Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)

This honours degree will develop and extend your research skills and specialist knowledge in both the theoretical and practical aspects of podiatry, as well as the physical, chemical and social sciences relevant to working in healthcare.

There is a major focus on practical skills, and you will have the opportunity to practice these skills in our contemporary on-campus Podiatry Clinics, where you will work under the supervision and guidance of registered practicing podiatrists.

This honours degree is only available to students studying the Bachelor of Podiatry who have met the grade point average (GPA) requirements and who have been made an offer into the degree.

What you'll need Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements.

These include criminal history clearance, child related employment clearance and immunisation requirements.

Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant National Board.

The registration process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with the University providing notification to AHPRA following enrolment in the program.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

This program is for students of the University of South Australia studying in Bachelor of Podiatry with a competitive GPA.

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, child related employment clearance and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant National Board. The registration process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with the University providing notification to AHPRA following enrolment in the program.

You will gain an advanced understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of podiatry, as well as the physical, chemical and social sciences relevant to working in healthcare. You will also learn the aspects of medicine and surgery relevant to diagnosing and treating foot abnormalities.

During the first year, you will cover topics to give you an introduction to health sciences including:

• human anatomy
• human physiology
• biomechanics
• disease groups and conditions.

You will also develop advanced communication skills and explore the assessment and treatment of common podiatry problems.

The second year aims to expand your knowledge in clinical sciences, including studies in assessment protocols and procedures.

During your third and fourth years you will develop advanced clinical practice skills, including surgery (and other orthopaedic management), paediatrics, chronic pain and the management of sporting injuries.

Practical learning is a major focus and some of your learning will take place in our on-campus Podiatry Clinics as well as during external placements in metropolitan and rural locations. Placements may be completed at major hospitals or in private practice.

As an honours student, you will also explore research methods and ethics, and develop the skills required to prepare research hypothesis and proposals.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

You will be taught by registered practicing podiatrists, award-winning academics and active researchers, ensuring you graduate career-ready. You will also work alongside leading researchers when you complete an independent research proposal, project and thesis, and build important industry connections when you complete a substantial industry placement as part of your studies.

We host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Your career

Successful podiatrists not only possess excellent motor skills, but also outstanding communication skills. If you’re interested in working with people and promoting wellbeing, this may be the degree for you.

Podiatrists are employed in a range of settings, including:

• hospitals
• community health centres
• private practice
• aged care
• sports clinics and sporting teams
• children’s health
• occupational health.

As an honours graduate you will also be highly qualified to embark on a career in research, or alternatively you may choose to continue your education with a Masters by Research or doctoral study.

This honours degree is only available to students studying the Bachelor of Podiatry who have met the grade point average (GPA) requirements and have been made an offer into the degree.

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

As a podiatry student you will have access to:

• Fully-functioning on-campus Podiatry Clinics
• Manufacturing laboratory comprised of a plaster room and grinder room
• Anatomy laboratories.