Programme structure
The BSc (Hons) Podiatry Degree Apprenticeship programme is a three-year, full-time degree which is delivered via six 15 week semesters. The programme follows a traditional degree structure of 2 semesters per calendar year.
Apprentices will study the academic components of the course as a fully integrated member of the pre-registration Podiatry Degree cohort. Study takes place alongside students from the BSc (Hons) Podiatry 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. 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.
Benefits and prospects
Apprentices who successfully complete the programme are eligible for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council, and confer annotation to the HCPC register for supply/sale and administration of a specified list of Prescription Only Medicines (POMs).
Graduates will also be eligible for membership of the College of Podiatry. Such entitlements offer graduates the opportunity to enter professional practice in a range of settings including the NHS, Private and Commercial Practice, Research and Education, although frequently, following on from successful completion of an apprenticeship, apprentices gain employment in their new qualified role within their existing employer.
Prospects upon completion may include:
- NHS employee working as a hospital or community clinician
- Business owner running a private practice
- Lecturer or researcher
- Self-employed locum working in private practices and hospitals
- Specialist practitioner working in podiatric surgery
Fees and funding
Course fees
As an apprentice the cost of fees is covered by the employer through either their digital apprenticeship service account, or investment of levy transfer.
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