BSc (Hons) Podiatry Work Based Degree

Our Podiatry Work Based Degree enables new and existing healthcare staff to study for a degree while in paid employment
Rear view shot of the highlighted joints in a runner's foot

BSc (Hons) Podiatry Work Based Degree

Our Podiatry Work Based Degree enables new and existing healthcare staff to study for a degree while in paid employment
If you have an enquiry about our work based degrees at the Â鶹´«Ã½, please complete the below form.
Office hours are Monday – Friday, 08:30–16:30.

How to apply

All employers will need to complete an Employer Capacity Assessment (ECA) to be reviewed by the Programme Lead.
Once an ECA has been approved, the potential apprentice will be required to complete an online application form with the support of their employer and the University to ensure the programme is an appropriate solution to their skills development needs. On completion of the online application form, the University will assess the information provided and determine the next steps.
For more information please email apprenticeships.skillshub@plymouth.ac.uk.

Modules overview

First Year
Introduction to podiatric practice: Introduces the clinical environment and professionalism
An introduction to podiatric clinical practice: Focuses on disorders of the skin including wounds. Assessment of neurological and vascular impairment will be introduced
Human anatomy and physiology: Introduces the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology
Lower limb studies 1: Concentrates on lower limb anatomy and how normal gait and movement is enabled. The theory underpinning assessment of the lower limb is explored
Person centred care: Explores enabling patient choice by shared decision making, personal health budgets, supported self-management and community based support
Professional and inter-professional working: Develops understanding of professional practice and the inherent standards expected of health care professionals. The value of inter-professional working is introduced

Second Year
Research methods: Concentrates on the development of a research project, combining skills relating to evidence based practice.
Special patient groups: Focusses 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.
Systemic disorders of the lower limb: Theory is developed associated with patients presenting with common systemic or acquired disorders that may cause lower limb pathologies.
Musculoskeletal conditions and applied biomechanics in the foot and lower limb: Develops knowledge of the aetiology and pathology of musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and lower limb.
Gait, footwear and orthoses: Explores assessment and management of foot and ankle disorders responsive to footwear / orthotic therapy.
Lower limb studies 2: Develop knowledge of pathological conditions including malignancies pertaining to skin and nail units.

Final Year
Research project: The research project initiated in DAPOD501 will be carried out, under supervision, using an ethically approved protocol.
Pharmacology: Focusses 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.
Minor surgery: Develops skills and knowledge in the formation of assessment and management options to carry out minor surgical techniques in suitable patients.
Complex podiatric medicine: Skills in diagnosis and podiatric management of patients presenting with complex conditions and comorbidities will be developed.
Leadership and clinical education: Focusses on theories of leadership, communication in difficult circumstances, and clinical governance.

Assessment methods

A variety of assessment methods are used throughout the programme to enable the students to achieve the learning outcomes for each module. This approach illustrated below contributes to achieving an inclusive and equitable assessment strategy.
  • Coursework
  • Essays
  • Reports
  • Reflective writing/blogs
  • Clinical Logs
  • Professional Development Profile
  • Peer Observation of Practice
  • Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS)
  • Portfolio
  • Case-Based Discussion (CBD)
  • Graphic visual representations of knowledge, information and data
  • An observation including viva and professional presentation which form the End Point Assessment (EPA).
Â鶹´«Ã½ is the preferred provider for podiatry degrees by NHS England.
What is a podiatrist? 
Podiatrists are experts in foot and lower limb health, keeping people of all ages active. Becoming a podiatrist will provide you with a broad scope of clinical practice, including a pivotal role in reducing the risk of amputation. You will develop an evidence-based approach to the management of people with foot problems. A podiatry degree can launch a dynamic career and is a springboard to specialising in other areas of the profession, such as diabetes, sports medicine, research and podiatric surgery.
Who is the course for?
Podiatry is a rewarding and varied healthcare profession. The course is suited to individuals who can communicate well, enjoy problem-solving, and wish to develop practical and intellectual skills to improve patient outcomes. 
For those already in possession of a degree with a classification of 2:1 or above, we also offer the MSc Podiatry Work Based Degree.
Course
The degree will provide the learner with the opportunity to study for a work-integrated degree while remaining in salaried employment. This work-based course allocates specific times to work under direct supervision from expert clinical podiatrists. The podiatry lecturing team at the University will provide expertise to support the learner in gaining evidence-based knowledge and appropriate academic skills to gain both theoretical understanding and clinical aptitude. 
The course is delivered through blended learning, using a variety of technologies to allow apprentices to learn at their own pace and at a time to suit them and the employer. Practical skills are developed in an authentic environment with expert practitioners. Apprentices learn ‘virtually’ alongside other apprentices nationwide and are provided with opportunities to learn with and from others during webinars and online forums. 
Once graduated, apprentices are eligible to apply for HCPC registration, which allows the apprentice to work in the NHS, independently and also in many countries throughout the world.

Areas of specialisms

  • @NHS

  • @Private sector

  • @Ministry of Defence

  • @Academia/Research

Course facts

Duration: 36 months
Hours of study per week: 26
Delivery: Online
Entry requirements:
  • GCSE minimum at grade C/4 (or accepted equivalent) in mathematics and English
  • GCSE minimum at grade C/4 in a science subject
  • Evidence of Level 3 qualifications
  • Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check completed by your employer
  • Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this course.
Pebbles on a beach, arranged in the shape of three sets of footprints. Image courtesy of Shutterstock (209141077).
BSc (Hons) Podiatry - image courtesy of Shutterstock

Core skills

  • Specialist knowledge in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of lower limb pathologies.
  • Leadership and teamwork.
  • Analytical skills, problem solving and effective communication.
  • Research literacy.

Health Education England says...

  • @“By far the most comprehensive bid submitted. There is real clarity and detail in the scope and capacity to meet the requirements of national delivery.â€

  • @“There is a strong sense of confidence in the provider to deliver their ambitions within this bid and the panel have no hesitation in recommending this bid to be accepted for national delivery subject to regulatory and professional body approval.â€