Patients who have problems with their feet or lower limbs need expert care and attention. Podiatrists are independent highly skilled professionals, able to both diagnose and treat problems affecting the feet and lower limbs.We aim to develop creative, innovative and skilled podiatric practitioners with a communicative and caring attitude towards patients. You will gain practical experience in the clinical environment, observing and working alongside skilled and experienced and world-renowned researchers. This course is approved by the UK College of Podiatry and the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). It is the only podiatry course in the UK to offer an HCPC-approved international academic exchange. This is with La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. YOUR CAREERAs well as working within the NHS, you could make a career in the private sector - from high street retailers to sports medicine centres or running your own business. GCU graduates have also gone on to pursue research activities, entered the world of health-related commerce or further developed their skills to become podiatric surgeons. WHAT YOU WILL STUDYYear 1 Anatomy and Function, Introduction to Podiatric Pathology and Assessment Skills, Fundamentals of Human Physiology, Preparation for Professional Practice, Introduction to Podiatric Practice including a three week summer placement.Year 2 Individuals, Teams and Communities, Medicine and Pathophysiology for Podiatrists, Methodology and Research for Effective Practice, Musculoskeletal Structure and Pathology, Podiatric Practice 2, Surgery and Medicines for AdministrationYear 3Evidence Based Musculoskeletal Injury and Rehabilitation, High Risk Foot and Limb, Podiatric Pharmacology and POM-S, Podiatric Practice 3, Understanding Professional Teams and LeadershipYear 4Contemporary Podiatric Practice, Into Employment, Podiatric Practice 4, Honours ProjectTEACHING METHODSThe learning and teaching methods we use ensure that our programme is both vocationally relevant and academically challenging. Our approach is student-centred, practical, participative and relevant to the needs of employers.We've moved away from the traditional teacher-centric learning to a more independent learning approach, where you are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills. Professional accreditationThis programme is approved by the UK College of Podiatry and the UK Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).