undertakes to:
- conduct a workplace induction and set out a contract of employment
- provide an appropriately qualified workplace mentor to support the apprentice
- attend apprentice's progress review (twice a year)
- ensure that an Occupational Health Screening and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check has been undertaken by the employer
- release apprentice for scheduled off-the-job learning
- have an Apprenticeship Agreement in place from the start of the programme.
Throughout the programme, apprentices will:
- attend the workplace for the agreed pattern as set out in the employment contract
- record all training sessions and off-the-job learning
- attend scheduled university learning sessions and complete all assessments as required by the university and End Point Assessment Organisation
- behave in a safe and responsible manner at the workplace and university
- engage with regular progress reviews
- complete, throughout the apprenticeship, a professional development portfolio.
Fees and funding information for apprentices
Course fees
As an apprentice the cost of your learning programme is covered by your employer through their Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.
Student finance
Higher and degree level apprentices are not eligible for any element of student finance. This is because they receive a salary instead of the student loan package. However, if you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.
Learning support
Apprentices studying at Higher and degree level may be able to access funding in relation to additional support but this is available through the university and not Disabled Students Allowance. Apprentices may also be able to apply for Access to Work funding for work-based equipment and software. Please contact the Disability and Dyslexia team on 01273 643 799.
Living costs and benefits
Higher and degree level apprentices must fulfil the standard eligibility criteria in order to apply for means tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. If you have any questions about entitlement to benefits, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 643 888.
Higher and degree level apprentices who are undertaking a full-time mode of study can be treated as being exempt from paying Council Tax. Although some programmes require study on a day-release arrangement, this can still be classed as full-time study. You will need to obtain a letter from the Student Information Desk at any campus and send this to your Council Tax department when you enrol on the programme.
Other
Brighton and Hove bus discount
NUS card
The Leaf Hospital
The Leaf Hospital in Eastbourne is our own fully-staffed clinical facility, which offers a podiatry service and a private practice physiotherapy service.
This offers further opportunities to gain practical experience treating patients during your apprenticeship.
The Leaf Hospital has two main clinics and three further consulting rooms, allowing up to 28 patients to be seen at any one time.
Clinical practice is supported by a complete range of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, including gait analysis, imaging and more.
Click on the image above to take a virtual tour of The Leaf Hospital