TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BSc (Hons)

Podiatry

Podiatrists help people stay active by treating foot and ankle problems. Studying podiatry can lead to a rewarding career with options to specialize in areas like sports injuries, medicine, research, and podiatric surgery.

Our typical offer

96 UCAS points

Hands-on clinical experience

The course provides early and consistent clinical exposure, including NHS placements, private practice, and specialist clinics (e.g. diabetes, musculoskeletal, and wound care).

Public health and social justice

With an emphasis on health inequalities, outreach, and inclusive care, we offer opportunities to work with vulnerable populations, gaining real-world experience in tackling foot health disparities.

Learning from lived experience

Hearing direct from service users and carers helps foster empathy, communication, and a patient-centred approach - vital qualities for future podiatrists. 
BSc (Hons) Podiatry

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About

Phil speaking to students in practical setting

If you are looking for a rewarding career where you can have a real impact on people's quality of life, podiatry may be just what you are looking for. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career since graduating with my podiatry degree. The possibilities within the profession are vast with great opportunities in the NHS, Ministry of Defence, private practice and abroad. I've met some great people along the way. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to anyone. Yes podiatrists cut toenails, but we do a whole lot more than that!

Mr Philip Hendy
Mr Philip Hendy Lecturer in Podiatry (Education)

This course is for you if...

you're compassionate and dedicated to caring for people who need your help
Two hands holding each other, depicting support
you're a team player, ready to work with healthcare professionals, patients, and families
Two healthcare professionals, one with stethoscope
you want to make a difference to society through healthcare
Clipboard with heart showing heart beat
you're committed to joining the ranks of registered podiatrists making a difference
Feet

Details

Year 1

In your first year, you'll learn the key concepts and theories of podiatric practice including anatomy, biomechanics, physiology and podiatric medicine. We teach you techniques to assess the neurological and vascular systems of the lower limb and introduce you to gait analysis. Undertaking essential shared learning with other healthcare students gives you a broad perspective of multidisciplinary work and you gain practice skills through supervised placements in NHS-based training clinics. 
Podiatry students training in Intercity Place

Core modules

STPOD401
Introduction to Podiatric Practice (Including Placement) 20 credits

This practice-based learning module introduces the clinical environment, professional behaviour, evidence-based practice and record keeping.

100% Coursework

STPOD402
An Introduction to Podiatric Clinical Practice 20 credits

This module focuses on disorders of the skin including wounds. Assessment of neurological and vascular impairment will be introduced. Learners will be introduced to skin debridement and enucleation using simulated callus. Principles of padding and strapping will also be taught.

100% Clinical exams

STPOD403
Human Anatomy and Physiology 20 credits

Introduces the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology.

100% Examinations

STPOD404
Lower Limb Studies 1 20 credits

This module concentrates on lower limb anatomy and how normal gait and movement is enabled. The theory underpinning assessment of the lower limb is explored.

100% Remotely delivered assessments

STPOD406
Professional and Inter-professional Working 20 credits

This module develops understanding of professional practice and the inherent standards expected of health care professionals. The value of inter-professional working is introduced.

100% Coursework

STPOD405
Person-centred Care (Including Placement) 20 credits

This module explores enabling patient choice by shared decision making, personal health budgets, supported self-management and community based support. This module includes a placement-based element of learning in the practice environment.

100% Coursework

HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1

Year 2

In your second year, you'll increase your knowledge of podiatric practice for children and older people. Learn about the complexity of foot function and how to recognise and treat pathologies of the foot and ankle. You will gain a good understanding of systemic conditions that impact on the health and function of the lower limb, and build your confidence and the personal skills required to work as a podiatrist in a placement setting. Your skills in the treatment of lower-limb disorders through the application of physical and mechanical therapies, pharmacology and surgery are developed. You learn the research skills required to develop your own research proposal and to support practice with evidence-based learning. 
Girls treating feet

Core modules

SOHP503
Project Studies 20 credits

This module develops knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. The content is designed to enable the students to understand different research designs, to evaluate the research literature and to prepare them to undertake research at undergraduate level. Meets all or part of HCPC Standards of Proficiency: 2b.1, 3a.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

STPOD501
Development and Maturation of the Lower Limb 20 credits

This module focuses on development of the lower limb from birth to adulthood and how this influences function. Recognition of conditions relating to the lower limb, which impact on mobility and stability through the life cycle will be explored.

100% Examinations

STPOD502
Systemic Disorders of the Lower Limb 20 credits

During this module theory is developed associated with patients presenting with common systemic or acquired disorders that may cause lower limb pathologies.

100% Examinations

STPOD503
Musculoskeletal Conditions and Applied Biomechanics in the Foot and Lower Limb (including Placement) 20 credits

This module develops knowledge of the aetiology and pathology of musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and lower limb. This module includes a placement-based element of learning in the practice environment.

100% Coursework

STPOD504
Gait, Footwear and Orthoses 20 credits

This module explores assessment and management of foot and ankle disorders responsive to footwear / orthotic therapy.

100% Coursework

STPOD505
Lower Limb Studies 2 20 credits

This module develops knowledge of pathological conditions including malignancies pertaining to skin and nail units.

100% Coursework

HIPL500
Interprofessional Learning 2

Final year

In your final year, you’ll undertake patient-focused clinical practice and theory addressing contemporary health issues and complex medical cases. You will also carry out a supervised project in an area that you’re interested in. Modules in the final year are enhanced by external specialist clinicians who are invited to share their skills and knowledge. A business and leadership module at the end of this year equips you with the tools for independent practice. At the end of your studies, you are an autonomous practitioner who is confident to practice your professional skills in the clinical, pharmacological and surgical management of patients in either the NHS or as an independent practitioner. 
Students using Anatomage table, Intercity Place

Core modules

SOHP605
Project 20 credits

This module consolidates knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. The content will support the students to undertake research at undergraduate level, to discuss their findings in the context of the contemporary evidence base and to evaluate the implications of their activities on their future practice.

100% Coursework

STPOD601
Pharmacology 20 credits

This module focuses on the pharmacological approach to patient management. On successful completion of this module, the student will achieve the Prescription Only Medicines (POM) annotation on the HCPC register.

100% Examinations

STPOD602
Minor Surgery 20 credits

This module develops skills and knowledge in the formation of assessment and management options to carry out minor surgical techniques in suitable patients.

100% Examinations

STPOD603
Complex Podiatric Medicine (Including Placement) 20 credits

Skills in diagnosis and podiatric management of patients presenting with complex conditions and comorbidities will be developed.

100% Practicals

STPOD604
Leadership and Clinical Education 20 credits

This module focuses on theories of leadership, communication in difficult circumstances, and clinical governance. Student will develop and prepare for future roles as clinical educators.

100% Coursework

STPOD605
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving in Clinical Practice (Practice Module) 20 credits

This module provides students with the opportunity to consolidate the range of skills required to care for patients presenting with complex medical disorders. Students will have the opportunity to attain the qualification necessary to enable them to apply to the HCPC to allow them to assume the role as an autonomous registered podiatry practitioner.

100% Coursework

HIPL600
Interprofessional Learning 3

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

First class facilities to prepare you for your career

Learn alongside other undergraduate and postgraduate students from a variety of disciplines at InterCity Place.  Our innovative suites, simulations and practice labs have been designed to help us train and develop the next generation of nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals.
InterCity Place is home to our podiatry clinical skills suits; fully-equipped, featuring plinths, couches, a range of anatomical models, and an array of equipment used in all aspects of the working life of a podiatrist. 
Learn more about our unrivalled study environment
Students using Podiatry facilities, Intercity Place
 
 
 
Lucy working in InterCity Place

I find the course to be a good balance between placement and theory. I definitely feel like the programme is preparing me to enter the workforce as a trained podiatrist. All of our lecturers have hands-on experience, so if we have any questions whatsoever, they are always happy to help. Some are even practicing, so they are able to draw from both past and current experiences when they are teaching.

 
 
 

Work alongside other healthcare students

Teamwork is essential for success in health and social care and many other careers. Interprofessional learning is all about working and learning together with people from different areas of healthcare. It helps you build valuable skills for the future.
The Â鶹´«Ã½ Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre supports interprofessional learning, giving students chances to work with others across different healthcare fields including podiatry, radiography, dietetics, dental surgery, psychology, and child nursing. By learning together, students become confident and ready to step into their careers from day one.

It is great to know how to ensure all of our professions can work effectively together. This benefits the service user and staff.

Healthcare systems always require improvement, it’s easier to know how to improve your area if you know how other areas work too.

Health students taking part in PIHC interprofessional learning activity
PIHC interprofessional learning session - 3 students kneeling on the floor looking at an exercise
Nursing students in clinical setting
Nursing students in clinical setting

Your placements 

Placements provide a rich learning experience, developing clinical skills and knowledge. By the end of your degree you will have gained 1,000 hours of work-based learning gained within a range of settings - community clinics, acute hospital settings and GP surgeries - across the South West.
For the short duration of your placements, you may need to relocate to get the most out of your experience. Advice on financial support available for health care students on placement can be obtained from through the .

Year 1

4 week placement
Build confidence in communicating with patients and gain an awareness of the diverse role of the podiatrist while you start to build you clinical skills.
3 week placement
Continue to build on your communication skills with patients alongside the wider multi-disciplinary team. There will be a focus on interprofessional working and developing the key skills and attributes of a professional. You will continue to develop you assessment and diagnostic skills and clinical skills, including scalpel debridement.

Year 2

5 week placement
The focus of this placement will be on musculoskeletal podiatry and increasing your confidence in history taking, assessment and treatment planning for patients with musculoskeletal problems. You will also have the opportunity to continue consolidating your clinical skills, including advising patients on how to safely manage foot conditions.

Year 3

3 week placement
The focus of this placement will be on developing your skills in delivering local anaesthesia and performing minor surgery, in particular nail surgery to manage in-growing toenails and other painful nail conditions. 
5 week placement
You’ll become competent in translating theory into practice and demonstrate the range of skills needed to work as a newly qualified podiatrist. The placement focus will be around managing the complex patient, you’ll utilise a range of clinical skills including motivational interviewing to optimise outcomes for patients. You’ll work with a range of clinical specialities, such as diabetes, vascular, renal, dermatology and rheumatology.
Podiatry students training in Intercity Place

Placements are an excellent way to get experience in clinical situations,they allowed me to really develop my clinical skills and knowledge. Being able to work in a number of different Trusts also meant that I got to see lots of different types of practice and observe different ideas which I was then able to learn from and use myself when I started working.

Zoe Boulton – BSc (Hons) Podiatry graduate

Tom's experience

"I've got a job where I completed my placement...it's a really good team. The placement enabled me to have that opportunity." 
Graduate Tom talks about his time on the course and future career plans

Study BSc (Hons) Podiatry at Â鶹´«Ã½

Watch Programme Leader Dr Joanne Paton explain what it's like to study podiatry at Â鶹´«Ã½ and our students talk about their experience on the course. 
 
 
 

Learn from experienced Podiatrists

Our podiatry staff are active practitioners and researchers; their expertise feeding directly into our curriculum and what you learn. 
Mr Philip Hendy Lecturer in Podiatry (Education)


Lecturer in Podiatry (Education)

Mrs Karen Reed Lecturer in Podiatry


Lecturer in Podiatry

Mrs Joanna Bower Lecturer in Podiatry


Lecturer in Podiatry

Show all
 
 
 
 
 
 

Life in Â鶹´«Ã½

Â鶹´«Ã½'s maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
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Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

gradute rob headshot - outside

I was drawn to podiatry predominantly through my previous career being musculoskeletal based, I really enjoy working in that kind of environment. I wanted to work for myself straight away as soon as I finished university and podiatry offered that option. I was also drawn to the variety of options within the field, such a rheumatology, paediatrics, musculoskeletal, diabetes and minor surgical procedures, general foot care – all of those things. It ticked all my boxes, not being sat in an office doing the same thing day in, day out.

 
 
Claire at graduation

One thing I love with podiatry is the problem-solving – working out why a patient is experiencing a particular problem, which can often be due to seemingly innocuous occurrence, but a slight tweak to behaviour, activity or footwear can make a huge difference and potentially solve their problem.

Podiatrists are specialist health practitioners responsible for the foot and lower limb. They aim to enhance the quality of life of their patients by assessing, diagnosing and treating conditions of the lower limb through minor surgery, provision of orthoses, wound care and rehabilitation of injury. Improving mobility and independence, they lead on patient care throughout the whole journey, utilising scientific research to inform treatment.
As the healthcare sector moves towards more integrated, home and community-based services, the range of opportunities available for newly qualified podiatrists has never been greater. Our graduates work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, GP practices, health centres, nursing homes, and sports clubs. Podiatrists can be employed by the NHS, independent podiatry providers and the armed forces. Commercial organisations may employ podiatrists in technical sales roles and marketing. Other graduates seek self-employment, running their own practice or perhaps a franchise.
  • ]

    100% of our graduates are in work or further study

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
On Monday 20 October 2025, the UK Government announced its intention to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students in line with inflation from 2026 onwards.
Along with other universities in the UK, the Â鶹´«Ã½ intends to apply this new fee. Whilst the exact details have not currently been announced, it is expected that the increase will be in the region of £400, increasing the annual tuition fee to £9,935 for 2026, which will then be subject to automatic inflationary increases thereafter. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to further Government guidance and legislation. 
The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as the Government has issued further information. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Additional costs

Placements
All students within the School of Health Professions will spend time in placements away from university. The South West is a largely rural region, which often requires students to travel longer and further distances than may be expected when universities are in largely urban areas. In many cases, students will stay away from home for the duration of that placement. Some students on these courses are eligible for reimbursement of additional travel and accommodation costs over normal daily travel costs. This support is part of the Learning Support Fund administered through the NHS Business Services Authority. However, this should be investigated by the student to make sure this applies to their chosen course of study.
It is difficult to give a precise estimate of placement costs for each individual programme, due to the geographical spread of placements, and duration. However it is recommended you attend an Open Day to find out more about what placement costs can be anticipated or discuss placement with a member of our admissions teams.
Despite these costs, placements offer an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and are recognised as an essential part of students' development towards becoming a registered practitioner.
Further information
More details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are included in Faculty of Health additional costs.

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Â鶹´«Ã½, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

You may be eligible for a £5000 NHS training grant

The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students. It is supplementary financial support to the mainstream student loans system and is intended to support students whilst they train and gain professional registration. The is for at least £5,000.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
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Entry requirements

Our typical offer
96 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
Normally 5 GCSEs grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English and Science. Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application. Please note the institution may consider equivalent numeracy and literacy qualifications.

A levels
A minimum of 2 A levels or Level 3 qualifications to include grade C in one science subject from: Biology, Human Biology, PE, Sport, Psychology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Health Sciences, Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, Applied Science, Foot Health. Please contact the Admissions team if you are not studying a second relevant subject.

BTEC National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM in a Science, Health or Social Science subject.
Applied Science, Sports Science, PE. Please contact the Admissions team if you are not studying a second relevant subject.

BTEC National Diploma Modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Access
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma (e.g. science, health, nursing, combined science) with at least 45 credits at Level 3, 33 at Merit/Distinction level including 15 Level 3 credits in Biology/Science/Social Science (Psychology/Sociology).

T level
Accepted – preference pathways would be Health and Science. Typical offer would be a Merit overall.

IB
26–30 overall to include 5 at Higher Level in one subject: Biology, Human Biology, PE, Sport, Psychology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Health Sciences, Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, Applied Science, Foot Health. Please contact the Admissions team if you are not studying a second relevant subject.
English and Maths accepted within Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5
If overseas and not studying English within IB – MUST have IELTS

Equivalent qualifications
Equivalent qualifications may be considered. Alternatively, if you have any questions or concerns about meeting the entry requirements listed above we would encourage you to contact the Admissions team on +44 1752 585858 or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk, where a member of the team can offer you further advice. For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Extended entry requirements

  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C/4 or above you will have to achieve an IELTS or equivalent qualification at the grades stated below.
  • IELTS – overall average score of at least 7.0, with a score of at least 6.5 in each element.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • English language requirements.
  • We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
  • Students must be 18 years old or over by 31 December in the first year of the course.

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
B985
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(with placements)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Â鶹´«Ã½

    • Other routes into this course

    The following courses are available as routes into this programme.

    BSc (Hons) Podiatry with Integrated Foundation Year

    Our foundation year will help build your confidence and develop the practical, academic and study skills required to progress and succeed on the full BSc (Hons) Podiatry degree.

     

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    96 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    B985
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years
    (with placements)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Â鶹´«Ã½

    Other routes to this course

    The offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to Â鶹´«Ã½ degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
    Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
     
     
     

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