From India to Salford to Australia: Harshneet's journey studying MSc Podiatry

“UK universities are known for their rigorous academic programmes and research excellence. In addition, the UK has a well-established healthcare system and is renowned for offering high-quality medical and health-related education.  

The University of Salford offers a well-regarded podiatry programme that blends theory with clinical experience. The course focuses not only on the medical side but also on hands-on learning in real-world settings. 

Salford’s podiatry course is also accredited by the professional body, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Finally, I was attracted to the University being based in Greater Manchester which, is in a vibrant city with great healthcare connections.” 

“During the programme, I developed a broad range of clinical skills, including advanced clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating podiatric conditions, technical proficiency in procedures such as nail surgery, orthotics fitting, and wound care, and strong patient communication abilities.  

In addition, I honed my problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management skills through casework and placements, while gaining valuable experience in multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic care.  

I had the opportunity to complete several placements  as part of my course, which were some of the most valuable parts of my training. 

One of the most significant was at Salford Royal Hospital, where I worked in vascular clinics and took part in wound management. This experience gave me direct exposure to managing diabetic foot problems and limb-saving treatments, which was incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to apply what I had learned in the classroom to real patient cases and to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as vascular surgeons and wound care specialists. In other placements, I gained practical experience in different NHS Trusts and private clinics. 

MSc Podiatry at Salford is a truly supportive environment. The lecturers were passionate, approachable, and always willing to go the extra mile to help us succeed. Their mentorship gave me the confidence to push myself further, and I’ll always be grateful for their guidance.” 

“I worked part-time at a private podiatry clinic, the Cheshire Foot Clinic in Knutsford, during my time at Salford, and it was an incredible experience that definitely helped shape my future career. 

It wasn’t just about gaining clinical experience - it was also about developing a broader understanding of how a private practice operates, which is different from the NHS setting. The clinic allowed me to work with a variety of patients, managing everything from routine foot care to more complex podiatric conditions. I learned so much from the practitioners there and was able to improve my practical skills in a hands-on setting. 

Away from academics, one of my favourite things about Salford was the vibrant student life. There was always something happening, whether it was student societies, events, or simply being able to explore the local area. 

I particularly enjoyed being involved in societies, as it gave me a chance to meet people outside of my course and bond over shared interests. Whether it was a podiatry society event or something totally unrelated like a sports group or cultural club, the community at Salford felt really inclusive. It was great to find a balance between my studies and having fun.” 

“After completing my studies, I was offered a permanent NHS position at Salford Royal Hospital in the UK, along with a 5-year work visa and the pathway to residency. However, around the same time, I received an exciting job offer from Foot Solutions Australia, which had clinics in both Melbourne and Sydney. 

After careful consideration, I chose to move to Australia. I began my podiatry career at Foot Solutions in Melbourne, where I worked for around four months. During this time, I gained valuable experience in private practice, managing a range of conditions including biomechanical issues, orthotics, sports injuries, and routine foot care. It was a highly supportive environment that allowed me to apply my academic training to real-world clinical situations and develop strong patient communication and treatment planning skills. 

After my initial few months in Melbourne, I relocated to Sydney, where I took on a more advanced role, covering multiple Foot Solutions clinics across the city. This position gave me exposure to a broader patient base and required me to adapt to different clinical environments while maintaining consistent, high-quality care. It also came with greater responsibility, including mentoring junior staff and helping with operational aspects of the clinics.”