Podiatry BSc(Hons)

Course structure

You will study the core areas necessary for professional practice: the clinical sciences, health psychology, medicine, pharmacology, surgery, orthopaedics and research methods.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

You will also share modules with students on physiotherapy, occupational therapy and pharmacy courses, allowing you to exchange knowledge and expertise with students from other disciplines.

Year 1

Year 1 will give you the chance to gain practical clinical experience from the outset. You will learn the academic background of podiatry and the fundamentals of professional practice.

Modules

• Clinical Practice 1

  In this module you will be introduced to clinical practice and professional issues in healthcare. The module includes mandatory training required by the NHS such as manual handling training, fundamentals of clinical practice, communication skills for example SENSE training and an introduction to reflection and the role of a professional.

• Clinical Practice 2

  This module builds on Clinical Practice 1 in that it develops the assessment, diagnosis and management skills. You will develop further communication skills required in clinical practice and a framework on which to base further learning, which will enable you to progress into year 2.

• Introduction to Dermatology through Academic Skills

  This module will provide you with knowledge and understanding of the integumentary system, including the assessment and management of common podiatric dermatological conditions. With this module, you will also learn fundamental academic skills necessary for your undergraduate degree study.

• Musculoskeletal Podiatry

  This module includes the study of the normal structure and function of the musculoskeletal system of the foot and lower limb. Upon completion, you will have a good understanding of the principles of anatomy and its movement, with a basic knowledge of structural and functional anatomy of the lower limb as applied to real situations. This will provide a solid foundation for your future theoretical and practical studies.

• Applied Human Movement

  This module will provide you with knowledge and understanding of functional anatomy and human movement. The current theories of musculoskeletal (MSK) biomechanics and their applications to clinical situations, including gait analysis, will be explored. The normal development of the MSK system and common MSK pathological conditions affecting human locomotion will also be studied.

• Essential Physiology for Podiatrists

  In this module you will explore the structure and functions of the cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous systems, as well as their involvements in the homeostatic maintenance of the human body. The common pathological conditions of the cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous systems seen in podiatric practice will also be studied.

Clinical Hours modules 1 and 2 record your achievement of clinical hours which must be at 100% to satisfy HCPC requirements.

Year 2

Year 2 will build on the clinical experience you gained in your first year, keeping the same balance between theory and practice.

Modules

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

Clinical Hours modules record your achievement of clinical hours which must be at 100% to satisfy HCPC requirements.

Final year

The final year will allow you to gain experience in multidisciplinary settings, including specialist hospital wards, outpatient clinics and orthopaedic operating sessions. Hours spent in clinical practice will increase as you make final preparations for the workplace.

Modules

• Clinical Practice 5
• Clinical Hours 5
• Conducting Research
• Medicine and Pharmacology Applied to the At-risk Foot
• Governance, Health and Social Contexts for Professional Practice
• Learning by Objectives

Clinical Hours modules record your achievement of clinical hours which must be at 100% to satisfy HCPC requirements.

Facilities

Patient feedback

Read what Leaf Hospital patients have said about treatment from our students. All feedback is anonymised for patient confidentiality.

"Over a long period of time I have received 100% treatment for my feet and am most grateful to the wonderful students and tutors. I am very fortunate to have the facilities available at the Leaf Hospital, so I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone."

"I just want to say thank you very much for all the kindness and care I have had while having ongoing treatment for my verrucas. It has really encouraged me to study podiatry."

"I am pleased to say that your service is outstanding – the staff are all very friendly and efficient. Thank you very much, it gives us great pleasure having services like this."

"I am amazed at the amount of time and care you have given me. I have lots of problem with my feet but you have made great improvements for me, thank you."

"I have the highest praise for the treatment I receive at the Leaf Hospital. I have difficult feet but I always come out feeling much better than when I went in."

"The service from students and tutors has been excellent – the provision of insoles to suit my needs has enabled me to want to walk without having to rest. Thank you very much."

"I was sent here by my GP as I was complaining of pain in my feet and hammer toes; I have been given exercises and encouragement and feel so much better. Thank you for your help."

"I appreciate the team of students as they do an excellent service. Without Leaf Hospital, so many patients would not be able to get out and about."

"I have been attending the Leaf Hospital for many years and have always received the best of care and consideration at all times."

International requirements and visas

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visas and immigration advice

Knowledge and experience

All candidates must be able to demonstrate good knowledge of podiatry as a profession, from talking to and, if possible, shadowing qualified podiatrists, visiting departments and reading relevant material. This should provide an insight into how this experience has informed their decision to become a podiatrist. Experience of working in other caring environments or voluntary work is also beneficial. Essential reading can be found on www.feetforlife.org.

Course fees

UK students studying nursing, midwifery and some allied health professions subjects receive a non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each academic year. Shortage specialisms, such as podiatry, receive an additional £1,000. Find out more on the NHS website.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2023–24.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and govt funding info for UK and international undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf)

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

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