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.

Core modules and skills

Year 1

• Clinical Practice 1 and 2
• Introduction to Dermatology Through Academic Skills
• Musculoskeletal Podiatry 
• Applied Human Movement
• Essential Physiology for Podiatrists 

Year 2

• Clinical Practice 3 and Principles of Surgery
• Clinical Practice 4
• Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Foot and Lower Limb
• Clinical Sciences
• Health Psychology and Professional Practice
• Research Design and Ethics

Year 3

• Clinical Practice 5
• Conducting Research
• Medicine and Pharmacology as Applied to the at Risk Foot
• Governance, Health and Social Contexts for Professional Practice
• Learning Objectives
• End Point Assessment (EPA) for Podiatry Apprentices

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 multi-disciplinary 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 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.

Staff profile

Dr Simon Otter

Simon qualified from the Wessex School of Podiatry in 1991 and worked in the NHS for nine years working in the areas of high-risk foot care, nail surgery, musculoskeletal medicine and latterly paediatrics before moving to the University of Brighton to take up a teaching post in 2000. Having led the MSc Podiatry programme from 2006–12, Simon was Assistant head of School for four years. Currently he is a principal lecturer and Academic lead for the Podiatry Division and continues teach into a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses for both allied health professionals and medical students across the university.

Simon was part of the team that provided podiatry care for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and is professional advisor for podiatry to Arthritis Care. Recently he completed a research sabbatical in Auckland, New Zealand, working on inflammatory arthritis. Simon is an academic referee for a number of national and international journals and has a range of publications in peer-reviewed journals. His academic and research interest in the epidemiology of foot complaints in chronic disease (particularly rheumatology) and the impact these have on the individual.

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.

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