Podiatry BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Upon completion of the BSc Podiatry course you will be equipped to establish and run your own clinical practice and will have a wide variety of work opportunities both in the UK and overseas.

  Our Podiatry course comprises theory and clinical studies modules. At the end of stage one you will undertake a local placement which is preceded by pre-clinical studies. During the second stage you will undertake orthopaedic and physical medicine clinics in-house as well as completing local and national placements. During the final stage you will have the opportunity to practice at several specialist clinics which include at risk, sports and paediatrics. You will be trained to undertake selected procedures under local anaesthesia. At the final stage of the course you may have the opportunity to attend to injuries at the London Marathon under the guidance of academic staff.

  The Podiatry degree at UON aims to develop your skills through clinical activity and rigorous academic content, this combination will help to transform you into the highest quality practitioner.

  If you were once a registered allied health professional but took a career break and are looking for more information about financial, clinical and academic support available to return to practice visit the Health Education England site.

  List of modules:

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1
    • Interprofessional Education (IPE)
      Module code: FHS_IPE20

      Status: Compulsory
    • Functional Anatomy (20 Credits)
      Module code: POD1101

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide introduction to human anatomy with reference to the foot and lower limb in support of further study of podiatry, podiatric biomechanics, pharmacology, pathology and surgery. It will also provide the student with an introduction to normal human bipedal stance and locomotion and develop competence in analysing gait.
    • Pathology (20 Credits)
      Module code: POD1102

      Status: Compulsory
      Pathology is the bridge between basic biological science and clinical medicine. The purpose of this module is to develop a foundation knowledge of pathological principles in preparation for clinical practice and undertaking the Podiatric Medicine Module at Level 5. The Pathology module is taught through a blended learning approach. Students will be expected to engage with directed on-line learning material which will compliment face-to-face teaching sessions through a combination of pre-session learning and post-session consolidation. Learners are encouraged to become active participants in class based activities and discussion, enabling them to develop and contextualise their understanding of pathology.
    • Physiology (30 Credits)
      Module code: POD1103

      Status: Compulsory
      Physiology provides an understanding of the links between structure and function from cell organelle to organ systems. The purpose of this module is to develop a foundation knowledge of the principles of homeostasis in preparation for Podiatric Medicine & Pharmacology modules at Level 5. The Physiology module is taught through a blended learning approach. Students will be expected to engage with directed on-line learning material which will compliment face-to-face teaching sessions through a combination of pre-session learning and post-session consolidation. Learners are encouraged to become active participants in class based activities and discussion, enabling them to develop and contextualise their understanding of physiology.
    • Research Methods 1 (10 Credits)
      Module code: POD1104

      Status: Compulsory
      The aim of this module is to introduce the concepts of knowledge and to develop students understanding of knowledge and the ways in which it can be acquired and processed using computer hardware and software.
    • Clinical Studies 1 (40 Credits)
      Module code: POD1107P

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces students to clinical practice within a wide professional context that includes appreciation of effective business systems & processes, health and safety policy,and legal & ethical frameworks (HCPC, SCP, University H & S policy). Teaching and learning takes place though a series of compulsory pre-clinical sessions, demonstrations and hands-on practice. The student will develop essential skills in operational practices including; risk assessment; infection control; decontamination processes, in addition to to a wide range of patient assessment and treatment skills. Risk management is also a focus for this module and includes the Data Protection Act, social media benefits & cautions, patient confidentiality. Emphasis is also made on the skills of practical footwear fitting and the Healthy Footwear Guide (HFG) is introduced through a shoe fitting workshop. Motivational assessment techniques are also discused within the context of wider public health issues and the comprehensive approach to positive patient outcomes.
  • Stage 2
    • Clinical Studies 2 (40 Credits)
      Module code: POD2101P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to: Develop students clinical skills and knowledge of physical, mechanical and pharmacological therapies in relation to Podiatric Orthopaedics and Podiatric Medicine. The module includes work based learning through external placement rotation where inter-professional learning (IPL) skills are developed, in addition to placement at our University Podiatry Clinic and Mechanical Therapeutics Laboratory (MTL). Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety, materials science, prescribing and manufacture of orthoses. There is three week block national placement at the end of the module with potential opportunity for international placement. Development of self as a practitioner is supported through Level 5 PebblePad and includes portfolio of competancy in compulsory skills. The portfolio supports individual development through reflective writing and formative feedback. There are a number of formal competancies that are assessed. All this will support and enable personal development of knowledge and clinical skills whilst preparing students for OSCE and viva voce?s. Integrated learning resources such as XERTE, videos support self-directed student and revision.Teaching/ learning strategies will include lectures, clinical skills demonstrations, teaching patients, seminars and group work. Academic clinical supervision at the University of Northampton clinic/ MTL supports alignment of theory to practice throughout this module within a research, global and business context. These processes collectively support the development of individual skills such as critical thinking, communication and problem solving thus enhancing autonomous practice and employability.
    • Podiatric Medicine (20 Credits)
      Module code: POD2102

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop the basic themes from Pathology. This module covers the study of the classification, epidemiology, clinical features, pathology, complications and management of human diseases and the effects of primary, secondary and idiopathic disease processes on the skin and skin appendages with particular reference to the lower limb.
    • Pharmacology (20 Credits)
      Module code: POD2103

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide a theoretical framework for the use of medications relating to podiatric practice in topical, systemic and local analgesic pharmacology. This ensures that students achieve minimum standards required for podiatrists access to POMs (via exemptions to the Medicines Act 1968) and enable them to analyse the effects medications prescribed by other professionals will have on their practice. This module will provide the student with the fundamental concepts of pharmacology relating to podiatric practice. It will equip students with the knowledge and skills to link patients? current pathologies and medications and determine their requirements for further medications to be administered or supplied safely, within the constraints of the current legal framework. It will enable the student to develop their knowledge and skills in this area and help them to analyse evidence within current research literature. Students will be directed towards the appropriate use of recognised national guidelines (NICE and others) study will be via the student cohort taught by UN staff. The mode of study learning will be a combination of face to face, tutor guided seminars, online materials and self-directed / independent study.
    • Podiatric Orthopaedics (20 Credits)
      Module code: POD2104

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is ? The study of abnormal structure & function of the lower limb forms the fundamental basis for podiatric orthopaedic practice. It enables the student to develop a theoretical understanding and practical appreciation of lower limb/ foot structure and how this impacts on function. This module develops upon normal structure and function covered at level 4.
    • Research Methods 2 (20 Credits)
      Module code: POD2105

      Status: Compulsory
      Podiatrists are required to employ a sound research evidence base for practice. This module will introduce the students to the components and process of research within healthcare generally and podiatry specifically. It will equip and prepare the student to conduct an independent research project (dissertation) at Level 6. This module is a pre-requisite for the Level 6 Dissertation Module.
  • Stage 3
    • Sports and Paediatrics (10 Credits)
      Module code: POD3102P

      Status: Compulsory
      This module looks at relevant knowledge in the fields of sports and paediatrics.The application of functional podiatric orthopaedics and biomechanics forms the fundamental basis of podiatric sports and paediatrics. It enables the student to apply relevent medical knowledge alongside functional biomechanics and normal development in the management of cases in these areas.
    • Clinical Studies 3 (30 Credits)
      Module code: POD3103P

      Status: Compulsory
      The module provides a practical framework for students to develop their skills relating to all aspects of podiatric practice. Having successfully completed the module they will be ready to work as podiatrists at an appropriate level in any subspeciality competantly, confidently and autonomously or as part of a wider team. This module is primarily delivered face to face by UN staff with a high emphasis on clinical activity and developing skills, additionally students will also have exposure to and reflect on Inter-Professional Learning (IPL) from a variety of other healthcare professional professions in Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDT?s) whilst on placement.Within this module the students will broaden their scope of practice and manage their own case loads effectively and professionally. They will be prepared for any clinical situation which may arise in practice. They will understand the mechanisms of referral to specialist practitioners. They will interact with other professionals across the School of Health and with members of the profession and other professions. They will become competent to practice within the private or public sectors in the field of Podiatry. They will become informed professionals and understand the multi faceted nature of the profession.
    • Surgery and Orthopaedics (20 Credits)
      Module code: POD3106

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with the fundamental concepts of foot surgery, together with the process and methods for undertaking a pre-surgical assessment and evaluation. It will help develop an understanding of the surgical management of different orthopaedic foot pathologies and enable students to develop knowledge and skills to help them to critically appraise the orthopaedic surgical research literature. Students will be directed towards appropriate use of recognised national guidelines (NICE) and attend theatre placements in foot & ankle orthopaedics and podiatric surgery to supplement their academic training and enhance their employability.It will cover indications for and contraindications and complications that may arise from foot surgery. It will embrace procedures performed under local analgesia e.g. skin, nail, toe, lesser metatarsal, 1st metatarsophlalangeal joint surgery and amputation. The principles of foot surgery and the perioperative considerations will be explored. Various investigations and laboratory tests pertinent to the surgical patient wil be explored.
    • The Foot at Risk (20 Credits)
      Module code: POD3107P

      Status: Compulsory
      Podiatrists spend much of their clinical time managing conditions which present as a potential risk to the health of the patient and/or the lower limb. Many of these conditions arise as a result of systemic disease and the consequences of such disease on the limb. This module is designed to explore the relationships between systemic disease and the degeneration of body systems with the health status of the lower limb. It aims to prepare student podiatrists and enhance employability prospects by developing podiatric risk assessment and management skills in a variety of settings and for a diverse range of service users.The module will challenge students to link knowledge of disease pathology to risk status. The students' capability in justifying differential diagnosis, selecting assessment techniques and interpreting findings will be assessed alongside the ability to construct safe and competent treatment plans.A blended approach to teaching will comprise face-to-face group teaching sessions at the University of Northampton?s Podiatry Clinic, directed on-line learning and clinical practice within the University of Northampton?s Podiatry clinic. Clinical sessions will feature a blend of individual service user management and group work under the supervision of the clinical tutor/ senior lecturer. Specialist placement in three multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinics (King?s College Hospital, Leicester General/ Royal Infirmary Hospitals, and Northampton General Hospital) is a compulsory part of the module to enhance student?s exposure to NHS practices and the dynamic work of multidisciplinary teams in managing high risk foot cases.
    • Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: POD4101

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide final year students with the opportunity to plan and undertake a research project and evaluation relevant to Podiatry.

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• Entry requirements

  All applicants must have:

  • Standard entry requirements apply but a typical offer would be BBC at A Level including Level 3 Science or DDD at BTEC.
  • BTEC Extended Diplomas to DDM
  • You will also need to have completed some work or volunteering experience within the Podiatry Field. If you do not have this experience you may be asked to gain experience and, as evidence, provide a written reflective account which is to be signed by the facilitator.

  You also need one of the following qualifications:

  • Applicants must also have GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English Language at Grade C/4 or above.
  • Functional Skills/Key Skills or credits taken within an Access to Higher Education course (12 credits at Level 2 or 6 credits at level 3) as equivalent for both Maths and English Language are also acceptable.

  All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:

  • successful Occupational Health Screening,
  • satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report, and
  • successful interview by the University.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.5 overall with of 6.5 in each section 

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  Interview Information

  After applying via UCAS and meeting the entry requirements, you will be invited to an online interview and will be interviewed individually by a Podiatry academic.

  You will receive further information and the interview preparation instructions from us by email before your interview. If you have any questions, please email Paul Fletcher, Podiatry academic, at: Paul.Fletcher@northampton.ac.uk

  As part of your interview preparation, you can research into the role of a Podiatrist and podiatry profession. You may want to look at:

  • HCPC
  • NHS
  • Royal College of Podiatry
  • Our Podiatry Clinical Unit in Northampton

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• Fees and Funding

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • International – Full Time: £15,750

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • International – Full Time: £15,000

  Additional Costs

  • we currently pay indemnity insurance for all of our commissioned students, this is £85
  • instruments are provided for you, you will only need to buy scissors
  • the clinical uniforms (two tops and one pair of trousers) are provided by the H.E.E. NHS funding (although extra may be purchased if needed)
  • additional expenses include a white lab coat and an optional lower limb skeletal model, approximately £65
  • students receive travelling expenses to placements. International students however will have to fund expenses incurred when travelling to placement locations although this will be less than other schools of podiatry due to our designated clinical unit
  • you will need to purchase and have suitable footwear for the clinical environment.

  Financial contribution towards your travel, and expenses in relation to your practice learning opportunities, may be available to you from the NHS Learning Support Fund. Details, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the NHS website.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time Podiatry degree at Northampton you will receive a laptop when your course begins. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks visit our Student Perks page.

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• FAQs

  How will I be assessed?

  Assessment methods used on the BSc Podiatry include coursework and examinations.

  What are the specialist teaching facilities for Podiatry?

  You will benefit from clinical placement and education at our Podiatry Clinic allowing you to put your skills into practice and gain valuable experience.

  We run busy clinics which include sports, paediatrics, at risk, orthopaedic, physical medicine, general and nail surgery.

  Our Podiatry course aims to develop your skills through clinical activity and rigorous academic content, this combination will help to transform you into the highest quality practitioner.

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Careers and Employability

An insight into the diverse range of job opportunities may be shown by where our graduates and staff team have worked in National Health Service, podiatric surgical consultancies, multidisciplinary diabetic clinics (NHS), orthopaedic triage (NHS), podiatric day case surgery teams, private practice UK/overseas, sports medicine practice, teaching and research, industry, mechanical therapy laboratories, treating diabetes in European communities, treating leprosy patients in India, HMS Prisons, paediatric podiatry and forensic podiatry.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

Successful completion of this course could lead on to one of our postgraduate programmes: MSc Public  Health, MSc Advancing Practice, Doctor of Professional Practice in Health and Social Care

At the University of Northampton, we offer a range of short courses and continuing professional development (CPD) programmes. These will enable you to learn new skills, progress into specialisms or take on new responsibilities.