BSc (Hons) Podiatry Degree Apprenticeship

Our Podiatry Degree Apprenticeship enables new and existing healthcare staff to study for a degree whilst in paid employment
Rear view shot of the highlighted joints in a runner's foot

How to apply

All employer's 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 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 5 per cent.

Government contribution £22,800

Employer contribution £1200

Apprentice contribution £0

DAPOD401 Introduction to podiatric practice: Introduces the clinical environment and professionalism

DAPOD402 An introduction to podiatric clinical practice: Focuses on disorders of the skin including wounds. Assessment of neurological and vascular impairment will be introduced

DAPOD403 Human anatomy and physiology: Introduces the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology

DAPOD404 Lower limb studies 1: Concentrates on lower limb anatomy and how normal gait and movement is enabled. The theory underpinning assessment of the lower limb is explored

DAPOD405 Person centred care: Explores enabling patient choice by shared decision making, personal health budgets, supported self-management and community based support

DAPOD406 Professional and inter-professional working: Develops understanding of professional practice and the inherent standards expected of health care professionals. The value of inter-professional working is introduced

DAPOD501 Research methods: Concentrates on the development of a research project, combining skills relating to evidence based practice.

DAPOD502 Special patient groups: Focusses on development of the lower limb from birth to adulthood and how this influences function. Recognition of conditions relating to the lower limb, which impact on mobility and stability through the life cycle will be explored.

DAPOD503 Systemic disorders of the lower limb: Theory is developed associated with patients presenting with common systemic or acquired disorders that may cause lower limb pathologies.

DAPOD504 Musculoskeletal conditions and applied biomechanics in the foot and lower limb: Develops knowledge of the aetiology and pathology of musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and lower limb.

DAPOD505 Gait, footwear and orthoses: Explores assessment and management of foot and ankle disorders responsive to footwear / orthotic therapy.

DAPOD506 Lower limb studies 2: Develop knowledge of pathological conditions including malignancies pertaining to skin and nail units.

DAPOD601 Research project: The research project initiated in DAPOD501 will be carried out, under supervision, using an ethically approved protocol.

DAPOD602 Pharmacology: Focusses on the pharmacological approach to patient management. On successful completion of this module, the student will achieve the Prescription Only Medicines (POM) annotation on the HCPC register.

DAPOD603 Minor surgery: Develops skills and knowledge in the formation of assessment and management options to carry out minor surgical techniques in suitable patients.

DAPOD604 Complex podiatric medicine: Skills in diagnosis and podiatric management of patients presenting with complex conditions and comorbidities will be developed.

DAPOD605 Leadership and clinical education: Focusses on theories of leadership, communication in difficult circumstances, and clinical governance.

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.
What is a podiatrist?
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 the diabetes, sports medicine, research and podiatric surgery.
Who is the course for?
Podiatry is a rewarding and varied healthcare profession. Suited to individuals that can communicate well, enjoy problem solving and wish to develop practical and intellectual skills to improve patient outcomes. 
For those already in possession of a degree with a classification of 2:1 or above, we also offer the Level 7 – MSc Podiatry Apprenticeship. 
Programme
The degree apprenticeship programme will provide the apprentice with the opportunity to study for a work integrated 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 will provide expertise to support the apprentice in gaining evidence based knowledge and appropriate academic skills to gain 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

Course facts

Duration: 36–48 months
Hours of study per week: 26
Delivery: Online
Entry requirements:
  • GCSE minimum grade C/4 (or accepted equivalent) in mathematics and English
  • GCSE minimum grade C/4 in a science subject
  • Evidence of Level 3 qualifications
  • Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check
Pebbles on a beach, arranged in the shape of three sets of footprints. Image courtesy of Shutterstock (209141077).
BSc (Hons) Podiatry - image courtesy of Shutterstock

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.

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."

European Social Fund (ESF)

The University of Plymouth is proud to be supported by the European Social Fund. 
As one stream of funding under the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Growth Programme 2014–2020, the ESF focuses on improving access to employment, promoting social inclusion, and investing in skills to help people fulfil their potential. 
European Social Fund