School of Allied Health and Midwifery

BSc (Hons) Podiatry

BSc (Hons) Full-time 3 years

This BSc (Hons) Podiatry course will give you the practical skills and knowledge to become a specialist health professional, who cares for people with foot and lower limb conditions.

This BSc (Hons) Podiatry course will give you the practical skills and knowledge to become a specialist health professional, who cares for people with foot and lower limb conditions.

Award
BSc (Hons)
Start date(s)
16 September 2024
UCAS Code
B985
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (3 years)
Campus location
Walsall Campus
School
School of Allied Health and Midwifery
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

This BSc (Hons) Podiatry course will give you the practical skills and knowledge to become a specialist health professional, who cares for people with foot and lower limb conditions. As a podiatrist, you will work with people of all ages, helping them maintain their health and wellbeing through a range of podiatric treatments, orthotics, minor surgery, exercise and health education.

This course has been designed to reflect the varied opportunities available for qualified podiatrists. Many of our students have secured employment before the end of their course, allowing them to transition into employment soon after qualifying. One of the advantages of a degree in podiatry is the career choice available when you graduate. You could work in the NHS progressing from an entry-level podiatrist to a specialist podiatrist and then a team leader. Alternatively, you might prefer to work in private practice as an associate or running your own business. Some of our graduates have pursued a career in lecturing, helping the next generation of students achieve their desire to become a podiatrist.

The scope of practice for a podiatrist is broad including diabetes, specialist wound care, biomechanics and gait analysis, sports injuries, and nail surgery to more specialist posts such as a forensic podiatrist, podiatric surgeon or advanced podiatrist. Whatever you decide to do as a podiatrist you will be in a great position to find employment.

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.

What's unique about this course?

  • 90% of graduates find their work meaningful (Graduate Outcome Survey 2023)
  • The Human performance laboratory and gait analysis facilities will support your understanding of lower limb movement. You will learn how this links to clinical management of lower limb conditions, which affect patients’ mobility and quality of life
  • Service users and carers are involved in a range of skills sessions to support an appreciation of how conditions and treatments have affected their lives
  • Transferable skills within the healthcare setting

What happens on the course?

Ultimately, the aim of the course is to prepare you for a career as a qualified healthcare professional making your own clinical decisions, and improving the mobility and quality of life of your patients.

During your training, you will attend a minimum of 1,000 hours in clinical practice, in a variety of placement settings. These include our purpose-built skills rooms where you can practise in a simulated safe environment and real-life settings in the NHS, community, private practice and industry. You will work under close supervision and receive personalised feedback to support your development.

You will learn to diagnose and treat foot and lower limb conditions and be taught about medication and local anaesthesia. Understanding how research supports clinical decision-making is an important part of your training and in your final year, you will undertake a research project supported by supervisors. Alternatively, to a research project, you might want to write a business plan in preparation for starting your own business.

The course will help you to prepare to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, with interprofessional learning together with physiotherapy, paramedic science and occupational therapy students. Service users and carers will provide you with the opportunity to learn from their experiences and perspectives. You will have the opportunity to qualify with a certificate in local anaesthesia and prescription only medicines (POMs) annotation.

The course has a patient-centered approach and during your training, you will explore cultural, economic and social context of health and social care provision. You will consider the implications for those working in the sector and how this can ultimately improve patient care.

On successful completion of the course you can apply to register as a podiatrist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Please note:

From 1 April 2022, Covid-19 vaccination will be a condition of deployment for all frontline health and social care workers. All students on this course will be required to show evidence of being vaccinated or have an NHS Covid-19 Pass confirming that they are medically exempt before being allocated clinical placements. Clinical placements make up a large percentage of the course requirements and vaccination is already a requirement in social care settings. When applying for this course please be aware that if you are not vaccinated against Covid-19 or don't have an NHS Covid-19 Pass confirming a medical exemption you may not be able to complete the course or we may be unable to accept your application for 2022 enrolment.

Check the NHS website to find out how to apply for an NHS COVID-19 Pass confirming a medical exemption.

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Studying at our Walsall Campus, you will benefit from our new, expanded clinical skills laboratories, which provide a safe and stimulating environment for teaching and skills practice. The skills and simulation facilities include several mock hospital ward rooms, mock bedsit and terraced house to practise hospital ward/home/domiciliary treatments. The facilities include an anatomage table offering advanced 3D anatomy visualisation and virtual dissection, and are Panopto-enabled, allowing sessions to be filmed and played back, giving a patient’s eye-view.

The human performance laboratory and gait analysis facilities will support your understanding of lower limb movement. You will learn how this links to clinical management of lower limb conditions, which affect patients’ mobility and quality of life. 

Service users and carers are involved in a range of skills sessions to support an appreciation of how conditions and treatments have affected their lives.

You will be involved in practical skills sessions six weeks after starting your course with weekly sessions building your skills and confidence in treating patients. We have a strong relationship with local NHS trusts who provide placements throughout the three years. These placements are an excellent way to gain experience in clinical situations, developing your clinical skills and knowledge. You will attend a variety of trusts providing an opportunity to experience different types of practice and support your clinical development.

You will work closely with the experienced teaching team, who will guide you through the academic and practical sessions. You will be encouraged to solve problems, reflect on the different treatment options open to you and to take responsibility for your own learning. All our staff will offer you tailored support, benefitting from an excellent staff-to-student ratio. 

The module assessments are designed to be inclusive and demonstrate the learning outcomes for each module and the course as a whole. There are a variety of assessment strategies including practical Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), vivas, course work and presentations. As this is a professional clinical course the emphasis is on face-to-face assessments.

We also offer this degree with a foundation year pathway, where, if successful, you will gain the essential skills that will enable you to excel in higher education and pursue your chosen career.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2024-25
International Full-time £13450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14950 per year 2024-25

Additional Course Costs

Enhanced DBS required at a minimum cost of £40. The cost of the DBS is determined by the Government and further information can be found here - GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service.

Further information on these additional costs will be provided prior to the start of your studies

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

Key Entry Requirements

  • 104 UCAS points
  • A Levels: grades BBC from three A Levels, one subject to be a Science (including Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or Science subject)  not including General Studies, Critical Thinking or Extended Project.
  • T Levels:  Equivalent to 112 UCAS points or higher in Health or Healthcare Science
  • BTEC National Diploma: at a D*D* in a Science, Health or Care subject (not including Public Uniformed Services)
  • BTEC QCF Extended Diploma: at grade DMM in a Science, Health or Care subject  (not including Public Uniformed Services) 
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (104 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 15 credits at distinction) in a Health or Science subject.  If applying with an Access course you only need GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C/4 or above or accepted equivalent. You are not required to hold three GCSEs in total and GCSE Science is not required.

Plus

  • GCSE: English language and maths and science  (including Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or Science subject) grades 9-4/A*-C or equivalent
    • Equivalent qualifications include the following at Level 2:
    • Functional Skills, Key Skills, Learn Direct.
  • Equivalency Test: If you have not achieved your Level 2 qualifications, you are eligible to take our University equivalency tests. The tests for this course are free of charge and can be taken completely online. Our admissions team will confirm in your offer if you are required to take one of these assessments.

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

If English is not your first language, evidence of proficiency must be dated within the last two years, evidencing achievement of IELTS with an overall band score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each element.

 

If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.

 

In addition, You will need to demonstrate that, on entry to the programme, you have capability for digital and technological literacy to meet course outcomes. Evidence of your digital literacy and technological literacy capability is linked to the online application process.

 

Other Requirements

Those meeting the above entry criteria and successfully shortlisted on their personal statement will be invited to a selection day.  The selection day will consist of a number of tasks to identify teamwork, communication and adaptiveness.

The University will make reasonable adjustments for any candidate who has a disability recognised under the Equality Act, 2010 but we ask that you contact the University in advance to enable us to make adjustments.

You must bring with you photographic evidence of your identity e.g. passport or new style driving licence. If these are not available, alternative documents, such as a current College or Work ID are acceptable.  You can bring other forms of ID to the interview but you will require a full set of ID for the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks. Please check the DBS website to ensure you have the correct identification.

Read further information regarding interview preparation

 

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Checks

Due to the professional nature of this course and the potential that this will include work with vulnerable adults and children you are also required to complete an enhanced  Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check to provide evidence of good character.  Students will not be able to commence placement until satisfactory occupational health and DBS checks have been completed,   which must be completed prior to commencement of the programme.   You will be expected to meet the costs associated with the DBS clearance process.

Health Screening (Declaration of Health)

All  students  accepted  on  to  the  course  are  required  to  pass  an advanced occupational health screening. This will include the requirement to undergo any necessary blood tests and immunisations as part of a conditional offer. The cost of the health screening is covered by the University, except for any evidence from health or general practice services which is required (i.e. a letter from your GP).

If you have accepted a Conditional Offer made by the University of Wolverhampton you will receive correspondence asking you to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The charge for this will be a DBS fee of £40.00 and a £6.00 ID check service fee. You will also need to complete an occupational health assessment questionnaire prior to starting the course.

 

References & Personal Statement

Satisfactory references are a condition of the programme.  This will normally be from your educational institution,   work or voluntary experience.  The University reserves the right to request an additional reference.

Applicants will also be required to provide a satisfactory personal statement.

 

The University offers help and advice for personal statements and it can be found on our web site.

 

Voluntary or work experience

You must demonstrate that you have had some personal, voluntary or work experience in a customer care/health related field or situation. We would regard this as anything that involved attending or working with people or patients in need of caring services. It does not have to be full time but should demonstrate that you have had some exposure to this type of experience where you are able to demonstrate and/or develop your caring and compassionate aptitude towards those in need of care.

 

Previous Study

Please note we will not accept applicants onto our professional courses who have been unsuccessful on professional courses at other institutions of higher education

Please note than an offer of a place at the University does not guarantee eligibility for student funding. To confirm that you meet the residency criteria go to www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies or telephone SFE on 0300 100 0607.

Applicants who are classed as ‘overseas’ for fee purposes ukcisa will still be considered as long as their country of domicile is the United Kingdom and do not require Tier 4 sponsorship or are in the UK on a Tier 2 visa.

Please note than an offer of a place at the University does not guarantee eligibility for student funding. To confirm that you meet the residency criteria go to www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies or telephone SFE on 0300 100 0607.

“My experience of podiatry and being at Wolverhampton is that Walsall Campus size is relatively small and not overwhelming.  The facilities are fantastic, it is set in a perfect area for job opportunities and most importantly the lecturers are passionate about what they teach.  There is a world of opportunity awaiting newly qualified podiatrists, you could make a real difference!” Final year student

Podiatry is a hidden healthcare gem; it allows for one-on-one patient interactions, hands-on treatment, work/life flexibility, excellent employability, and includes a variety of autonomous, procedurally-based specialities like biomechanics, wound care, nail surgery, diabetic care, etc.

Walsall Campus offers a modern and brand-new clinical set-up reflecting real-world practice (ie. facilities mimicking patient homes, NHS wards, musculoskeletal physical examination rooms, and a 3D dissection table for interactive pathological learning). 

Our lecturers are proactive, engaging, and all hold a wealth of knowledge that individually supports your journey. 

You need not worry if you are years out of education, you will find podiatry students are a close group of like-minded people regardless of age or experience.

“Personally, for someone who came from a completely different career and put a lot of things on hold to pursue this qualification, I believe no other degree could have been more rewarding or worth recognition.” Second year student

"Health and Care Professions Council, the (HCPC)"

Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a chiropodist/podiatrist.

"College of Podiatry, the"

"Graduates of accredited programmes in Podiatry or Podiatric Medicine are deemed to be fit for the profession of podiatry. They may join the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists and, upon acceptance, will have the right to use the post-nominal letters: MChS."

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

By studying an undergraduate or postgraduate pre-registration programme you are eligible for a Tuition Fee loan. of up to £9,250. The loan will support your studies and enable you to start a rewarding career in healthcare.


Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as Overseas (International) students for fee purposes. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.


NHS Grant:

All new and continuing nursing, midwifery and most allied health professionals’ students on pre-registration courses will also receive a grant of at least £5,000 per year that is not means-tested and will not have to be repaid.

An additional payment of up to £3,000 per academic year will be available to eligible students. Eligibility will include the following:

• £1,000 towards childcare costs • £1,000 if studying in a region that is struggling to recruit • £1,000 if studying a shortage specialism

Among others, the shortage specialisms have been confirmed to include:

• Mental health nursing

• Learning disability nursing

Read the full press release on the Government website to find out more or access“The recent grants for health courses explained"


Additional funding:

Is available via NHS Business Services Authority

The Learning Support Fund offers students additional support while studying for their degree. This includes:

• Dependants allowance of £1,000 per student per year

• Additional travel and accommodation costs to clinical placements over their normal daily travel costs

• An exceptional hardship fund of up to £3,000 per student per academic year


You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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