MSc Podiatry (Pre-Registration)

at Queen Margaret University

Year One
 

• Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits): Will introduce the student to the terminology used in the study of anatomy, and to provide a detailed overview of the structural anatomy of the lower limb with particular emphasis on the foot and ankle, but to also include the knee hip and pelvis. Will provide the student with a knowledge base of human body and its functions, focussing on neuromuscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, renal and hepatic systems with some emphasis on microorganisms (bacterial, fungal and viral) and features relevant to interactions with the human body and health.
• Medicine and Pathology (20 credits): Will explore medicine, pathology and pathophysiology in its own right, and how it applies to podiatric practice
• Preparing for Practice as an Allied Health Professional (20 credits): Will explore factors that shape and influence the provision of health and social care by the allied health professions
• Mechanics of Normal and Pathological Gait (20 credits): Will evaluate mechanical principles and use these to underpin the knowledge base and appraise normal (including normal variants) and pathological gait.
• Understanding and Appraising the Evidence for Practice (20 credits): Will support the learner to develop an in-depth understanding of approaches to research, to apply knowledge in order to critically appraise evidence and to form reasoned conclusions and to develop the research skills and knowledge necessary to undertake an independent research project.
• MSK/Orthopedics (20 credits): Will develop the critical and practical skills required to carry out appropriate assessment/tests to underpin diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal/orthopaedics conditions affecting the lower limbs.
• Pharmacology for Podiatrists (20 credits): Will introduce the student to modes of drug administration and to develop an understanding of the principles of drug action (including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics) and to develop an understanding of the underlying principles of pharmacological therapy and the rationale for treatment
• Podiatric Clinical Practice A (40 credits): Will enable the student to develop level 1 podiatric clinical practice skills and progress to demonstrating interpretation and implementation of evidence surrounding lower limb MSK/orthopaedic pathologies; whilst considering appropriate therapeutic regimes including the use of functional foot orthoses. To develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to administer local analgesia.

Year Two
 

• Applying Skills of Critical Enquiry (40 credits):Will enable learners to develop and apply the skills of research and enquiry to produce a small-scale study, which demands a professional approach, academic rigour, independence and self-direction.
• Leadership and Enterprise in Health Practice (20 credits): Will critically evaluate the concepts of leadership and leading change, intra/entrepreneurship and innovation within the health and social care sector and explore opportunities for leading and developing enterprising ideas for health and well-being.
• Advancing Clinical Practice (20 credits): Will provide the student with an opportunity to work in a specialist area of podiatric practice.
• Diagnostic Investigations for Podiatric Practice (20 credits): Will explore diagnostic investigations and how they relate to podiatric practice (not inclusive of medical imaging).
• Medical Imaging of the Foot and Ankle (20 credits): Will provide learners with an understanding of different diagnostic modalities (including x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, fluoroscopy, MRI, CT, nuclear and other advanced imaging techniques). The module will focus on the foot and ankle and enable learners to develop evaluation and interpretative skills of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic pathologies to facilitate practice.
• Podiatric Clinical Practice B (40 credits): The aims of the module are to fulfil the requirements for eligibility for HCPC registration, by developing skills in the examination, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of complex cases.
• Tissue Viability (20 credits): Will facilitate critical investigative skills/study of the evidence base for factors contributing to cutaneous ulceration, viable assessment techniques and the effectiveness of current management practices.

• A second class honours degree in any discipline. However, where the undergraduate degree is not science or engineering based, applicants should be able to be able to demonstrate research skills. This may have been achieved through completion of a research project as part of the undergraduate degree.
• Applicants will also be expected to demonstrate evidence of understanding of the scope of podiatric practice and understanding of the personal attributes of a podiatrist in their application personal statement. We appreciate that it can be difficult to get shadowing experience, so relevant experience that demonstrates transferable skills to those required by Podiatrists would be beneficial.
• International: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 7.0 and no individual component score below 6.5.
• Criminal Records Check: A satisfactory criminal records check will be required.

Scotland/UK/ROI    
Year 1 £9,680 Year 2 £9,680 Dissertation £,1200    

International
Year 1: £17,900 Year 2: £17,900 Dissertation £3,600

It is up to you which path to take. There are excellent clinical opportunities in the NHS and in private practice. You may wish to start up your own business, or move on to do some postgraduate research. Our alumni are currently enjoying careers in the NHS and private practice, and in the areas of sports medicine, community clinics, foot surgery and paediatrics. The course will also enable to you work in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and some regions of Canada. Some graduates may apply for the opportunity to study for a higher degree (ProfDoc or PhD).