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Podiatry BSc(Hons)

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    Overview

    What is a podiatrist?

    A podiatrist is an allied healthcare professional who specialises in assessing and treating the lower limb and foot, preventing foot conditions from deteriorating, and enabling better health.

    Helping to keep the population mobile, podiatrists are always in demand. This degree covers everything from health rehabilitation to musculoskeletal care and anaesthesia, and it can be a great route into what can prove a fulfilling career choice, where you can make a difference to people's lives.

    This course is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), too, and accredited by the Royal College of Podiatry. After successfully completing the course, you’ll be able to apply to register with the HCPC and work as a Registered Podiatrist.

    Why study Podiatry BSc(Hons)

    Podiatry provides flexibility following your studies to work in various settings, including the NHS, private practice or even your own clinic. Alternatively, you may continue onto postgraduate study and enrol onto one of our Master’s courses – such as podiatric surgery. This gives you the qualification needed to potentially pursue a career as a foot surgeon.

    As well as attending seminars and lectures, you’ll be taught by industry experts in our, on-campus podiatry clinic; using specialist gait analysis equipment, and developing skills in our orthotics laboratory, you’ll gain hands-on experience to give you a unique insight into the world of foot health.

    The University’s new Daphne Steele Building is now open on the site of the National Health Innovation campus. The building features a state-of-the-art public-facing podiatry clinic, which will enable students to develop their skills and knowledge, whilst directly impacting on the health outcomes of the community.

    You’ll develop the essential skills needed to be a podiatrist and gain hands-on experience during your placement, supported by our clinical lecturing team, who will be on hand to provide help and advice, both on campus and while you are on placement.

    You’ll also learn how to undertake minor surgical procedures using local anaesthetics, as well as attain a prescription-only medicines annotation.

    Students studying this course may be eligible to receive a non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each year. Further information is available on the NHS Learning Support Fund Website.

    Not quite ready to start Podiatry BSc(Hons)? Successful completion of our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree will equip you with the foundation knowledge to study Podiatry.

    Entry requirements

    BBB-BBC at A Level .

    120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.

    Merit in T Level

    DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

    • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade B or above.
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits, 30 at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit.
    • 120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

    In addition you must have GCSE English Language or Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or equivalent Ofqual regulated qualification.

    If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree.

    • You need to demonstrate an understanding of the profession.
    • Applicants with a minimum of 2 years' experience working as a Podiatry Assistant, Foot Care Assistant or Foot Health Practitioner, who have also completed an appropriately recognised course as part of their qualifications will be considered.
    • Offers will be subject to satisfactory references. Please note all the information provided in support of your application may be checked and must be verifiable as a true record.
    • You also need satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances prior to registration. We arrange these as part of the application process. You'll be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination. We will request an Overseas Police Check if you have lived in a country outside of the UK for 6 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years before applying to us and whilst aged 18 or over.
    • If you have alternative qualifications you may wish to contact us for advice before applying.

    Placement providers for this course may require you to have received a number of vaccinations, unless medically exempt, and provide evidence of these. As a student on a course with a clinical or healthcare placement, we strongly recommend that you complete any courses of vaccinations required under current guidelines for your future profession. Failure to do so may result in your inability to undertake a placement in certain clinical settings, therefore impacting upon your academic progression, and may result in academic failure of your course.

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

    Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

    Please note places are limited and attainment of the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an interview or offer. You must include details of any previous study.

    Course Detail

    Core modules:

    Clinical Podiatry 1

    This module aims to provide you with clinical experience of the fundamental techniques used in podiatric care and an understanding of the principles on which therapeutic interventions are based. Through supervised clinical sessions in the University's Podiatry Clinic and a four week NHS placement you'll focus on the practical application of psychomotor skills including scalpel work, nail care, health promotion and manufacture of clinical padding, strapping and insoles fabricated in the orthotic laboratory.

    Lower Limb Structure and Function

    This module introduces you to the anatomy of the lower limb and helps you to develop an understanding about different anatomical structures and their function in walking, including bones, joints, muscles and tendons. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and recognition of anatomical structures, as well as your understanding of gait.

    Medicine 1

    You'll have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of homeostasis and the major organ systems of the human body. You'll also have the chance to gain the ability to demonstrate knowledge of core pathologies relevant to podiatric practice, which will enable you to put the module theory into clinical practice. Teaching will be delivered through interactive lectures, spot tests and online tutorial support.

    Podiatric Theory 1

    Through a combination of lectures and seminars you'll be introduced to a range of podiatric conditions which are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Completion of this module in addition to Clinical Practice 1 and Medicine 1 currently fulfils the College of Podiatry requirements for qualification as a podiatry assistant.

    Professional Development and Research 1

    This module involves a multidisciplinary team-based learning approach, where you'll work with occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry students and speech and language therapy students. It will introduce you to the role of research and evidence-based practice exploring different research methodologies and the concept of ethics within healthcare research. You'll have the opportunity to develop transferable skills in literature searching using electronic databases, academic writing and referencing. You'll also explore lifelong learning, reflective practice and continuing professional development that underpins the essential skills needed to understand registration requirements for your specific professional and regulatory body.

    Core modules:

    Clinical Podiatry 2

    You’ll have the opportunity to assess and manage a wide variety of podiatric conditions in the University’s Podiatry Clinic and during a four week practice placement. You’ll complete practical classes to develop your neurological and vascular assessment skills, whilst orthotic sessions provide you with an opportunity to practically explore the prescription and manufacture of custom orthoses.

    Introduction to Musculoskeletal Podiatry

    This module helps you to build on your knowledge of the fundamentals of the structure and function of the lower limb. You'll explore various pathologies/injuries and different methods of assessing them to establish a cause and reasonable management plan. This module provides the opportunity for you to develop your skills in musculoskeletal care which you'll encounter throughout your podiatric careers.

    Medicine 2

    The podiatric implications of general medical conditions and their pharmaceutical management will be studied in greater detail. You'll gain knowledge of prescription only medications for use in practice, practical skills in administering local anaesthetic agents and consider in-depth how these are applied in clinical work.

    Research 2

    This module provides the opportunity to build on your knowledge of research from Year 1 and prepares you to undertake an area of research in Year 3. You’ll explore data collection and analysis in relation to methods which are currently used in research and evaluation of practice.

    Core modules:

    Clinical Podiatry 3

    You'll have the opportunity to further develop your practical skills, preparing you to become a registered podiatrist with the Health and Care Professions Council. You'll diagnose and treat a wide variety of podiatric conditions in the University’s Podiatry Clinic and during a six week practice placement. You'll reflect on your clinical experiences to improve your assessment, diagnostic and treatment skills.

    Podiatry and the High Risk Patient

    Through a combination of lectures, workshops, university clinics and day placements, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the management of the high risk podiatry patient. The module will enable you to develop theoretical knowledge and apply this knowledge via assessment and management of patients with complex underlying medical conditions which effect the lower limb.

    Principles of Contemporary Practice

    The aim of this module is to facilitate your exploration and learning about contemporary podiatric practice. Modern podiatric practice encompasses many areas of specialist work which you will continue to develop throughout your professional career following registration. This will include the core elements of practice that underpin your work such as theories of evidence based practice and healthcare ethics.

    Research 3

    This is a multidisciplinary module which follows on from Research 2. You'll undertake a small-scale research project related to an interdisciplinary research environment. You’ll work in a multi-professional group, with other health professional students on a defined topic area with a named supervisor. You’ll also be involved in data collection. Your research proposals will be subject to the necessary ethical approvals within the University.

    An average of 23% of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc and 15% is spent on placement.

    Teaching and learning is delivered through seminars, group work, practical experience, lectures, staff or student lead tutorials, case-based tutorials, virtual learning, role play, clinical practice, reflection and placement. Within this in-house treatment of patients in the podiatry clinic and hands-on placements within a practice setting is incorporated. Where possible, patients with a history of podiatry conditions support your learning by sharing their experiences.

    You'll be assessed through a range of methods throughout the course including coursework, practice-based assessment and exams. Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    Full-time or part-time study

    You can choose to study this course on a full or part-time basis. Our part-time students attend modules at the same time as our full-time students, alongside the standard full-time timetable. This course is not available to study on a part-time basis on an evening, at the weekend, or via distance learning.

    Further information

    Once you’ve submitted your application form to UCAS you may be invited to attend an interview.

    The teaching year normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. You can study this course on a part-time basis but as this is a full-time course, you may have to attend every day of the week.

    Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study core modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification.

    If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Placements

    Placements are a compulsory element of the course and take place in a range of different NHS settings. You'll undertake 435 hours on placement throughout the duration of the course. The placements will provide you with:

    • Orientation to the NHS and introduction to podiatry in the NHS.
    • Supervised work providing treatment of patients requiring footcare assistant level care.
    • A wider range of clinical practice experience to include an overview of the roles of other healthcare practitioners.
    • Supervised management of patients requiring complex interventions in a range of treatment locations, including those patients deemed to be at risk or those whose environment create additional risk.

    There may also be opportunities for final year students to access placements in other parts of the world where we have contacts.

    Please note that you may be required to travel for/during your placements.

    “I've completed placements in an NHS trust and podiatric clinics in Singapore. They provided an insight into what the role of a podiatrist entails and the various settings they work. I was also able to network with other podiatrists and develop skills required for my future career.”

    Levi Kadiri, podiatry student photo

    Levi Kadiri, Currently studying Podiatry BSc(Hons)

    Student manufacturing orthotic devices in the lab.
    State-of-the-art Podiatry Clinic on campus.
    Students leading patient care through to referral
    Collaborative learning with pharmacy students
    Student Podiatrist using expert skills.
    Experience complex care under expert supervision.
    Student supported by experienced clinicians.
    Amfit Digitaliser enables insoles to be made.
    Sidas Lightbox examines pressure under the foot.
    Gaitrite helps identify patients foot problems.

    Discover more about the course

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    Further Study

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    Research Excellence

    See how our innovative research shapes what you'll learn.

    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Cancellation of a course you have applied for

    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

    Equal opportunities

    The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

    Data protection

    The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

    Students’ Union membership

    Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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