School of Health Professions

BSc (Hons) Podiatry

UCAS tariff 104 - 120 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code B985
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(with placements)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Podiatrists are experts in foot and ankle health keeping people of all ages active. Choosing to become a podiatrist will give you a broad scope of practice with a scientific approach to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation 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 sports medicine, injection therapy, independent prescribing, clinical research and podiatric surgery.

Your career as a healthcare professional starts here

The first-class new home for our healthcare teaching and research providing students with skills to meet the needs of 21st century careers.

InterCity Place
InterCity Place
A unique new learning space where undergraduate and postgraduate students from the largest breadth of health disciplines in the South-West learn together under one roof, with expert practitioners.
Medical students using the Anatomage table clinical
Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre (PIHC)
Experience an interprofessional learning environment across our health programmes that will prepare you for life as a healthcare professional.
First choice for health
Become a healthcare professional of the future
Collaboration across the schools helps students to learn with, from and about each other, gaining the real-world experience employers seek.

Careers with this subject
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.
Podiatrists work with a wide range of conditions to help improve patient’s overall mobility and quality of life. These can be grouped into three main categories:
  • Sports and musculoskeletal conditions
    Relates to the muscles and the skeleton. Disorders that podiatrists see frequently are lateral ankle sprain, chronic ankle instability, posterior tibial dysfunction, plantar fasciitis, capsulitis, motor neurone’s disease, and bursitis.
  • Complex wound care
    Wound care helps to reduce the risk of infection and encourage the healing process. Some conditions that are seen are neuroischaemic diabetic foot ulcerations, ischaemic ulcerations, decubitus heel ulcers.
  • Systematic conditions
    Podiatrists work with a variety of systematic conditions to prevent tissue breakdown and ulceration through orthoses (insole) provisions. For example peripheral arterial disease, cerebral palsy, charcot-marie-tooth, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and haemophilia.
Podiatrists work with people of all ages, from the very start of life to end of life care. As a result, some conditions may be more prevalent in certain patient groups than others. Some of these patients you might see are:
Adults:
  • people in the athletic community with sports injuries
  • people with complex medical conditions such as peripheral arterial disease, diabetes type one and two, cerebral palsy, charcot-marie-tooth, rheumatoid arthritis, parkinson’s disease and haemophilia.
Children:
  • people with hypermobility syndrome
  • people requiring minor surgery for ingrown toenails
  • people with developmental musculoskeletal disorders.
Within the podiatry profession there are a multitude of job opportunities. You could work in the NHS, within the public or private sector. For example:
  • Public Health in NHS hospitals
  • Communities
  • Specialist patient groups
  • Independent practice
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Technical sales and marketing
  • Education and academia
  • Research
  • Leadership roles
  • Voluntary roles
Advice from graduate Jack Loveday:
"Get as much experience as you can after graduating (or before) by shadowing other practitioners and seeing how they work. I did a lot of this and found that people were generally more than happy to have people sit in on their clinics."
See the Royal College of Podiatry website for further insight.

Key features
  • Employability rates are high within the podiatry profession with potential to work in the NHS, but also as an independent practitioner, with an average starting salary of £25,655 a year (2020–21).
  • The course has been designed, and continues to be developed, by expert educationalists, service-users and carers.
  • Work-based learning is an integral part of the course and you spend 1,000 hours in clinical practice during your three years.
  • Opportunities to attend vascular ward rounds at Derriford Hospital.
  • Observe an independent practitioner working in the private sector.
  • A Ministry of Defence placement is available for high achievers.
  • Practitioners with specialist roles are invited to lecture regularly in years 2 and 3.
  • Train and practice your professional healthcare skills in an inspiring purpose-built environment, InterCity Place .
We feel that our course strongly benefits from having the views of our service-users in the development of new strategies and module design. This is achieved through our school forum where our service-users are invited to contribute to curriculum development and decision-making.
Please note: in order to successfully complete your course and be eligible to apply for a professional registration you must complete a specified number of practice placement hours along with your theoretical study. This is a requirement of the HCPC. Therefore, you will only be able to take personal holidays during the specified leave periods for your course. This includes induction week, where it is vital you attend all sessions.

Course 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.

    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 examinations

    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.

    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.

    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.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

104 - 120

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.
Plus one of the following:
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. Excluding General Studies. Please contact the admissions team if you are not studying a second relevant subject.
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
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.
BTEC National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM – must have strong biology element.
Applied Science, Sports Science, PE – refer with these subjects. 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.
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 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 programme.

Deferred entry
Unfortunately, we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Fees, costs and funding
New student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

Undergraduate Merit Scholarship for international students

Scholarship value: £2000 off your tuition fees in year one.
To recognise continued academic achievement, you may also receive:
  • 10% off the successive years tuition fee if an overall grade of 60% or above is maintained
  • 20% off the successive years tuition fee if an overall grade of 70% or above is maintained.
To be eligible you must:
  • achieve one grade above your academic offer.
  • meet our standard English Language requirements.
This scholarship will be offered automatically, providing you meet the eligibility criteria. A separate application will not be required.

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 .

NHS Learning Support Fund

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. Please be aware that this funding is provided by the NHS and is reviewed periodically, which means levels of funding could be subject to change. For more information, please see the guidance available: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
Apply for this course on the UCAS website.
For more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
The deadline for the receipt of international applications is 30 May 2025 for entry in September 2025.
All NHS funded professional courses are required to select and interview their applicants using a ‘values based’ approach. As part of this process, your UCAS personal statement requires this additional information, which will demonstrate insight into your understanding of the importance of NHS values in your chosen professional discipline.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth 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

Study BSc (Hons) Podiatry at Plymouth

Watch Programme Leader Dr Joanne Paton explain what it's like to study podiatry at Plymouth and our students talk about their experience on the course.
Lucy Gregory, BSc (Hons) Podiatry student

Student insight

“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.” Lucy Gregory, BSc (Hons) Podiatry
Graduate insight

Rob Lowe – charting a new path of service in podiatry

After a career in the Royal Navy, Rob decided his passion for healthcare had not been fully realised, and embarked on a mission to become a highly skilled health professional by studying podiatry as a mature student. Rob gives an insight into how the University helped him find the perfect journey into civilian life.
Podiatry graduate Rob Lowe wearing his Navy uniform

Read more about our graduates

Tom's experience

"I've already 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 his course and future career plans.

The skills you need to be an allied health professional

We worked with Your Future Career on the 2020 Careers in Science and Healthcare campaign. A printed publication is enclosed within every copy of The New Scientist newspaper and the content is also available online.
The campaign featured exclusive content about the importance of the science and healthcare industries from key thought leaders and industry voices.
Read more at Your Future Career
Helicopter ambulance paramedic

More information about studying with us

Further useful information about:
  • our locations – where you'll be studying
  • additional checks and screening for students
  • the NHS Constitution
  • our peer assisted learning scheme.
feet in the air, Legs up study image.
Your placements. Podiatry student on placement.

Your placements

“Placements were an excellent way to get experience in clinical situations, allowing 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, Podiatry Graduate
You will have to achieve 1000 hours of work-based learning which will be spread across the three years.

Health students may be eligible to receive an additional £5000 each year

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 training grant is for £5,000.

Information for international students

Find out more about studying at Plymouth as an international student

Five postgraduate students walking by the sea on Plymouth Hoe (full bleed)

Undergraduate scholarships for international students
Find out about our undergraduate international scholarship schemes.

Female international student leaning on a wall

English Language Centre
We offer a range of courses to help you develop your academic English language skills.

International students smiling and taking a selfie on the Barbican.

International students: study with us
Apply to study at the University of Plymouth and join our community