Places still available
Contact our Clearing hotline to discuss your options and secure your place this September
Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Podiatry with Integrated Foundation Year
Our foundation year will help build your confidence and develop the practical, academic and study skills required to progress and succeed on the full BSc (Hons) Podiatry degree.
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
Hands-on clinical experience
The course provides early and consistent clinical exposure, including NHS placements, private practice, and specialist clinics (e.g. diabetes, musculoskeletal, and wound care).
Public health and social justice
With an emphasis on health inequalities, outreach, and inclusive care, we offer opportunities to work with vulnerable populations, gaining real-world experience in tackling foot health disparities.
Learning from lived experience
Hearing direct from service users and carers helps foster empathy, communication, and a patient-centred approach - vital qualities for future podiatrists.
About
If you are looking for a rewarding career where you can have a real impact on people's quality of life, podiatry may be just what you are looking for. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career since graduating with my podiatry degree. The possibilities within the profession are vast with great opportunities in the NHS, Ministry of Defence, private practice and abroad. I've met some great people along the way. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to anyone. Yes podiatrist cut toenails, but we do a whole lot more than that!
Mr Philip Hendy
Lecturer in Podiatry (Education)
Lecturer in Podiatry (Education)
What is a foundation year?
A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
Further information on
University of Plymouth courses with Foundation years
.
A full list of potential progressions routes is listed under course details
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?
- To build your confidence to study at university level.
- To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
- Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
- You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
- You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
- You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
This course is for you if...
you're compassionate and dedicated to caring for people who need your help
you're a team player, ready to work with healthcare professionals, patients, and families
you want to make a difference to society through healthcare
you're committed to joining the ranks of registered podiatrists making a difference
Details
Year 0
Our Integrated foundation course prepares you for the undergraduate degree in Podiatry. Taught by University lecturers on campus, you’ll be part of the University from day one. If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level, this course is for you. Students completing the BSc (Hons) Podiatry with Integrated Foundation Year course will normally progress to year 1 of
BSc (Hons) Podiatry
.
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
This foundation year forms the first stage of your degree.
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
BSc (Hons) Podiatry
degree.
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
BSc (Hons) Podiatry is Accredited by the Royal College of Podiatry and Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council
Accredited by the Royal College of Podiatry
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council
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.
Experience
First class facilities to prepare you for your career
Undergraduate and postgraduate students from a variety of disciplines learn together under one roof at our new facility InterCity Place. Complementing existing facilities, our new innovative suites, simulations and practice labs will help us to train and develop the next generation of nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals.
InterCity Place provides clinical skills suits for podiatry. The facilities are fully-equipped, featuring plinths, couches, a range of anatomical models, and an array of equipment used in all aspects of the working life of a podiatrist.
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
Teamwork is essential for success in health and social care and many other careers. Interprofessional learning is all about working and learning together with people from different areas of healthcare. It helps you build valuable skills for the future.
The
Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre
supports interprofessional learning, giving students chances to work with others across different healthcare fields including radiography, dietetics, dental surgery, psychology, and child nursing. By learning together, students become confident and ready to step into their careers from day one.
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
Placements provide a rich learning experience, developing clinical skills and knowledge. By the end of your degree you will have gained 1,000 hours of work-based learning gained within a range of settings - community clinics, acute hospital settings and GP surgeries - across the South West.
For the short duration of your placements, you may need to relocate to get the most out of your experience. Advice on financial support available for health care students on placement can be obtained from through the NHS Business Services Authority.
Year 1
4 week placement
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.
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.
3 week placement
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.
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
5 week placement
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.
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
3 week placement
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.
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.
5 week placement
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.
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.
Zoe Boulton – BSc (Hons) Podiatry graduate
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."
Graduate Tom talks about his time on the course and future career plans
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
Our podiatry staff are active practitioners and researchers; their expertise feeding directly into our curriculum and what you learn.
Mr Philip Hendy
Lecturer in Podiatry (Education)
Dr Joanne Paton
Associate Professor of Podiatry
Mrs Karen Reed
Lecturer in Podiatry
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Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
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.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
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.
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.
As the healthcare sector moves towards more integrated, home and community-based services, the range of opportunities available for newly qualified podiatrists 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.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
£18,650 per year
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
£19,200 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
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.
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.
More details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are included in Faculty of Health additional costs.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
You may be eligible for a £5000 NHS training grant
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 at least £5,000.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Places still available
Contact our Clearing hotline to discuss your options and secure your place this September
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
32 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
Applicants need to achieve 5 GCSE passes (grade C/4 or above) which must include the following subjects:
- English
- Mathematics (consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics)
- Science
Students not achieving GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 on application may be offered a free online mathematics support package and an examination equivalent to grade C/4 GCSE to enable the achievement of appropriate entry requirements prior to commencing the course. This examination is offered during the recruitment cycle to all eligible candidates.
Plus suitable Level 3 qualifications or experience
A levels
32 points from a minimum of 2 A levels including grade E in a Science subject.
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at Level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C/4 at GCSE level)
BTEC
PPP in a science related subject.
Access
Pass an Access to HE Diploma (e.g. science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing).
Other qualifications and professional experience may be considered. Interview may be required, please refer to institution for individual consideration.
T level
Accepted, a minimum of a Pass (D or E in the Core) = 72 points – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
International Baccalaureate
24 overall to include 3 at Higher Level science subject. English and mathematics must be included.
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?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
B179
B179
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
32 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
B179
B179
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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