Podiatry Degree Apprenticeship

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 undertake a minimum of 1,000 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.

As a student on this course you’ll also get to participate in Schwartz Rounds – hour-long sessions where students come together to listen to stories and share reflections in a supportive and confidential environment. The sessions offer the opportunity to reflect on the emotional aspects of clinical practice and are designed to support students and recent graduates working in complex settings.

Core modules and skills

Year 1

• Anatomy and Physiology 1
• Practice Principles 1: Preparation for Healthcare Practice
• Podiatric dermatology
• Anatomy and physiology 2
• Clinical and Behavioural Sciences
• Podiatry Apprenticeship Practice Placement 1
• Apprenticeship Progression and Achievement

Year 2

• Podiatry Apprenticeship Practice Placement 2
• Prescription Only Medicines for Podiatrists
• Lower limb musculoskeletal pathology
• Podiatry Apprenticeship Practice Placement 3
• Developing Research Skills and Critical Thinking
• Apprenticeship Progression and Achievement
• Practice Principles 2: Patient Assessment, Health Psychology and Management

Year 3

• Leadership, Education, Innovation and Professional Practice
• Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation and Management
• End Point Assessment for Podiatry Degree Apprentices
• Complex Health and Long-Term Condition Management
• Apprenticeship Progression and Achievement
• Podiatry Apprenticeship Practice Placement 4
• Service Evaluation and Improvement

Upon completion of the programme, apprentices will be equipped to:

• demonstrate contemporary knowledge and understanding of the key scientific, biopsychosocial and clinical principles relevant to people with foot and lower limb pathology
• critically analyse the role of the podiatrist as an autonomous practitioner and as part of the multidisciplinary team in health and social care
• practice with the legal and ethical boundaries of healthcare and maintain a safe practice environment
• critically evaluate clinical and scientific research to inform practice
• engage in the values of clinical governance and understand the skills required to be an effective leader within health and social contexts.

Teaching and assessment

Apprentices will study the academic components of the programme alongside students from the Podiatry BSc(Hons) course, and in year two and three of the apprenticeship with the Podiatry (pre-registration) MSc students too, enabling active peer support during their studies. 

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 is underpinned by a variety of methods, including:

• keynote 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.

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 the apprentice’s progress review (four times a year) 
• ensure that an Occupational Health Screening and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check has been undertaken
• release the 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 the End Point Assessment Organisation
• behave in a safe and responsible manner at the workplace and university
• engage with regular progress reviews 
• complete a professional development portfolio throughout the apprenticeship.

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 Learning Support team on 01273 643 799.

Facilities

As a Brighton student podiatrist you will use specialist facilities including:

• a podiatry orthotics manufacturing facility where you will produce high-quality orthotics and insoles for patients as part of the practical element of your course
• a podiatry simulation suite equipped so you can learn and practice practical skills before you work with real patients and clients
• a virtual anatomy lab that houses our 3D anatomy visualisation table.

You’ll be able to see our facilities when you visit us. You can also get a feel for them by taking a virtual tour, watching the short video and checking out our Falmer campus information.