MSc Podiatry (pre-registration)

Program Overview

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The MSc Podiatry (Pre-Registration) program at the University of Salford is a three-year postgraduate program that combines academic and professional qualifications, preparing graduates for registration with the HCPC. It emphasizes research application, clinical practice, and professional development, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to excel in the podiatry profession.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This unique postgraduate program provides a Master's level academic qualification alongside a professional practice qualification, enabling graduates to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). It equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attributes to become leaders in the podiatry profession, specializing in research or clinical roles.

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Key objectives:

• Enhance application of research into clinical practice.
• Promote application of knowledge into practice through mentorship/teaching.
• Facilitate application of experience of practice into knowledge.
• Escalate professional and academic development.

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Program Description:

This non-standard, full-time program spans three years, offering a comprehensive curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

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Year 1:

• Foundations of Knowledge in Practice: Develops foundational knowledge and skills for assessing, diagnosing, and managing foot pathologies, emphasizing professional and regulatory requirements and research evidence.
• Advancement of Knowledge in Practice: Expands professional and clinical knowledge through in-depth exploration of key areas.
• Core Proficiencies in Clinical Practice: Further refines expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and management of foot pathologies, adhering to HCPC guidelines and utilizing research evidence.

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Year 2:

• Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis 1: Applies knowledge of human body systems, systemic diseases, and lower limb pathomechanics to patient assessment and management within professional boundaries.
Includes skills for accessing, supplying, and administering prescription and pharmacy-only medicines relevant to podiatric practice.
• Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis 2: Enhances management and evaluation skills, emphasizing orthotic and footwear therapies.
Develops foundation for research proposal design.
• Assessment, Diagnosis and Management in Clinical Practice: Further develops proficiencies in managing and evaluating outcomes within specialist areas, considering broader influences on podiatry practice.
Continues to prepare students for research proposal design and emphasizes critical reflection on evidence-based practice.

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Year 3:

• Advancing Professional Knowledge and Practice: Cultivates advanced research skills through systematic inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving, culminating in a research project focused on professional, clinical, or organizational practice.
• Advanced Clinical Practice: Refines patient assessment skills and enhances proficiencies in managing complex patients within specialist clinical environments.
Encourages reflection and contribution to service-level changes in clinical practice with user involvement.

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Outline:

• The program incorporates a blend of lectures, seminars, and laboratory practicals for an optimal learning experience.
• Students typically have 21 contact hours per week in year one, which includes lectures, seminars, supervised lab practicals, and individual meetings.
• Independent learning is crucial, involving journal and book reading, individual and group projects, research, coursework preparation, and exam preparation.
• Year two and three include clinical placements arranged in various NHS settings and private practices.
• Research placements aligned with the final year project are available based on student interests.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on chosen optional modules.
• Approximately 60% of the program is assessed through written exams, assignments, and viva examinations.
• The remaining 40% is assessed through practical examinations.
• A minimum pass mark of 50 in all year one modules is required for progression to year two.

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Teaching:

• Teaching personnel include experts in the field, who utilize industry-standard design software and provide access to cutting-edge engineering and computer labs.
• The program emphasizes real-world application of knowledge and skills, benefiting from close industry collaboration.

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Careers:

• Graduates can pursue diverse career paths within the NHS, private sector, or establish their own private practices.
• The program enhances employability and career progression opportunities within the podiatry field.
• Some graduates choose to pursue further research opportunities or transition into commercial roles.

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Other:

• The program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, including those with existing BSc (Hons) degrees in health-related fields seeking a career change.
• Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to academic, personal, and leadership skills development.
• English language requirements include IELTS 6.5 with no element below 5.5.
• The program enjoys close links with the NHS, providing students with real-world experience during placements.
• Students benefit from exposure to evidence-based practice through collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and orthoses labs.

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Full-time home 2024/25 £9,250.00per year Full-time international 2024/25 £19,530.00per year