Study Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHOP

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
TAFE/RTO: N/A
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
View full entry requirements

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
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

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This program is only available to students enrolled in the third year of the Bachelor of Podiatry who have met the GPA requirement. Eligible students will be made an offer into the program directly.

Degree overview

Graduate ahead of the crowd with a highly regarded podiatry honour’s degree, armed with advanced knowledge of research and professional practice.
Study the only podiatry degree in South Australia, at a university with more than 50 years’ experience in health education and research.
Step confidently into an allied health career offering an advanced scope of practice, with the ability to conduct minor surgical procedures and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Develop the skills to diagnose and treat disorders of the foot, ankle and lower limb.
Learn from expert registered practising podiatrists at South Australia’s No.1 university for graduate careers.¹
Gain real-world experience when you complete clinical placements in a variety of industry settings across metropolitan, regional, and remote South Australia.
Benefit from UniSA’s rich history of strong links to the podiatry and broader allied health industries in South Australia.
Graduate ready to be registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia.
Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including doctoral studies.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,² we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.²Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

The Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) is open to currently enrolled, high achieving students who have met the GPA requirement.

As part of your Honours qualification, you’ll study advanced research methods and ethics, as well as develop the skills required to prepare research hypotheses and proposals.

The Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) program will have you graduate ready to be registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia. You’ll learn to assess, diagnose and manage any disorders of the foot, ankle and lower limb. You will learn practical skills and develop an understanding of the full scope of a podiatrist’s role under the guidance of expert registered practicing podiatrists. You’ll also get the opportunity to put these skills into practice within a vast range of industry organisations across metropolitan and regional placements, giving you first-hand experience into your future career while studying.

Future study opportunities may include doctoral studies.

What you'll need

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

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 student registration process is completed by the University with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) after enrolment. No fees apply.

What you'll learn

As an honour’s student, you’ll study advanced research methods and ethics, as well as develop the skills required to prepare research hypotheses and proposals with a research project of your choice.

You’ll 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. The curriculum covers the scope of a podiatrist’s practice, including paediatrics, diabetes, sports injuries, musculoskeletal problems, treatment of the elderly, and general foot care.

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

human anatomy
human physiology
biomechanics
disease groups and conditions

You’ll develop advanced communication skills and explore the assessment and treatment of common problems. The second year will expand your knowledge in clinical sciences, including skills to enable comprehensive and holistic assessment and management of patient conditions. During your third and fourth years, you’ll work on your clinical practice skills, including surgery (and other orthopaedic management), paediatrics, wound management, high-risk foot management, chronic pain and 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 metro and rural SA. You’ll also get the opportunity to practice your podiatry skills with 3D printed feet.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
Course name FIRST YEAR			Reference
Course name First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)			Reference
Course name Human Anatomy 100	Area and cat no. HLTH 1020	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Human Physiology 100	Area and cat no. BIOL 1049	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country	Area and cat no. HLTH 1063	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Podiatry Studies 100	Area and cat no. REHB 1028	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)			Reference
Course name Lower Limb Anatomy and Biomechanics 101	Area and cat no. HLTH 1031	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Human Physiology 101	Area and cat no. BIOL 1050	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Podiatry Studies 101	Area and cat no. REHB 1029	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences	Area and cat no. HLTH 1049	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name SECOND YEAR			Reference
Course name First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)			Reference
Course name Clinical Podiatry Practice 200	Area and cat no. REHB 2034	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Pharmacology A	Area and cat no. PHAR 2023	Units 9	Reference
Course name Podiatry Professional Studies 200	Area and cat no. WELF 3019	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)			Reference
Course name Pharmacology B	Area and cat no. PHAR 2021	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Pharmacology C	Area and cat no. PHAR 2022	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Podiatry Studies 201	Area and cat no. REHB 2036	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Clinical Podiatry Practice 201	Area and cat no. REHB 2037	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name THIRD YEAR			Reference
Course name First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)			Reference
Course name Applied Podiatry Studies 300	Area and cat no. REHB 3067	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Podiatry Studies 300	Area and cat no. REHB 3046	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Clinical Podiatry Practice 300	Area and cat no. REHB 3069	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Health Science Honours Preparation	Area and cat no. REHB 3010	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)			Reference
Course name Pain Sciences	Area and cat no. REHB 3009	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Podiatry Studies 301	Area and cat no. REHB 3048	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Applied Podiatry Studies 301	Area and cat no. REHB 3068	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Clinical Podiatry Practice 301	Area and cat no. REHB 3070	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name FOURTH YEAR			Reference
Course name First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)			Reference
Course name Clinical Podiatry Practice 400B	Area and cat no. REHB 4036	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Health Science Honours Thesis	Area and cat no. REHB 4012	Units 9	Reference
Course name Clinical Podiatry Practice 400H	Area and cat no. REHB 4048	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Applied Podiatry Studies 400	Area and cat no. REHB 4037	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)			Reference
Course name Clinical Podiatry Practice 401B	Area and cat no. REHB 4039	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Clinical Podiatry Practice 401A	Area and cat no. REHB 4040	Units 9	Reference

Rules & notes

Rules

1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks as published by the Clinical Placement Unit (unisa.edu.au/CPU). These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.

2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.

3. Students are required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour as prescribed by institutions in which clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to do so may prevent them satisfying the requirements for completion of the program.

4. Students will be required to spend at least one clinical placement in a country or interstate location.

5. Students must hold a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certificate at the commencement of Year 2 of the program and maintain its currency for the remainder of the program.

6. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.

7. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

8. Students will be required to undertake a Certificate of Mandatory Notification Training before commencing their paediatric clinical practice in REHB 4038 and REHB 4040 Podiatry Practice 400 and 401.

Notes

1. Students may be required to undertake clinical practice sessions outside of teaching weeks.

2. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.

Study hours

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, as well as to 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.

Assessment

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

quizzes
continuous clinical assessments
clinical case studies
assignments
essays
examinations
research proposal
thesis.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Honours

This honour’s degree ensures you graduate with advanced knowledge of research and professional practice. You’ll receive First Class, Second Class or Third Class Honours, depending on your performance.

During the honour’s preparation, you’ll train in research methods and ethics. Within the honour’s thesis course, you’ll undertake a research project under the supervision of an experienced researcher and report on this project through a thesis and oral presentation.

You’ll graduate with a higher level qualification than a bachelor degree, and be well prepared for a career in industry or research.

Examples of previous honour’s projects include:

diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
footprint characteristics in forensic analysis - a comparison of in-shoe and barefoot impressions
the reliability and validity of using an iPhone Measure App® to measure the weight-bearing lunge test in children
the impact of fit on foot function, comfort and jump performance in children aged 8-12 years
developmental coordination disorder and the interface with the podiatry profession
when, why and how foot orthoses can be used for children with flexible flat feet

Why Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)

podiatry 2.jpg

This is your chance to become an expert in foot care. Graduating with an honour’s degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.

UniSA’s enterprising approach to teaching will prepare you with diverse and extensive experience in all areas of podiatry including surgery, sports injuries and related biomechanics, paediatrics and high-risk foot conditions. You’ll graduate with eligibility to become a registered podiatrist.

As podiatrists often work within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, you’ll be exposed to research and learning opportunities in collaboration with other allied health students, as well as in our on-campus podiatry clinics. You'll benefit from learning under the supervision and guidance of registered practicing podiatrists.

UniSA’s podiatry students train in various facilities, including the manufacturing laboratory which has a plaster room and grinder room. This is where you’ll learn how to create orthotics, casts and insoles; and modify shoes for a variety of requirements. As well as learning traditional methods, you’ll get to use the latest technologies, like digital scanners to capture foot characteristics, and prescribe 3D printed foot orthoses to manage foot problems.

You’ll graduate career ready, thanks to world-class teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and practical industry experience. You’ll complete clinical activities involving the provision of screening, education and treatment services in metropolitan and rural areas in a multidisciplinary team with other allied health students.

Real-world connections

You’ll be taught by expert registered practising podiatrists and award-winning academics. You’ll also gain valuable real-world experience, and build important industry connections, by completing clinical hours across several industry settings. Placements may be completed at major hospitals or in private practice.

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

Podiatry careers snapshot

Gain insight into the fulfilling career of UniSA Podiatry graduate, Ereena Torpey, who is a Senior Podiatrist at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide, South Australia.

Career outcomes

Your career

Successful podiatrists possess excellent motor skills for treatment and communication skills for patient care. They can work as individual care providers or as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team to help manage and treat complex disorders that affect the entire body.

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 honour’s graduate, you will also be highly qualified to embark on a career in research, or continue your education into a PhD with doctoral study.

Professional accreditation and recognition

The program is recognised for registration as a Podiatrist by the Podiatry Board of Australia.

Industry facts

Employment for podiatrists in Australia is projected to increase by 31.8% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

Thinking of studying soon?

2025

Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.

When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.

2026

Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.

Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.

Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

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.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

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Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

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Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

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UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

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Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces 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 also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal 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.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

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

Your study spaces

As a podiatry student, you'll have access to:

fully-functioning on-campus podiatry clinics
manufacturing laboratory including a plaster room and grinder room
anatomy laboratories

You’ll also have access to a range of interesting on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.

Your program director

With over two decades of experience podiatry education, research and clinical practice, I am dedicated to supporting the next generation of podiatrists and promoting advanced learning in the field. I am a registered clinician actively involved with industry, and this engagement is reflected in my teaching. I aim to have our students graduate confident to work across the full scope of practice that podiatry offers, which can range from children’s health, gait and foot function issues, surgical practice, foot lesions and prescribing of appropriate medications, footwear design and disability.

Dr Helen Banwell

Program Director

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