Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Podiatry program at Ulster University is a three-year course that prepares students for a professional career in podiatry. The program covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, podiatric practice, and research. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and membership to the Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod), enabling them to practice as podiatrists in the UK and internationally.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The BSc (Hons) Podiatry program at Ulster University is a full-time, three-year course leading to a professional qualification in Podiatry. This program prepares graduates for future registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and membership to the Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod), enabling them to practice as podiatrists within the UK Health and Social Services, private practice, or even in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Asia. The program aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in podiatry, covering diverse areas such as advanced practitioner roles, lecturers, podiatric surgery assistants, NHS podiatrists, associate podiatrists, private practitioners, and research. Throughout the program, students will focus on the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of foot health, learning to assess and treat the problems associated with lower limbs and feet effectively.
Outline:
The Podiatry BSc (Hons) program is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, clinical placements, and individual study. Teaching involves a blend of approaches with both large group sessions and smaller, collaborative settings. Students will benefit from insights from staff on campus, visiting lecturers who specialize in their respective fields, and practical learning at the on-site clinic and NHS placements.
Core Content:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Podiatric Practice 1 & 2
- Musculoskeletal Podiatry 1 & 2
- Patient Assessment
- Health Science Research
- Pharmacology
- Medicine & Pathology
- Podiatric Practice 3, 4 & 5
- High Risk Foot
- Research Project
- Prescription Only Medicine- Supply
- Diagnostic Imaging and Surgery
- Professional Development and Employability The schedule consists of classes held on most days across the week with specific modules covered in each semester. Start dates for the program commence in September every year.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed with various methods throughout the program, including (depending on the module):
- Written Exams
- Phase Tests
- Coursework Assignments
- Presentations
- Clinical Exams (with patients) Assessment tasks and frequency may differ between modules. Additionally, attendance at lectures, practicals, and clinics is monitored. Feedback on coursework will be provided for individual development.
Teaching:
The Podiatry program at Ulster University emphasizes student-centered learning, fostering an environment where students are regarded as future colleagues and developing practitioners. Staff provides a supportive and encouraging atmosphere to help students navigate the course complexities with confidence.
Faculty:
All teaching staff in the Podiatry program hold BSc Hons in Podiatry and are HCPC registered. The faculty includes qualified professionals with MSc level qualifications, PhDs, and extensive research and industry experience. Students benefit from learning from renowned faculty members, including visiting lecturers who are specialists in their areas. Furthermore, the program may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff and guest lecturers, ensuring students receive well-rounded perspectives from diverse voices within the field.
Careers:
Graduates from the Podiatry program enjoy high employability rates, with 100% finding employment within 3 months of completing the program. Graduates typically find rewarding career opportunities in positions such as:
- Advanced Practitioner
- Lecturer
- Podiatric Surgery Assistant
- NHS Podiatrist
- Associate Podiatrist
- Private Practitioner Career opportunities span diverse settings, including South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, Western Health & Social Care Trust, Northern Health & Social Care Trust, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, and Private Practice settings.
- Royal College of Podiatry: Graduates can join the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists upon graduation
- Student Membership: Student membership of the Royal College of Podiatrists is free, however, indemnity insurance from the College is required for clinical practice as a student.
Entry Requirements
Northern Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland
- A Level: BBB to include one from: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, CCEA Single Award Life & Health Sciences (first taught September 2016), Double Award Life & Health Sciences (grade BB) or Double Award Applied Science (grade BB).
- RQF BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma: Award profile of DDM, including essential subjects: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (RQF) (601/7437/7), Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Sciences (RQF) (601/7422/5) – to include four modules from Sport & Exercise Physiology, Functional Anatomy, Nutrition, Biomechanics, Sport Massage, Sport Injury, Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care (RQF) (601/7198/4) – to include Anatomy and Physiology plus four modules from Infection Prevention and Control, Scientific Techniques for Health Science, Physiological Disorders and their Care, Microbiology for Health Science, Nutritional Health, Medical Physics Application in Health Sector, Genetics, Biomedical Science, Biochemistry for Health.
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Grades H3,H3,H3,H3,H3 to include two H3 Highers in the following: Maths, Biology, Physics or Chemistry. Plus English and Mathematics grade H6 at Higher Level or Grade O4 at Ordinary Level.
International Students
- Academic IELTS: 7.0 with no band score less than 6.5.
- Trinity ISE: Pass at level III.
Additional Entry Requirements
- Successful video interview after the 29 January 2025 deadline.
- Enhanced Disclosure from AccessNI (cost: £33).
- Health declaration form and medical fitness screening (cost: provided prior to enrolment).
- Acceptable alternative qualifications: HND (science related eg Applied Science/Biology) entry requirement: Pass HND with overall Merit to include 60 distinctions in level 5 credits/units. HNC (science related eg Applied Science/Biology) entry requirement: Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 90 distinctions in level 4/5 credits/units. Pass in Foundation Degree in a science related area (eg Applied Medical Science) with an overall mark of 55% in level 5 modules.
Language Proficiency Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants:
- Academic IELTS: 7.0 with no band score less than 6.5.
Additional notes:
- Students from England, Scotland, Wales or EU (except the Republic of Ireland) are not eligible to apply for this course due to regulations issued by the Department of Health Northern Ireland.
- Ulster University recognizes a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.