MSc Podiatry (pre-registration)
- Course type
- Postgraduate
- Course qualification
- MSc
Course summary
What is the fee?
For all course options, see fees and funding
Where will I study?
School of Health and Society
How long will I study?
Three year
Overview
International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
This is a unique podiatry programme at the master’s level leading to Health and Care Professions Council registration.
Podiatry involves the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and lower limb disorders, many of which are caused by general health disorders. You will use comprehensive assessment and diagnostic skills to develop patient care pathways for conditions that impact people's quality of life.
You will:
- Gain the qualification required for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration.
- Acquire the reflective, critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills that are essential to professional practice.
- Develop advanced knowledge, skills, and attributes to enhance your professional and academic development.
- Develop your practice throughout your time with us, both in our clinic and on placement.
- Have the opportunity to develop a business case as an option in your final year.
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
You enjoy working as part of a team.
You have excellent communication and organisational skills.
You are a problem solver.
You are hard-working and highly motivated.
You possess excellent critical thinking skills.
You have a strong desire to help people.
How you learn
Future careers
Career prospects
Qualified podiatrists find employment in hospitals, GP clinics, the community, or can set up in private practice. They can work alongside doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and other professionals and are seen as a vital part of the healthcare team.
With this programme, you will be able to apply for positions in the NHS or private sector. In addition, you will increase your employability in these areas and also enhance your career progression opportunities. It is also anticipated that students may subsequently want to continue in education to complete PhD studies or gain employment in the commercial sector.
Further study
Some students choose to pursue their area of interest through research opportunities at the University. Our research community is a thriving, truly multidisciplinary group focused on improving health outcomes through innovation and research.
The Foot and Knee Research Group is focused on four key areas:
- Biomechanical function of the foot and knee during walking, running, and various sports
- How foot and knee structure and function are affected by disease (e.g., diabetes, obesity, osteoarthritis), injury (e.g., ACL tears, patellofemoral pain, lateral ankle sprain), and ageing
- Clinical and user (patient) research to investigate the real-world consequences of poor foot and knee health for patients and athletes
- Investigation of a wide range of physical therapy (e.g., exercise), device (e.g., orthoses), and health behaviour (e.g., compliance with devices or education programmes) interventions
You may also choose to pursue further study and research on our Professional Doctorate (Health and Social Care/Advanced Practitioner/Social Work).
Career Links
We have links to all the NHS clinics within the North West, enabling our students to experience real work conditions during their extensive placements. We offer a range of placement experiences, including a recent relationship with Manchester Urban Village, offering foot care to the city's homeless population.
Staff work with pharmaceutical companies specializing in wound care, and they also have links with Orthoses Laboratories. This ensures your learning incorporates the latest evidence-based practice throughout your study.
Modules
This non-standard three-year full-time programme will provide you with a master’s level academic qualification together with a professional practice qualification, which is a prerequisite for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. It will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and attributes to become leaders in the podiatry profession with research and/or clinical roles.
Over the course of the programme, you will develop practical skills with patients from the first semester (in the University's in-house clinics) and then on placement within health services in subsequent years. The placements will be in a wide variety of specialisms, and you will be supervised by experienced and specialist podiatrists.
Aligned with this is the academic component of the acquisition of knowledge, the development of critical enquiry, research, and the application of research into practice. You will be taught by nationally and internationally recognised academics who are subject specialists. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in the Foot and Ankle Research Programme. You will be taught by, and have the opportunity to work with, senior researchers who have published in peer-reviewed journals and written books aligned to the profession.
You will have the opportunity to develop a business case as an option for the final-year dissertation (research is the other option). This is particularly useful if you are considering the development of private practice as an employment option.
You will be supported by academic and personal tutors, and placement supervisors in the development of skills for critical reflection to ensure ongoing professional and personal development and enhance employability.
The ethos of the programme is to enhance:
- Application of research into clinical practice.
- Application of knowledge into practice through mentorship/teaching.
- Application of experience of practice into knowledge.
- Escalation of professional and academic development.
Year one
Foundations of Knowledge in Practice – 30 credits
Aims to enable you acquire the necessary knowledge and skills applicable to the assessment, diagnosis and management of people with pathologies of the feet with the underpinning of both professional and regulatory requirements and research evidence.
Advancement of Knowledge in Practice – 30 credits
To enable the student to develop and advance their professional and clinical knowledge.
Core Proficiencies in Clinical Practice – 30 credits
Aims to enable you to apply the necessary knowledge and develop skills applicable to the assessment, diagnosis and management of people with pathologies of the feet with the underpinning of both professional and regulatory requirements and research evidence.
Year two
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis 1 – 30 credits
Aims to enable you to critically apply knowledge of all the bodies systems, systemic diseases and pathomechanics of the lower limb to the assessment and management of patients with these conditions within professional boundaries. Also aims to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and competently access, supply and administer a range of Prescription only Medicines and Pharmacy only medicines available on the approved list of medicines for HCPC registered Podiatrists.
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis 2 – 30 credits
Aims to enable you to critically evaluate the management and evaluation skills in specific patient groups focusing on the application of orthotic and footwear therapies and to prepare students to design a research proposal.
Assessment, Diagnosis and Management in Clinical Practice – 30 credits
Aims to enable you to further develop proficiencies in the management and evaluation of outcomes within specialist areas and contextualise influences on podiatry practice. Also aims to prepare you to design a research proposal and critically reflect on the application of evidence into practice.
Year three
Advancing Professional Knowledge and Practice – 60 credits
Aims to advance your ability to utilise a systematic process of inquiry and apply critical thinking and problem solving, in order to carry out research into an aspect of professional, clinical, or organisational practice.
Advanced Clinical Practice – 30 credits
Aims to advance your ability to utilise a systematic process of patient assessment and proficiences in the management of complex patients in specialist clinical environments. Aims to enhance the students ability to reflect and contribute to changes in clinical practice at a service level with service user involvement.
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.
Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Entry requirements
Applicant profile
This programme is suitable for individuals who already have a BSc (Hons) in a health-related subject (such as sports science, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy) and are looking for a career change with opportunities for employment in health services as a podiatrist, research/academic posts, or commercial posts related to podiatry. The programme requires individuals who are committed to academic, personal, and leadership skills development.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate study
BSc (Hons) 2:2 or above in a health-related subject.
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
English language requirements
If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.5 with no element below 5.5.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.
Alternative entry requirements
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
Fees and funding
ADDITIONAL FUNDING SUPPORT FOR HEALTHCARE STUDENTS
The NHS Learning Support Fund is available to students studying the following courses:
- Diagnostic Radiography
- Occupational Therapy (including pre-registration master's)
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry (including pre-registration master's)
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Midwifery
- Nursing (adult, child, mental health, learning disability, joint nursing/social work; including pre-registration master's)
Visit the NHSBSA website for further information.
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,790 per year |
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £18,500 per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include immunisations, books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. See the full range of our International Scholarships.
How to apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us: