ÂÜÀòÉç

As a podiatrist you will be a healthcare professional who has been trained to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs. Podiatrists work with their patients to prevent and correct deformity, keeping people mobile and active, and helping to relieve pain. Podiatrists work with people of all ages, and your patients will count on you to support and help them with a broad range of mobility and medical conditions of the foot and lower limbs. These may include muscle and joint problems as well as broader health issues such as diabetes, blood disorders and disorders of the nervous system, which may involve complex wound management.

On this course you will:

• learn from research-active staff with an outstanding reputation for the quality of teaching;
• be equipped with the knowledge and skills that you require to work as a podiatrist;
• develop your expertise through in-depth theoretical learning, clinical placements in each year and the close support of our very experienced staff;
• benefit from the interprofessional working focus of this course; and
• become confident in your own professional identity and have the additional skills that will allow you to work as an effective multidisciplinary team member.

Structure

You'll join a diverse cohort of students, exploring the fundamental principles of podiatry and gaining hands-on practice experience through placement-based learning within health and social care.

As you progress, you will move on to either the BSc (Hons) or remain on the undergraduate master’s pathway depending on your aspirations. Both pathways develop professional skills, knowledge and attributes through a combination of university and placement-based learning. The undergraduate masters offer an opportunity to delve deeper into areas such as leadership, service improvement, research and public health, at a higher level.

Upon graduation, both pathways lead to eligibility for registration with the HCPC, opening doors to a fulfilling career in podiatry.

Find out about the benefits of studying an undergraduate master’s.

Teaching, learning and assessment

You will learn in face-to-face and online lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical workshops. There will be a mix of classroom and online learning. Outwith timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue your own learning through self-study. You will be assessed by a variety of assessment methods (for example written and practical exams, written assignments, presentations) at the end of each module.

Placements

Placements are invaluable in consolidating theoretical study into practical expertise by working directly with patients and qualified staff. You will complete practice placements in each year. You will attend a variety of placements within the NHS at various locations across Scotland. ÂÜÀòÉç manages the sourcing and allocation of placements.

To enhance future employability placements take place across Scotland. It is therefore likely you will have to relocate for at least some of your practice-based learning unless you have individual requirements (eg specific health needs or school age children) that mean you must remain in a specific location.

Please note that there are additional costs associated with placements. Please see the ‘Other fees’ section under the ‘Entry requirements’ tab for more details.

Specialist facilities

ÂÜÀòÉç offers a variety of modern specialist spaces for use by our podiatry courses. We have a large multipurpose clinical room, a large orthotics laboratory with a separate machine room, and a fully functioning surgical suite which are all used to facilitate student learning and our on-campus patient-facing clinics. On-campus staff-supported clinics which we operate within the aforementioned spaces include: nail surgery clinics, nail surgery assessment and dressings clinics, and musculoskeletal/biomechanics clinics. We also provide simulated learning experiences within our clinical spaces to enable students to safely develop complex skills which can then be transferred into the practice education/clinical setting with patients. In addition, you will have access to laboratory-based environments for specific teaching for microbiology and physiology, thus enabling us to contextualise complex theory into practice.

Teaching staff, class sizes and timetables

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

For more information, please also visit ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’.

Year One

You will:

• be introduced to anatomy and human physiology;
• study pathophysiology and microbiology, as well as beginning to learn about lower limb and foot conditions;
• prepare for clinical practice (and your professional development journey) by developing key skills, including communication skills, and explore the professional requirements to allow you to become a podiatrist;
• develop your academic and research skills including essay writing and how to access information to support your learning; and 
• benefit from an early introduction to podiatry in the form of learning about clinical practice on placement - this provides the opportunity to allow you to integrate into the clinical environment.

You will study the following modules:

• Podiatric Clinical Practice 1: This module Introduces relevant local policies and procedures, HCPC standards and fitness to practice standards as well as communications skills and patient centered care and biopsychosocial approaches for clinical practice. The module focuses on developing first line clinical skills for podiatric practice (vascular assessments, joint testing, muscle strength/function tests, neurological examination and skin and nail pathology) as well as orthotic practical sessions. There is also a theoretical component of the management of basic skin, nail, and structural pathologies.
• Introduction to Professional Practice: This module explores the AHP professional context and related concepts, including communication, duty of care, equality and diversity, resilience, clinical governance, person centered practice, professional ethics, HCPC governance and professional body guidance, health and social care strategy, and medicolegal concepts related to AHP practice.
• Anatomy: In this module you will be introduced to the terminology used in the study of anatomy and will be provided with a detailed overview of the structural anatomy of the lower limb, including the knee hip and pelvis, but with particular emphasis on the foot and ankle.
• Human Physiology: This module provides a knowledge base on the human body and its functions, focusing on neuromuscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, renal, hepatic and gastrointestinal systems.
• Pathophysiology and Microbiology: This module provides new knowledge and understanding of the pathological processes relating to the systems covered in human physiology. It introduces the concept of problem-based medicine and provides deeper understanding of physiological processes and the application to the clinical context. In addition, the module covers microorganisms (eg bacteria, fungus and viruses) and its relevance to interactions with humans and health. There will be a practical element focusing on laboratory skills in microbiology, introducing techniques and discussion of experimental results in relation to clinical practice, as well as laboratory skills in microbiology including practical techniques and discussion of experimental results in relation to clinical practice. 
• Thriving in Professional practice: This module explores wellbeing and resilience of the self and others, developing strategies that support personal and professional development and can enhance person-centred practice within the health and social care settings.
• Academic Skills: This module introduces research methods skills to develop the ability to engage with information and developing critical thinking.
  

Year Two

You will:

• undertake modules that explore human walking and musculoskeletal problems (eg sports injuries, arthritis, and paediatric disorders); 
• continue to broaden your understanding of health and wellbeing and how to influence and facilitate behaviour change;
• further develop your academic skills by exploring how knowledge can be acquired, applied and integrated into practice;
• learn more about medicine and pharmacology; and
• continue to develop your practical skills through further supported clinical placement.

You will study the following modules:

• Podiatric Clinical Practice 2: This module further develops investigation and diagnosis skills in a range of lower limb musculoskeletal/orthopaedic pathologies with more advanced testing and considers appropriate therapeutic regimes including the use of functional foot orthoses, taping and rehabilitation techniques. In addition, the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to administer local analgesia are covered in preparation for surgery in Years Three and Four. You will also attend external placements.
• Normal Gait and Biomechanics: In this module you will be introduced to biomechanical principles of human movement and appy these to underpinning the knowledge and understanding of normal (and normal variants of ) gait .
• MSK/Orthopaedics: This module will develop your understanding of a wide range of musculoskeletal (MSK) pathologies impacting the body, and in particular the lower limb(s). It explores the aetiology, pathophysiology and management of these conditions, including exploring the differences between adult and paediatric presentations, and their management. Includes sports injuries, systemic diseases, and paediatric disorders, and how they can impact MSK health. 
• Health Coaching for Professional Practice (UG Masters Route only) : Further develops the skills in communication and health coaching for supporting behaviour change as well as understanding the impact of different communities, health and social care contexts on health and wellbeing for both individuals and groups.
• Pathological Gait and Biomechanics: This module builds upon the ‘normal gait and biomechanics’ module and will introduce you to pathological gait (when walking and running patterns may cause injury or pain) and pathological biomechanics (ie when alignment and or movement patterns can cause or impact pain/disorders of movement). 
• Research Methods: This module continues the theme of research methods further developing the knowledge base in critical thinking and enquiry approach to professional practice covering research ethics and different approaches to conducting research.
• Pharmacology for Podiatrists: This module focuses on modes of drug administration and will develop your understanding of the principles of drug action (including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics) and develops an understanding of the underlying principles of pharmacological therapy and the rationale for treatment.

Year Three

You will:

• enhance your critical thinking, research skills and further develop your clinical knowledge and skills through the modules offered this year;
• you will be introduced to more high risk/complex clinical theory, and the practical clinical exposure will also advance to cases which are higher risk and much more complex 
• continue to broaden your healthcare awareness and challenge your understanding of health education and promotion, as well as develop your key skills in working as part of a multidisciplinary team;  
• continue to extend and strengthen your knowledge and skill in research; 
• continue to link theory and practice during a range of clinical placement opportunities; and 
• be given the opportunity to carry out local anaesthetic injections, and minor soft tissue/surgical procedures.

You will study the following modules:

• Podiatric Clinical Practice 3: This module develops more complex skills with examination and evaluation of the ‘high risk’ lower limb, by developing high level psychomotor skills, and by developing skills to undertake evidence based podiatric practice. You will also undertake assessment of surgical patients as well as injection of local anaesthesia, carry out nail surgery and manage surgical wounds. On placement students will also manage an increasingly complex clinical caseload.
• Theoretical and Clinical Approaches to Multidisciplinary Team Working (Master's route only): This module provides an opportunity for you to experience simulated teamworking and reflect upon your contribution and experiences as a member of a real-world style multidisciplinary team.
• Diagnostic Investigations: This module will develop your understanding of a wide range of diagnostic investigations, eg blood tests, immunology investigations, medical imaging, clinical tests (and more). Through case-based discussion, this module will support you translating this theory to practice in order to improve diagnostic capabilities in relation to podiatric practice.
• Medicine and Pathology: This module will explore medicine and pathology and how it applies to podiatric practice by developing a knowledge and understanding of physical and biopsychosocial manifestations of systemic diseases. In addition, it will develop a critical understanding of the principals, theories and concepts surrounding medicine and pathology.
• High Risk Foot: This module builds upon theory in previous years and deepens this within the context of the high risk podiatric setting (ie working with very complex clinical cases). The module explores the management of complex podiatric disorders in areas like: diabetes, renal disease, oncology, and more.
• Applied Research Methods: Further develops research methods skills in preparation for dissertation by developing an in-depth understanding of approaches to research, applying knowledge in order to critically appraise evidence and form reasoned conclusions and develop the advanced research skills and knowledge necessary to undertake an independent research project.
• Dermatology: This module enables you to develop an understanding of disorders of the skin which can present in podiatric practice. Conditions covered range from routine presentations through to potentially life threatening and more complex clinical cases. 
• Medical Imaging of the Foot and Ankle (Master's route only): This module builds upon modules in previous years to continue to enhance students’ appreciation of medical imaging and how this can be used to support podiatric practice. 

Year Four

You will:

• enhance your critical thinking andresearch skills, and further develop your clinical knowledge and skills, progressing towards autonomous practice and readiness to transition into the workforce;
• continue to broaden your healthcare awareness and challenge your understanding of health education and promotion, as well as develop your key skills in working as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• you will train in the use of steroid injections within the foot and ankle, and continue to develop your theoretical and clinical skills with respect to use of prescription only medicines (POMs) which can be accessed/administered by podiatrists. 

You will study the following modules:

• Podiatric Clinical Practice 4: This module fulfils the clinical requirements for eligibility for HCPC registration, by developing more advanced skills in the examination, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of the ‘high risk’ lower limb. You will continue your minor surgery training as well attending external placements with patients with more complex needs. Theory and simulated practice for steroid injection training will also be taught within this module. 
• Dissertation: This module applies the skills of research and enquiry in a small-scale study which demands a professional approach, academic rigour, independence and self-direction; demonstrating substantial initiative and problem solving skills and ability to apply skills of critical enquiry in order to plan, design, implement and evaluate the project.
• Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Professional Practice: This module evaluates and applies the concepts of leadership and leading change, intra/entrepreneurship and innovation within the health and social care sector and explores opportunities for leading and developing enterprising ideas for health and wellbeing.
• Podiatric Sports Medicine, and Paediatrics: Master's students will take both of these modules, the BSc (Hons) students will pick one to do as an elective module. Podiatric Sports Medicine builds on previous MSK/clinical modules, and focuses specifically on the role of the podiatrist as part of the multidisciplinary team in the sports sector. Paediatrics also builds on previous clinical and theoretical modules, and explores the role of the podiatrist in the paediatric setting (often podiatric clinical practice in this setting is termed podopaediatrics). 

A career in podiatry can be very gratifying, rewarding and varied. There are excellent clinical opportunities in the NHS and in private practice and it is up to you which path to take. Private Podiatry practices have been on the rise in recent years due to demand and this provides a plethora of options for the newly qualified Podiatrist.

You may also wish to start up your own business. Due to the demand for private podiatry, we are seeing an increasing number of graduates start up their own podiatry clinics across the country, the basis of which is taught within the podiatry course on our Leadership and Enterprise module. Private podiatry salaries can vary significantly from part to full time and from employed to business owner, with salaries of private practitioners reported by The Royal College of Podiatry as £20,000 to upwards of £1,000,000 per annum. In the NHS salaries also vary depending on expertise from £28,000 and upwards. ()  

Some of our graduates also move on to do some postgraduate research or postgraduate courses to enhance their knowledge and advance their skills.

Our alumni are currently enjoying careers in the NHS and private practice, and in the areas of sports medicine, musculoskeletal/orthopaedics, diabetes, rheumatology, community clinics, foot surgery and paediatrics.

Read Podiatry lecturer, Joe McIntyre's blog 'Things you might not know about a career in Podiatry'

This course is approved by the College of Podiatry and the HCPC. Successful completion enables application for registration with the HCPC as a podiatrist.

If you are interested in our Master of Podiatry (MPod)/BSc (Hons) Podiatry course, or would like to learn more about Podiatry at ÂÜÀòÉç, we offer opportunities for you to shadow our on-campus student clinic. This experience will give you the chance to speak to staff and current students and gain a greater insight into the profession, as well as a feel for student life at ÂÜÀòÉç. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Neil Pomfret (Admissions Tutor for the Podiatry Team).

Entry requirements

Scottish Higher: Standard: BBBC Minimum: BCCC

A Level: CCC

Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H3 H3 H3

International Baccalaureate: 28 points

International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 6.0.

Required subjects: English and Maths at Nat 5/GCSE level at grade C/4 or above are required. We can also accept National 5 Application of Maths or Lifeskills at the same grade. A science subject is preferred but not required.

Direct Entry: to BSc Hons Podiatry Year Two will be possible for approved Health Science Higher National Certificate/Diploma programmes where year group space allows. Applications are assessed case by case and direct entry spaces are not guaranteed.

Other requirements

• A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, an occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance (normally through membership of the professional body) are required.
• You may be requested to be immunised against Hepatitis B.
• Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an awareness of the scope of a podiatrist, and should show a genuine willingness to work as a podiatrist/work in health and social care.

Am I a Widening Access student?: We apply the minimum entry criteria to applicants who meet one or more contextual factor. To see if this would apply to you, please refer to the access and application page.

Mature/Access: We welcome applications from mature students with other relevant qualifications and/or experience. Visit our College Leavers and Mature Students Advice page for more information. 

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at ÂÜÀòÉç. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the Disability Service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Fee information

Fees: Please follow the link in the 'Course Overview' box for information on fees for 2026 entry.

Special note on RUK and ROI fees: Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland, who are subject to Rest of UK fees will be charged for the first three years of study only. The fourth year is free. 

Other costs: 

• The cost of professional indemnity insurance is the responsibility of the student. 
• The additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the student. Students who receive SAAS funding may be able to claim for some of these expenses to be reimbursed.
• Uniform, PVG and name badge costs 

For more information on this, visit the UG 2026 fees page on our website.

Application information

How to apply: Application for this course should be made through . More application information is available in the 'Start your Application' box at the top right of this page.

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• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2026/27 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).
• The information on this page is correct at the time of posting (Jan 2026) but it subject to change. Please check back on this page for updates.