Hands-on clinical experience
Public health and social justice
Learning from lived experience




Details
Year 0

Core modules
BHCS001
Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics
20 credits
This module will provide an introduction to microbiology and the human immune system. Students will learn the fundamental biology relating to bacteria, helminths, viruses and fungi. And also develop an understanding of how our immune system has evolved to combat infection. The module will also explore methods to control microbial contamination and therapeutic strategies to prevent disease.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BHCS002
Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences
20 credits
This module examines the role of science in addressing key contemporary issues in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences. The module aims to take an integrative approach, aiming to develop in students both a critical appreciation of the ways in which issues in Human Biology can be approached and resolved, and to develop an understanding of the skills and attributes needed for effective study of such issues at undergraduate level.
100% Coursework
FMD001
Molecules to Cells
20 credits
This module introduces key concepts involved in cell regulation including genetic inheritance, metabolism and protein expression. The important role of enzymes in the control of biochemical pathways will be introduced, as will an introduction to cell signalling. Cellular organisation within different tissues will also be outlined, enabling students to recognise links between structure and function. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.
100% Examinations
FMD002
Introduction to Human Physiology
20 credits
This module will provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Using example systems, it will emphasise relationships between structure and function and examine homeostatic regulation in these systems. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.
50% Examinations
50% Other
FMD004
Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning)
20 credits
This module is designed to enable learners to develop key skills required for working in multidisciplinary teams. Students will be encouraged to work with their colleagues to manage tasks and tailor learning according to their own particular discipline
100% Coursework
SOHP001
Learning Skills for Health and Social Care Professions
20 credits
This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the learning environment of higher education by developing an independent, reflective and managed approach to learning and professional development.
100% Coursework
Although it does not lead to a separate qualification, it is designed to prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to progress confidently onto Year 1 of one of our
Experience
First class facilities to prepare you for your career

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. All of our lecturers have hands-on experience, so if we have any questions whatsoever, they are always happy to help. Some are even practicing, so they are able to draw from both past and current experiences when they are teaching.

Work alongside other healthcare students
It is great to know how to ensure all of our professions can work effectively together. This benefits the service user and staff.
Healthcare systems always require improvement, it’s easier to know how to improve your area if you know how other areas work too.




Your placements
Year 1
Build confidence in communicating with patients and gain an awareness of the diverse role of the podiatrist while you start to build you clinical skills.
Continue to build on your communication skills with patients alongside the wider multi-disciplinary team. There will be a focus on interprofessional working and developing the key skills and attributes of a professional. You will continue to develop you assessment and diagnostic skills and clinical skills, including scalpel debridement.
Year 2
The focus of this placement will be on musculoskeletal podiatry and increasing your confidence in history taking, assessment and treatment planning for patients with musculoskeletal problems. You will also have the opportunity to continue consolidating your clinical skills, including advising patients on how to safely manage foot conditions.
Year 3
The focus of this placement will be on developing your skills in delivering local anaesthesia and performing minor surgery, in particular nail surgery to manage in-growing toenails and other painful nail conditions.
You’ll become competent in translating theory into practice and demonstrate the range of skills needed to work as a newly qualified podiatrist. The placement focus will be around managing the complex patient, you’ll utilise a range of clinical skills including motivational interviewing to optimise outcomes for patients. You’ll work with a range of clinical specialities, such as diabetes, vascular, renal, dermatology and rheumatology.

Placements are an excellent way to get experience in clinical situations,they allowed 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.
Tom's experience
"I've got a job where I completed my placement...it's a really good team. The placement enabled me to have that opportunity."
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.
Learn from experienced Podiatrists

Mr Philip Hendy
Lecturer in Podiatry (Education)

Dr Joanne Paton
Associate Professor of Podiatry

Mrs Karen Reed
Lecturer in Podiatry
Life in Plymouth
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Current student



Careers
I was drawn to podiatry predominantly through my previous career being musculoskeletal based, I really enjoy working in that kind of environment. I wanted to work for myself straight away as soon as I finished university and podiatry offered that option. I was also drawn to the variety of options within the field, such a rheumatology, paediatrics, musculoskeletal, diabetes and minor surgical procedures, general foot care – all of those things. It ticked all my boxes, not being sat in an office doing the same thing day in, day out.

One thing I love with podiatry is the problem-solving – working out why a patient is experiencing a particular problem, which can often be due to seemingly innocuous occurrence, but a slight tweak to behaviour, activity or footwear can make a huge difference and potentially solve their problem.

Fees and funding
Tuition fees
£9,535 per year
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
£18,650 per year
£19,200 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Additional costs
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.
More details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are included in Faculty of Health additional costs.
Fund your studies
You may be eligible for a £5000 NHS training grant
Supporting students with the cost of living

Apply
Entry requirements
32 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
- English
- Mathematics (consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics)
- Science
A levels
BTEC
Access
T level
International Baccalaureate
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/4 or above you will have to achieve an IELTS or equivalent qualification. IELTS – overall average score of at least 7.0, with a score of at least 6.5 in each element.
- English language requirements.
- We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
Ready to apply?
B179
P60
4 years
(with placements)
Full-time
Plymouth
Entry requirements
32 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
English language requirements
Ready to apply?
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
B179
P60
4 years
(with placements)
Full-time
Plymouth