Podiatry (pre-registration)
Full-time
Three year
September 2025
In a nutshell
International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
This is a unique podiatry programme at master’s level leading to Health and Care Profession Council registration.
Podiatry is 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 which impact on people's quality of life.
You will:
- Gain the qualification required for Health and Care Professions Council registration.
- Acquire the reflective, critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills that are essential to professional practice.
- Develop advanced knowledge, skills and attributes to escalate your professional and academic development.
- Develop your practice throughout your time with us, in our clinic and on placement.
- Have the opportunity to develop a business case as an option in your final year.
options available
students accepted
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.
All about the course
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 pre-requisite for registration to 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 be developing 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 national 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 in order 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.
Foundations of Knowledge in Practice
Aims to 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
To enable the student to develop and advance their professional and clinical knowledge.
Core Proficiencies in Clinical Practice
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.
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis 1
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 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
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
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.
Advancing Professional Knowledge and Practice
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
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.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running 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 are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice. The University has received approval for a new health building on the Frederick Road campus which will create brand new teaching spaces, including new Podiatry spaces. Construction will begin in late 2024, with completion expected by Autumn 2026. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a health and wellbeing hub, supporting popular healthcare courses and community services. It will feature sustainable design elements and provide modern clinical facilities to enhance student learning and community engagement. Find out more about our new Health Building.
In time community healthcare clinics will also take place there as partnerships are developed to explore research opportunities and to provide a range of therapeutic sessions.
Podiatry Clinic
Our Podiatry Clinic adds a cutting edge to your training, as well as providing a valuable asset to the local community.
The clinic includes:
- Orthoses suite with workshops
- Computer-aided design and manufacturing facilities
- Gait examination room
- Private cubicles
- Seminar rooms
- Gait laboratory
- Anatomy room
- Clinical skills rooms
Clinical Gait Analysis and Research Facilities
This laboratory was part of a £1.5 million renovation of the podiatry clinical education and research spaces. The laboratory hosts the University's Gait Analysis Clinic which provides quantitative gait analysis and consultation services for four NHS Trusts in the Manchester area.
The service supports the care of children with cerebral palsy by enabling the assessment of their gait to input into their care pathways. We also offer gait and human movement assessment related to amputees, neuromuscular disorders (such as stroke) and a range of orthopaedics disorders.
The equipment includes:
- 10 Qualisys OQUS motion analysis cameras
- Four AMTI force plates embedded into the floor
- Custom stairs that integrate with the force plates are available
- Visual 3D real-time analysis software
- Eight-channel Noraxon Telemyo G2T wireless EMG system with associated foot switches and accelerometry
- Tekscan pressure system
Human Performance Laboratory
The Human Performance Laboratory is used for research, clinical and educational work and has:
- 10 camera Vicon 612 motion analysis system
- Two Kistler force plates (embedded into the floor)
- Two Kistler force plates located in a purpose built a portable walkway
- 12 Xsens inertial measuring units
- One eight-channel MIE telemetric electromyography system
- Visual 3D real-time analysis software
- ORLAU video vector generator
Staff profile - Dr Anita Williams
Following on from many years of clinical experience as a specialist podiatrist Anita became a full-time academic at the University of Salford in 1999. In 2014 she was awarded the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasg) Fellowship for her work in research, clinical practice and education and in 2018 the College of Podiatry meritorious award.
Her areas of clinical and research interest are podiatry, qualitative research methods, long-term conditions, foot health interventions, health behaviour and professional development. A University of Salford Vice Chancellor Scholarship in 2000 followed by external funding has supported her research with the award PhD in 2008. In 2002 she was awarded the British Health Professionals in Rheumatology Silver Medal for Clinical Research. She is a senior member of the qualitative component within numerous studies within the Foot and Ankle research programme. She has over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals and has written and contributed to several books. Anita is passionate about the personal and professional development of individuals, the translation of research into clinical practice, research as an opportunity to support clinical services and the involvement of people with long-term musculoskeletal conditions as research partners.
What about after uni?
CAREER PROSPECTS
Qualified podiatrists find employment in hospitals, GP clinics, in 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.
Podiatrists can work alongside doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other professionals as a vital part of the health care 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 increase your career progression opportunities. It is also anticipated that students may subsequently want to continue in education to complete PhD studies or to 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 the Manchester Urban Village, offering foot care to the city's homeless population.
Staff work with pharmaceutical companies specialising in wound care, and they also have links with Orthoses Laboratories. This ensures your learning incorporates the latest evidence-based practice throughout your study.
What you need to know
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) who 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.
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 our Pre-Sessional English course.
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.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.
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.
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,535.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £19,530.00per 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.
All Set? Let's Apply?
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545