Podiatry

Demand for podiatry is rising across the globe. This is due to ageing populations, as well as increased prevalence of diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, and lower limb complications. In 2025, the Royal College of Podiatry highlighted that there are not enough podiatrists to meet this need.

Our BSc (Hons) Podiatry is ideal if you have a passion for healthcare, and you’re motivated to make a real difference to people’s lives.

It provides a solid foundation in foot and lower limb healthcare, covering:

• anatomy

• physiology

• pathology

• biomechanics.

You’ll also develop specialist expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions affecting the foot and lower limb.

You’ll focus on theory and clinical practice, learning to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care. Over four years, you’ll complete 1,000 hours of clinical experience in community clinics, hospitals and simulated learning on campus. This hands-on experience helps build your confidence and practical knowledge needed for professional practice.

Join the largest Allied Health Profession department in Scotland and study in a collaborative and supportive learning environment. You’ll be taught by experienced lecturers who are also practising clinicians. With our support, you’ll graduate ready for a rewarding and impactful career in podiatry.

We have strong relationships with every NHS board in Scotland, and an extensive list of placement providers in the public and private sectors. These real-world experiences provide valuable networking and employment opportunities.

Please note:  You can study this course full-time on campus or choose a hybrid delivery route.

Why choose this course?

• Join an institution that excels in your subject area. GCU is ranked second in the UK for complementary therapy by the Complete University Guide 2026.

• Study on the largest podiatry course in Scotland, benefitting from strong partnerships with the NHS and private practice.

• Accumulate 1000 hours of hands-on experience throughout your degree. Every year, you’ll have clinical placements in the community, hospitals, and private practice.

• Take the first steps to professional registration with accreditation from the Royal College of Podiatry and the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

• Master technical skills using professional podiatric equipment, learn injection skills and perform minor surgery.

Careers

Our graduates are well-placed for a variety of careers across the public and private sectors in the UK or internationally.

Many go on to work in the NHS, in roles such as podiatrist or specialist podiatrist (e.g. diabetic foot care or high-risk limb services). This could be in foot protection teams or community and primary care. Others join private clinics, sports medicine centres, wound care or diabetic foot clinics, and some start their own practice.

Some graduates also go into research, education, health-commerce, or move on to advanced clinical roles, including podiatric surgery.

This course is recognised by professional bodies in other countries, including the Podiatry Board of Australia and the Podiatry Board of New Zealand. This gives you great options to work as a podiatrist abroad.

We use a wide range of learning and teaching methods to ensure that you have both the necessary knowledge and understanding of business and management and a portfolio of intellectual and personal skills.

Each module on the programme uses its own learning, teaching and assessment strategy to achieve learning objectives. Assessment methods vary between modules and may include unseen examinations, class tests, essays, management reports, case studies, presentations, and group work.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Health and Care Professions Council