BSc (Hons) Podiatry with Foundation Year

The aim of this module is to provide the student with knowledge of the essential study skills required for degree level study. The module will support students to develop their reading, academic referencing, reflective practice, academic writing and presentation skills, and will teach them how to undertake a structured search for evidence using bibliographical/subject databases. It will also introduce students to evidence informed practice (EIP) and explain its importance in contemporary paramedic practice. Being one of the first modules students will study on their degree programme, this module offers an opportunity for students to develop an equitable level of knowledge and understanding of academic expectations, irrespective of each student's prior academic background and experience.

This module will introduce you to the principles of podiatry practice. You will explore the concepts of health and disease and how this can affect a range of individuals. Person-centered care will be introduced and you will consider how, as a health care professional, you can support patient choice and self-management. This module aims to explain how common microorganisms including fungi, bacteria and viruses can result in a range of skin and nail disorders, frequently encountered in routine podiatry clinics. You will also be introduced to a range of conditions that are commonly encountered in clinical practice. These sessions will provide the basis for further development at levels 5 & 6. By the end of the module, you will understand the normal wound healing process and the importance of effective wound management and infection control within a clinical setting.

This module will introduce you to the musculoskeletal system, focusing on the foot and lower limb, including how normal gait and movement is enabled. You will develop an understanding about different anatomical structures and how they function during walking, including bones, joints, muscles, nerves and tendons. The practical sessions will support your understanding of how the lower limb and foot functions during walking and develop your understanding of the gait cycle and routine gait analysis.

This module will develop your understanding of human anatomy and physiology. You will consider systems of the body including cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, endocrine and integumentary. You will explore how these systems work together to maintain homeostasis and support normal body functions. This module provides the basis for understanding how diseases can affect the human body.

This module will introduce the key professional, ethical and legal principles that relate to your chosen profession. You will explore the role of the Health Care Professions Council including their standards and regulations. The concept of what it means to be professional will be introduced along with bioethical principles and how this influences clinical practice. During the module, you will begin to practice and develop the skill of building of a therapeutic relationship and will begin to explore how effective and ineffective communication can impact on patient care and outcomes.

A key aspect of allied health professional practice includes evidence-based practice; ‘the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values’. The aim of this module is to build on learning outcomes of the level 4 module. It will continue in developing the student’s ability to recognise the value of research and utilise the principles and methods required to appraise a given research article.

This module builds on the knowledge gained at level 4 and will explore a range of common musculoskeletal and orthopaedic disorders of the lower limb. Gait analysis will be examined in more depth and appraised in relation to common musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions. The role of footwear in maintaining foot health will be considered and how orthotic therapy can be employed within the podiatric management of a range of common lower limb pathologies.

This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and competently access, supply and administer a range of prescription only medicines available to HCPC registered podiatrists. The module will introduce pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacy law. Various groups of drugs will be considered, in relation to the implications for podiatric clinical practice. You will learn the fundamentals of local anaesthesia, including the contemporary theoretical concepts that underpin the safe and effective administration in podiatric clinical practice. You will practice administering local anaesthesia in the simulated environment in preparation for Level 6 when you will be administering local anaesthesia during your practice-based learning environment.

This module builds on the knowledge gained at level 4 and will explore the causes, pathogenesis and treatments of a range of common acute and chronic diseases encountered by the podiatrist. You will explore the theoretical knowledge, which underpins clinical practice expanding your appreciation of acute and chronic diseases. Using an evidence informed approach, you will consider how to appraise the role of risk factors in the manifestation of chronic disease. Service users will be involved with a range of these topics, to provide a depth of understanding from the individual’s perspective.

This module will support and develop your knowledge and understanding of the professional, ethical and legal principles that relate to your chosen profession and underpin your own professional development and practice. The skill of communicating will be developed further to include communicating in difficult circumstances and the effective removal of communication barriers in order to enhance the safety and quality of care being delivered. The concept of mentorship will be introduced and you will be given the opportunity to apply this to your practice within a safe environment. You will be introduced to the role of peer mentorship and explore the application of these theories and models including its impact on delivering effective patient care.

This module builds on the knowledge gained at levels 4 & 5 and will provide you with the opportunity to engage with advancing practice and proficiencies in the management of complex patients. Using a systematic approach to patient assessment and management, you will consider a range of complex conditions and scenarios. You will have the opportunity to apply your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to enhance your ability to reflect on clinical practice. You will critically analyse contemporary theories related to the development of a range of musculoskeletal disorders and systemic diseases. Where possible, service users will be involved with a range of these topics, to provide a depth of understanding from the individual’s perspective.

This module will allow you to explore contemporary and emerging assessment, diagnostic and management within podiatry practice. You will explore and critically analyse the current evidence available for emerging practice. You will reflect and contribute to changes in clinical practice, at a service level with service user involvement. You will identify opportunities available to you as a registered podiatrist to support and enhance the delivery of high-quality and cost-effective care.

Continuing the aspect that allied healthcare practice includes evidence-based practice; ‘the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values’, this module builds on level 4 and 5 modules. The aim of this module is to enable students to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of research by producing work that presents an analysis of the principles and methods to investigate an area of interest from professional allied health professional practice. The student, with the support of a supervisor, produces and presents their final project, with a view to submit for publication and/or conference presentation.

The module will equip you with knowledge of the application process to secure employment as a podiatrist within the NHS and private practice. You will explore the importance of Continuing Professional Development upon qualification as a podiatrist and how to maintain a professional portfolio as an HCPC registrant.

This module aims to support and develop a more critical approach to the application of professional, ethical and legal principles whilst underpinning your own professional development and practice in preparation for your entry on to the Health and Care Professions Council register of your chosen profession. You will explore the concepts of how to support and develop colleagues whilst undertaking a mentor role including what strategies can be implemented during challenging and difficult circumstances.