Podiatry with Integrated Foundation Year

Podiatry is the healthcare profession dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. It is a clinical discipline that draws on anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology, and dermatology to understand and manage a wide range of conditions, from diabetic foot complications and biomechanical disorders to nail surgery, wound care, and the management of musculoskeletal problems affecting the lower limb. As conditions such as diabetes place growing demands on health services, the role of podiatrists in preventing limb-threatening complications is increasingly recognised as essential.

At the University of Plymouth, this four-year full-time programme with integrated foundation year provides an accessible entry route for students who need to build their scientific foundations before entering the core podiatry curriculum. The foundation year develops knowledge in the biological sciences, including microbiology, immunology, and the fundamental biology of pathogens and the human immune system, alongside the human anatomy and physiology that clinical podiatry requires. As you progress through the programme, you will develop the clinical skills and professional judgement needed to work as a registered podiatrist, gaining supervised clinical experience across a range of settings.

The curriculum covers the full scope of podiatric practice, from routine foot care and nail surgery to complex wound management and biomechanical assessment.

You will graduate as a clinically competent and professionally confident podiatrist, ready for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Graduates register with the HCPC and go on to work in NHS podiatry services, private practice, sports medicine, and specialist diabetes and vascular services. Many pursue postgraduate training in areas such as diabetic foot care, sports podiatry, or podiatric surgery. The profession offers genuine clinical depth and a direct impact on patient outcomes across a wide range of conditions and populations.