Course Details

BSc (Hons) Podiatry - Higher education

Course Level:	Level 5
Entry Requirements:	Entrants should be at least 18 years of age at the start of the programme and normally possess a minimum of 2 ‘A2’ Levels at C grade and 1 ‘A2’ level at D grade or above (220 UCAS tariff points). One of the C grade ‘A2’ must be a Science subject, with Biology, Human Biology or Chemistry being the preferred ‘A2’ level science subject. 2 A/S levels may be considered as equivalent to 1 ‘A2’ level. BTEC National or Higher National Diploma and Access courses in appropriate subjects will also be considered in place of ‘A2’ Levels (a minimum of 60 credits at level 3 are expected from Access courses including all science related modules, achieved at the first sitting. Additionally, applicants under 21 yrs of age are expected to possess a minimum of 5 GCSE or GCE ‘O’ level passes (or equivalent) in 5 other subjects including Mathematics. All applicants must be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in the English Language, normally through the possession of a pass in English Language at GCSE or equivalent. International applicants or those whose English is not their first language must possess an IELTS score of 7.0 with no element below 6.5 in each section. Applications from mature and international students holding recent but alternative qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. All short listed applicants are interviewed with successful progression to enrolment being subject to satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Occupational Health clearance. Prior to interview applicants are requested to complete two days of observational placement with an HPC registered podiatrist prior to commencement of the programme.
Course Description:	Podiatry is a healthcare profession concerned with the assessment, diagnosis and management of the foot and lower limb. The Podiatrist is an independent professional practitioner who assumes responsibility for the diagnosis and management of his or her own patients. Podiatrists work without direction from medical practitioners though form a fundamental role in multidisciplinary teams through referrals and care pathways. During the undergraduate stage, theoretical studies serve to compliment clinical development and patient care. Students develop into professional and competent practitioners, learning the importance of reflective practice. Podiatry graduates are proficient in treating patients of all ages including those with a ‘high risk’ status. The course provides an environment in which the student can gain knowledge, acquire skills and develop personally to allow him/her to evolve into an independent and effective professional practitioner, competent in assessing needs, establishing treatment programmes and evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic intentions. Validated by the Health Professions Council (HPC) and the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SOCAP). Qualification gained - BSc (Hons) Podiatry and eligibility to apply for registration as a podiatrist with the Health Professions Council (HPC); and for membership of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.
Course Content:	Subject areas covered and units if appropriate. The course utilises a modular structure in order to ensure clear progression in the subject areas and levels. Year 1 Clinical Studies 1 Pathology 1 Regional and Functional Anatomy Physiological Systems Methods of Enquiry Podiatric Microbiology Professional Studies 1 Year 2 Clinical Studies 2 Pharmacy and Pharmacology Pathology 2 Pathomechanics Methods of Enquiry 2 Professional Studies 2 Health Psychology Year 3 Clinical Studies 3 Pathology 3 Literature Review Project Professional Studies 3 Orthopaedics Podopaediatrics Sports Medicine
Progression:	Opportunities exist for the Podiatrist to work either on a full or part time basis within the National Health Service, industry and private practice. Career opportunities include employment within podiatric and multidisciplinary teams, private practice, clinical specialisms in the fields of podiatric surgery, diabetes, biomechanics, rheumatology, podopaediatrics, forensic podiatry, sports injury and research. Post graduate and research posts are increasing in number and local branches of the professional bodies; Schools of Podiatry, post-graduate study groups and major educational institutions provide an opportunity for further professional development. Areas of specialist clinical practice include podiatric surgery, musculoskeletal assessment and sports injury, podopaediatrics, diabetes, rheumatology and forensic podiatry.
Board:	Aston University
Assessment:	By coursework and written/practical examinations. Students have to successfully complete all modules. Clinical Training Podiatry students are required to complete 1000 hours of clinical practice prior to completion of the course. A significant proportion of this experience is acquired in the college’s purpose built clinic, operating theatre and biomechanics laboratory. The school works in partnership with the Strategic Health Authority and an essential part of the clinical component is spent on placement with NHS service providers (note that some students may be expected to attend placements outside the local region).
Other Costs:	At the commencement of the course students will be required to purchase course text books, clinical coats, minor items of clinical equipment in addition to paying student membership fees and locker deposits.
Course Length:	Starts 27-Sep-10 until 20-May-11, 25 hours per week, Mondays to Fridays at 09:00
HowToApply:	If you would like any more information please contact Lynnette Tibbetts(Business Support - HE) 0121 446 4545 Ext 8024 - Email: lynnette.tibbetts@bmetc.ac.uk or contact the Information Centre on 0121 503 8500, or simply call in. Matthew Boulton College of Further and Higher Education Jennens Road Birmingham B4 7PS If you wish to apply for a place on the Podiatry BSc (Hons) course at Matthew Boulton College, please make an online application using with the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) www.ucas.co.uk UCAS Institution Code: M60 UCAS Course Code: B985
Course Available at:	Matthew Boulton