MSc Podiatry Degree Apprenticeship (Pre-registration)

How to apply

All employer's will need to complete an Employer Capacity Assessment (ECA) to be reviewed by the Programme Lead.

Once and ECA has been approved, the potential apprentice will be required to complete an Initial Needs Assessment (INA) with the support of their employer and the University to ensure the apprenticeship programme is an appropriate solution to their skills development needs.

The employer should or can request the Initial Needs Assessment by emailing apprenticeships@plymouth.ac.uk.

Applications for September 2023 are now open!
INA Submission deadline is Friday 30 June 2023.

Apprentices do not pay any course fees – costs are covered by the government and/or employer

Funding models for employers

We can support employers in accessing funding via the apprenticeship levy or provide alternative funding options to minimise or eradicate any up-front cost to the organisation.

There are currently two funding models:
  • Fully-funded: Levy paying organisations
  • Co-funded: Non-levy organisations and levy who have exceeded their levy contribution.

Fully-funded

If the annual pay bill of your organisation exceeds £3 million you will pay for your apprenticeship training through your levy account. If you have exceeded your levy contribution you will fund apprenticeship training through the co-funded model – to better understand how this will work please contact us.

  • Employer contribution: Employee salary only
  • Apprentices contribution: £0.

Co-funded

If you are a non-levy paying organisation (the annual pay bill of your organisation is less than £3 million) or you are a levy organisation who has exceeded their pot, the government will financially co-support your apprenticeship training – they will contribute 95 per cent of the costs and the employer will contribute five per cent.

  • Government contribution £22,800
  • Employer contribution £1200
  • Apprentice contribution £0.

DAPOD411 Practice placement 1: A clinical module where students will gain knowledge of interprofessional practice in the workplace.

DAPOD511 Practice placement 2: A clinical module where apprentices will begin to develop their podiatric clinical skills in a supervised environment.

DAPOD611: Practice placement 3: A clinical module where apprentices will demonstrate their clinical skills with increasing autonomy, whilst demonstrating decision making and clinical reasoning abilities.

DAPOD701 Preparing for practice: Introduces the clinical environment together with critical analysis of evidence-based practice. Core concepts of anatomy and physiology will be introduced.

DAPOD702 Foundations of podiatric practice: Focusses on disorders of the skin including wounds and their management. Assessment of neurological and vascular impairment will be introduced.

DAPOD703 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.

DAPOD704 Studies of the 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.

DAPOD705 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.

DAPOD706 Complex patient groups and podiatric intervention: Focuses on the pharmacological approach to patient management and develops skills and knowledge in assessment and management options to carry out minor surgical techniques in suitable patients.

DAPOD715 Project design for research: Students will explore methodology and methods relevant to the development of a research project and by the end of the module will formulate a research proposal.

DAPOD716 Research dissertation: This module will enable students to complete their dissertation under supervision from the module team and a named dissertation supervisor.

DAPOD707 End Point Assessment: This module provides an independent synoptic assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard.

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.

  • Coursework
  • Essays
  • Reports
  • Reflective writing/blogs
  • Clinical Logs
  • Professional Development Profile
  • Peer Observation of Practice
  • Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS)
  • Portfolio
  • Case Based Discussion (CBD)
  • Graphic visual representations of knowledge, information and data
  • An observation including viva and professional presentation which form the End Point Assessment (EPA).

Plymouth is the preferred provider for podiatry apprenticeship degrees, by Health Education England 
Who are Podiatrists?
Podiatrists are experts in foot and lower limb health keeping people of all ages active. Becoming a podiatrist will provide you with a broad scope of clinical practice including a pivotal role in reducing the risk of amputation. You will develop an evidence-based approach to the management of people with foot problems. A podiatry degree can launch a dynamic career and is a springboard to specialising in other areas of the profession such as diabetes, sports medicine, research and podiatric surgery.
Who is this course for?
The MSc programme has been developed for apprentices who are already in possession of a degree with a classification, normally at 2:1 or above. This MSc route will appeal to individuals who wish to become highly proficient practitioners of podiatry and who will be able to demonstrate professional reasoning skills and decision making while using an evidenced-based approach. Podiatry is a rewarding and varied healthcare profession and will suit those potential students who are excellent communicators, and who enjoy critical thinking and problem solving.

For those who do not hold a degree, we also offer the Level 6 - BSc (Hons) Podiatry Apprenticeship.
Programme
The MSc degree apprenticeship programme will provide the opportunity to study for a work-integrated masters degree whilst remaining in salaried employment. This work-based programme allocates specific times to work under direct supervision from expert clinical podiatrists. The podiatry lecturing team at the University of Plymouth will provide expertise to support the apprentice in gaining evidence-based knowledge and appropriate academic skills to develop both theoretical understanding and clinical aptitude. 
The programme is delivered through blended learning, using a variety of technologies to allow apprentices to learn at their own pace and at a time to suit them and the employer. Practical skills are developed in an authentic environment with expert practitioners. Apprentices learn ‘virtually’ alongside other apprentices nationwide and are provided with opportunities to learn with and from others during webinars and online forums. Once graduated, apprentices are eligible to apply for HCPC registration which allows the apprentice to work in the NHS, independently and also in many countries throughout the world. 

Areas of specialisms

  • @ NHS
  • @ Private sector
  • @ Ministry of Defence
  • @ Academia/Research

Core skills

  • Specialist knowledge in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of lower limb pathologies.
  • Leadership and teamwork.
  • Analytical skills, problem solving and effective communication.
  • Research literacy.
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills.

Plymouth Raiders player visiting the podiatry team
<p>Rear view shot of the highlighted joints in a runner's foot</p>

Course facts


Duration: 24 months
Hours of study per week: 26
Delivery type: Online
Entry requirements: Degree from an Institution of Higher Education normally at Second class (higher division) 2:1 or above. The degree or other recognised assessed academic study should normally be completed within the last five years.

Benefits to the business

  • Maintain or improve current skills within your organisation.
  • Develop your own workforce.
  • Improve staff retention rates.
  • Flexible delivery of theoretical teaching.

Benefits to the apprentice 

  • Obtain an MSc degree whilst developing skills from on the job training.
  • No course fees to pay.
  • Flexible distance learning for theoretical knowledge.
  • Earn a wage whilst you learn.

<p>NIHR podiatry</p>

Health Education England says...

  • @ "By far the most comprehensive bid submitted. There is real clarity and detail in the scope and capacity to meet the requirements of national delivery."
  • @ "There is a strong sense of confidence in the provider to deliver their ambitions within this bid and the panel have no hesitation in recommending this bid to be accepted for national delivery subject to regulatory and professional body approval."

Podiatry Degree Apprenticeship staff