MSc Podiatry Work Based Degree (Pre-registration)

If you have an enquiry about the work based degree programme at the University of Plymouth, please complete the below form.

Office Hours are Monday-Friday, 08:30–16:30

All employers will need to complete an Employer Capacity Assessment (ECA) to be reviewed by the Programme Lead.
Once an ECA has been approved, the potential apprentice will be required to complete an online application form with the support of their employer and the University to ensure the programme is an appropriate solution to their skills development needs. On completion of the online application form, the University will assess the information provided and determine the next steps.
For more information please email apprenticeships.skillshub@plymouth.ac.uk.

Please email apprenticeships.skillshub@plymouth.ac.uk to find out more about fees and funding.

Practice placement 1: A clinical module where students will gain core podiatry assessment skills and knowledge of interprofessional practice in the workplace.

Practice placement 2: A clinical module where apprentices will begin to develop their clinical autonomy and understanding of biomechanics.

Practice placement 3: A clinical module where apprentices become competent in nail surgery and gain the skills underpinning the care of the complex patient.

Practice placement 3: A clinical module where apprentices will demonstrate competence in the range of core skills required of a entry level practitioner. Decision making and clinical reasoning abilities will be developed.

Preparing for practice: Introduces the clinical environment together with critical analysis of evidence-based practice. Core concepts of anatomy and physiology will be introduced.

Foundations of podiatric practice: Focusses on disorders of the skin including wounds and their management. Assessment of neurological and vascular impairment will be introduced.

Patient-centred care: Explores the application of health and wellness principles when considering person-centred care. Evaluation of complex professional practice and critical analysis of the complex and dynamic nature of leadership and clinical education.

Musculoskeletal conditions and applied biomechanics in the foot and lower limb: Develops in-depth exploration of the aetiology and pathology of musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and ankle and the role of footwear/orthotic therapy using a critical and cognitive approach.

Development and maturation of the lower limb: Focusses on development of the lower limb from birth to adulthood and how this influences function. Mobility and stability through the life cycle will be explored. Pathological conditions of skin and nail are further studied.

Project design for research: Students, benefiting from interprofessional learning approach, will explore methodology and methods relevant to the development of a research project. By the end of the module will formulate a research proposal.

Pharmacology and minor surgery: This module develops the skills and knowledge to carry out nail surgery. The pharmacological approach to patient management will be studied. On successful completion of this module, the student will achieve the Prescription Only Medicines (POM) annotation on the HCPC register.

The complex patient: Students will develop skills in diagnosis and podiatric management of vulnerable and at-risk patients presenting with complex medical conditions and comorbidities.

Research dissertation: This module will enable students to complete their dissertation under supervision from the module team and a named dissertation supervisor.

A variety of assessment methods are used throughout the programme to enable the students to achieve the learning outcomes for each module. This approach illustrated below contributes to achieving an inclusive and equitable assessment strategy.