• 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

  • Introduction to Podiatric Practice (Including Placement) (STPOD401)

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

  • An Introduction to Podiatric Clinical Practice (STPOD402)

    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.

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (STPOD403)

    Introduces the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology.

  • Lower Limb Studies 1 (STPOD404)

    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.

  • Professional and Inter-professional Working (STPOD406)

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

  • Person-centred Care (Including Placement) (STPOD405)

    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.

• 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

  • Project Studies (SOHP503)

    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.

  • Development and Maturation of the Lower Limb (STPOD501)

    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.

  • Systemic Disorders of the Lower Limb (STPOD502)

    During this module 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 (including Placement) (STPOD503)

    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.

  • Gait, Footwear and Orthoses (STPOD504)

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

  • Lower Limb Studies 2 (STPOD505)

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

• 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

  • Project (SOHP605)

    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.

  • Pharmacology (STPOD601)

    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.

  • Minor Surgery (STPOD602)

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

  • Complex Podiatric Medicine (Including Placement) (STPOD603)

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

  • Leadership and Clinical Education (STPOD604)

    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.

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

    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.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change: