BSc (Hons) Podiatry

Podiatry is a healthcare profession concerned with the assessment, diagnosis and management of the foot and lower limb. This course provides an environment in which the student can gain knowledge, acquire skills and develop personally to allow him/her to evolve into an independent and effective professional practitioner. Podiatry graduates, on qualification, will be eligible to apply for membership of both the Health Professions Council and the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. Health Professions Council (HPC) membership confers the title 'Chiropodist'/'Podiatrist' and allows employment within both the NHS and private sectors.

Course content

• Clinical studies
• Pathology
• Regional and functional anatomy
• Physiological systems
• Research Methods
• Podiatric microbiology
• Professional studies
• Pharmacology for Podiatrists
• Pathomechanics
• Health psychology
• Orthopaedics
• Podopaediatrics
• Sports medicine

At the commencement of the course students will be required to purchase course text books and locker deposits.

Entry Requirements

Two A Levels at C grade and one A Level at D grade or above (220 UCAS tariff points). One of the C grades must be a science subject, with Biology, Human Biology or Chemistry being the preferred subject. BTEC National Diploma or Higher National Diploma and Access courses in appropriate science subjects will also be considered in place of A Levels (a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 and 15 credits at Level 2 are expected from Access courses including all science related modules). Additionally applicants will be expected to possess a minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent); two of which must be in English and mathematics. Applications from mature and foreign students holding recent but alternative qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. All applicants meeting the entry requirements are interviewed and part of this process involves diagnostic and manual dexterity testing. Places on the course are also subject to Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check and Occupational Health clearance. Successful applicants are required to complete one day of observational placement with an HPC–registered podiatrist prior to commencement of the course.

Delivery & Assessment methods

By coursework and written/practical examinations. Students have to successfully complete all modules. Clinical Training Podiatry students are required to complete 1000 hours of clinical practice in order to be eligible for entry to the profession. A significant proportion of this experience is acquired in the college’s purpose built clinic, operating theatre and biomechanics laboratory. The school works in partnership with the Strategic Health Authority and an essential part of the clinical component is spent on placement with NHS service providers (note that some students may be expected to attend placements outside the local region).

Progression

Course graduates can progress onto further professional development through post graduate and research positions. Alternatively career opportunities include employment within podiatric and multidisciplinary teams, private practice, clinical specialisms including podiatric surgery, diabetes, biomechanics, rheumatology, podopaediatrics, forensic podiatry and sports injury research.