The Lower Limb at Risk

Course Content

• Course Details

  The Lower Limb at Risk (PODM011) module is delivered as a three-day block of face-to-face teaching at the University of Northampton’s Podiatry Clinic, alongside two virtual study days. Lectures and skills sessions are delivered by a range of clinical and academic subject experts. Teaching methods will comprise a blend of face-to-face teaching sessions, practical workshops, group work and directed online learning. Students have access to the University’s virtual learning environment (NILE) for all course materials and the University’s Waterside Campus for its extensive library and learning support facilities.

  Indicative content

  • Pathophysiology of a range of conditions including vascular disease, Charcot neuroarthropathy, wound and skin malignancy, endocrine disease, neurological disorders, and rheumatic disorders.
  • The theory and practice of advanced vascular assessment.
  • Pharmacology related to specific conditions which compromise lower limb viability, and consideration of the role of antibiotics in managing infection.
  • Topical management of wounds to include debridement techniques and the properties of wound care products.
  • Advanced principles of wound management and prevention to include casting techniques, and offloading methods.
  • The development and facilitation of care pathways involving the wider multidisciplinary team.
  • Consideration of the importance of education in diabetic/ high-risk foot management and how this may be delivered.
  • Diagnostic techniques and interpretation relating to cutaneous, soft tissue and bone pathology in high-risk cases.
  • Finding and interpreting research evidence.

  The module aims to extend clinical and professional practice by critically evaluating theory and linking it to practice. Students will aim to relate the theory of aetiology and pathophysiology to management strategies designed to prevent and treat the at risk lower limb.

  Applicants should be professionally registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (or an alternative professional body e.g., NMC or GMC, or international equivalent), in a profession related to the treatment of lower limb disorders.

  If you would like further information about the lower limb at risk module, please contact Lisa Chandler, Module Leader, by email.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

  • Stage 1
    • Valuing Professional Experience (20) (20 Credits)
      Module code: APELM001

      Status: Designate
      The module is designed for students who currently work in a professional capacity who wish to include their work experience within an academic award. It offers the learner the opportunity to present evidence that they have achieved a level of experience, knowledge and understanding within their particular domain of practice which may be recognised as equivalent to learning at Level 7. The specific amount of credits claimed by the student will be determined by the bredth and depth of professional experience as bench-marked against professional standards and recognised performance indicators of advanced practice roles. Academic credits will be awarded based on the level of academic reflection and critque demonstrated and in relation to the quality of evidence provided. All evidence presented as aprt of this module must be independently verfiable (e.g evidenced through documentation or testimonial).
    • Valuing Professional Experience (40) (40 Credits)
      Module code: APELM002

      Status: Designate
      The module is designed for students who currently work in a professional capacity who wish to include their work experience within an academic award. It offers the learner the opportunity to present evidence that they have achieved a level of experience, knowledge and understanding within their particular domain of practice which may be recognised as equivalent to learning at Level 7. The specific amount of credits claimed by the student will be determined by the bredth and depth of professional experience as bench-marked against professional standards and recognised performance indicators of advanced practice roles. Academic credits will be awarded based on the level of academic reflection and critque demonstrated and in relation to the quality of evidence provided. All evidence presented as aprt of this module must be independently verfiable (e.g evidenced through documentation or testimonial).
    • Valuing Professional Experience (60) (60 Credits)
      Module code: APELM003

      Status: Designate
      The module is designed for students who currently work in a professional capacity who wish to include their work experience within an academic award. It offers the learner the opportunity to present evidence that they have achieved a level of experience, knowledge and understanding within their particular domain of practice which may be recognised as equivalent to learning at Level 7. The specific amount of credits claimed by the student will be determined by the bredth and depth of professional experience as bench-marked against professional standards and recognised performance indicators of advanced practice roles. Academic credits will be awarded based on the level of academic reflection and critque demonstrated and in relation to the quality of evidence provided. All evidence presented as aprt of this module must be independently verfiable (e.g evidenced through documentation or testimonial).
    • Medical Law
      Module code: LAWM011

      Status: Designate
    • Therapeutic Communication Intervention (20 Credits)
      Module code: NURM008

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to advance students interpersonal communication skills and increase knowledge of evidence based psychological approaches. This will then enable students to ultisise current best practice recommendations and promote wellbeing.
    • Living with Cancer and Beyond Cancer
      Module code: NURM016

      Status: Designate
    • Advanced Dementia Care (20 Credits)
      Module code: NURM037

      Status: Designate
      The aim of the module is to further develop the knowledge of key staff who are working with people who are living with dementia and their carers in order to prepare them to lead in the development and transformation of informal social support networks and formal care pathwaysThis module has been specifically designed to enhance the contemporary knowledge and expertise of leaders and managers in health and social care provision who are providing services and delivering care to people living with dementia (PWD) and their carers. The module therefore explores the recent policy developments, innovations in practice, and contemporary evidence-base in dementia care.
    • Occupation for Occupational Therapists (20 Credits)
      Module code: OTHM003

      Status: Designate
      The fundamental philosophy of occupational therapy is the use of occupation as a therapeutic tool. This module will enable students to explore, debate and evaluate their understanding and application of the concepts of occupation within a professional and practice contexts.
    • Advanced Skills for Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Podiatrists
      Module code: OTHM004

      Status: Designate
    • Rehabilitation and Recovery
      Module code: OTHM007

      Status: Designate
    • The Stroke Journey
      Module code: OTHM008

      Status: Designate
    • Professional Project (60 Credits)
      Module code: OTHM010

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for the student to acquire appropriate evidence, to critically reflect on the evidence, apply knowledge, concepts, and research techniques to a professional question or problem and make recommendations to improve professional practice. Students are required to identify an area of current practice and to identify potential developments using recognised techniques from health and social care (i.e. audit or evaluation, primary research or systematic review). Where relevant, this project can be tailored to address service/employer priorities. This module develops project specific skills relevant to the method of inquiry selected. The module will develop the student's ability to work independently and to reflect on the subject specific professional practice.
    • Injection Therapy of the Lower Limb for Podiatrists (20 Credits)
      Module code: PODM010

      Status: Designate
      This module aims to extend the practitioner?s knowledge of anatomy, pharmacology and pathology as well as the safety, ethical and legal issues associated with the use of injection therapy. Practitioners will need to organize their own mentorship program of ten supervised injections in order to gain practice in the use of injection therapy, complete the module and be deemed competent to practice the skills and knowledge gained on the course autonomously. Support in doing this will be given by the module team.
    • The Lower Limb at Risk (20 Credits)
      Module code: PODM011

      Status: Designate
      The module will equip learners with specialist knowledge of disease states which compromise the lower limb. This will include consideration of the pathophysiology, pharmacological management, assessment and management strategies of a range of conditions including diabetes mellitus. The role of the wider multiprofessional team in relation to pathways of care will be considered.
    • Advanced Patient Assessment and Diagnostic Skills (40 Credits)
      Module code: PSCM001

      Status: Designate
      Healthcare Practitioners working in a variety of settings may be required to undertake physical and psycho-social assessments of patients. This module will enable those practitioners to gain skills and knowledge to undertake a complete patient history and to use enhanced assessment skills to describe and report on their observations and findings.
    • Clinical Interventions for Advanced Practitioners (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSCM002

      Status: Designate
      Following patient assessment the health care practitioner is required to produce a proposed plan of care. To do this he/she requires a greater understanding of the relevant theoretical perspectives that support the initiation of clinical investigations and/or the ordering of X-rays and medication.

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• Entry Requirements
  • Applicants wishing to study at level 7 will ideally have a degree.
  • Applicants who do not have a relevant bachelor’s degree may still apply as relevant personal, professional, and educational experience will also be taken into consideration. Refer to Admissions Tutor for assessment.
  • Open to Podiatrists or any registered health care professional working vulnerable
    lower limbs.

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• Fees and Funding

  2024/25 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Part time: £920 per 20 credit module

  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 – Part time: £890 per 20 credit module

  For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

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