What can you do with a podiatry degree?

Through evidence-based theoretical study and a variety of clinical practice opportunities, you will gain the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to join the podiatry profession when you graduate:

• person- centred communication skills to engage with patients from a range of backgrounds in a sensitive and empathic way
• assessment, planning and evaluation skills to deliver effective care plans in a range of clinical contexts
• ability to carry out a range of specialist treatments
• ability to apply research-based evidence to professional practice
• management, leadership and team working skills within multi-professional teams
• the ability to reflect on your practice and learn from your experiences.

Studying podiatry at the University of Plymouth will enable you to commence a rewarding career within the Health sector. With an ongoing demand for podiatrists across the UK, employment prospects for podiatry graduates remain very good.

As the healthcare sector moves towards more integrated, home and community-based services, the range of opportunities available for newly qualified podiatrist has never been greater. Our graduates work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, GP practices, health centres, nursing homes, and sports clubs. Podiatrists can be employed by the NHS, independent podiatry providers and the armed forces. Commercial organisations may employ podiatrists in technical sales roles and marketing. Other graduates seek self-employment, running their own practice or perhaps a franchise.

As your career develops, you could take on a specialist role. Specialisms exist in a range of settings, including biomechanics, podiatric surgery, and diabetes or sports injuries for example. With experience you could progress into a leadership role, such as Clinical Lead. Alternatively, you could take on an education role, leading on the training and development of podiatrists within the NHS or training student podiatrists in higher education. Opportunities also exist in clinical research and practising overseas.

Researching your career options

Given the diversity of career options open to dietetics graduates, it is important to research and explore these fully so that you can make informed decisions about your future.

The following websites provide helpful information on options with a podiatry degree:

• Health Careers
• Prospects
• NHS Jobs
• The College of Podiatry

Employment Opportunities

Below is a snapshot of what some of University of Plymouth podiatry graduates told us they were doing six months after graduation.

• Clinic Owner and Podiatrist
• Diabetes and Wound Specialist Podiatrist
• Director Of Business (Podiatrist)
• NHS Clinical Contact Caseworker
• NHS Community Podiatrist
• Podiatrist
• Senior Podiatrist

Employers

Our graduates are found in most NHS Trusts as well as the private healthcare sector. Click here for links to Trusts across the UK All NHS Authorities.

• Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust
• Desford Forward
• Exeter Clinic
• Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Guys And St Thomas
• HB Podiatry Clinic
• Jewel Podiatry
• Livewell Southwest
• NHS
• Pure Foot Care
• Shuropody
• Sirona Care And Health
• South Devon Foot Clinic
• The Foot And Gait Clinic
• Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
• Total Foot Health
• Wale Foot Clinic

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys of 2017/18 and 2018/19. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for 17 UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

The University offers registered podiatrists the opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills through a range of specialist postgraduate programmes. These include:

• MSc Advanced Professional Practice modules
• MClinRes Clinical Research

You should consider the financial implications of further study as well as selecting a programme that suits your interests, learning style and future career direction. The following websites are a good starting point for exploring postgraduate options, but you may also benefit from talking to a Careers Consultant about your personal situation.

Some useful websites to help you find a suitable post-graduate programme:

• Find a Masters
• Find a PhD
• PostGrad
• Prospects

It is also worth investigating what further study options the University has to offer as you may find the perfect course for yourself in an institution you already know. There are also sometimes financial benefits of staying on such as a fee discount to Alumni, find out your funding options here.

Accessing support from the Careers Service couldn’t be easier, come along to the Careers Service Helpdesk in the Student Hub or access 24/7 online resources.

There is a wide range of support available from skills workshops to events, placements and internships advice, 1-2-1 appointments and help getting started with LinkedIn.

Our bite-sized Skills Workshops can give your career the boost it needs. Choose from a range of topics:

• effective career planning
• job hunting techniques
• finding part-time work
• CVs and interviews
• mastering LinkedIn
• and more.

Workshops are delivered by the Careers Service, however they are also an opportunity to learn from your peers, share experiences and ask questions. Visit myCareer to see the full range of activities and to book your place.

Build your network and job sector knowledge using LinkedIn alumni’s tool. This will allow you to see the career journeys of graduates from your programme, the qualifications they completed, the skills they developed and employers they worked for. You can then ‘connect’ with people of interest.

• Search LinkedIn for ‘University of Plymouth’
• Click on ‘Alumni’
• Filter the results by subject, sector, company or location

For more information about the alumni tool click on LinkedIn alumni tool guide. If you are looking for help to set up or learn how to make the most of your LinkedIn profile, click on the LinkedIn guide for students or come to one of our workshops.

Work experience

BSc (Hons) Podiatry at Plymouth offers a variety of placements in clinical and community settings alongside skills development activities at the University. Some students choose to supplement their studies with part-time work in the healthcare sector or elsewhere.

The University of Plymouth Students’ Union also offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities.

In addition to enhancing your podiatric skillset, a varied set of work experiences can open up new opportunities and bring you into contact with people who may be able to assist you at the beginning of your career.

Clubs and societies

Engaging in a sport or society shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities, it also helps you improve your teamwork, communication and negotiation skills. Committee members can develop leadership, diplomacy and organisational skills and will gain experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion. 

You may choose to join a society that is specifically linked to podiatry or take the opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can help you to broaden your horizons and explore new interests.  

Tutor and academic support

Your tutor and other academic staff are an excellent source of support for your career development. They will have experience and contacts across industry and academia, so do approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. Your tutor will ultimately be writing references for your employment or further study applications, therefore establishing a positive relationship with this person is invaluable.